Job Description
Are you an experienced full stack applications developer who would like to apply your exceptional skills in the essential work of managing, protecting, and securing New Zealand's borders? Make a positive contribution on behalf of all New Zealanders?
We have an opportunity for an Applications Developer to be part of making a genuine change to how we protect New Zealand’s borders and reduce harm to New Zealanders.
The Protection product team within the New Zealand Customs Service is responsible for the business applications that protect New Zealand's borders. Our purpose is to make our country safer and more secure by identifying and managing the risks associated with the international movement of goods, people and mail; preventing risk from reaching our borders; and reducing harm to New Zealanders.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga ma hi
You will be supporting both new initiatives and projects underway, maintaining and enhancing some of Custom’s most business-critical applications, and providing production support. Some of the key areas of the role include:
Developing technical solutions and new product capabilities from start, through to ongoing support and enhancement
Contributing to the design of complex solutions
Operational support of highly visible, business critical, high-volume, 24x7 systems
Supporting and contributing to continuous improvement development and delivery practices.
Reporting to the Product Manager (Protection), you will be responsible for the development of new capabilities for the Protection team. You will use your design, build, CI/CD pipeline, containerisation, deployment automation, testing and validation, and issue resolution skills to deliver and support quality solutions to our customers.
This is a full-time permanent role. The role is preferably based in Wellington, but we are open to applications from candidates nationwide as this role could be based in any one of our Customhouses in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
About you | Ko wai koe
To help us achieve our vision, we are seeking a talented and motivated Applications Developer to join our team who is able to provide strong problem-solving skills and proven creativity to produce customer focused technical solutions.
To be successful in this role you will need to have experience in a similar role and be able to demonstrate the following:
Development experience using C++, Sybase and linux scripting in bash, perl and python
Familiarity with Azure cloud computing - Kubernetes (AKS), Service Bus and APIM
Experience with Java, JavaScript/Typescript, React, Node.JS is preferred
Good knowledge of how to work across the entire development lifecycle, from initial discovery, to build and quality assurance, through to value measurement and support
The proven ability to work well in a team in a highly collaborative manner
Able to adapt to and learn new technologies and methodologies as required
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Additional technical skills that will serve you well in this role (and that you will have the opportunity to pick up if you are not already familiar) include:
PostgreSQL or equivalent application database experience
Modern development tools, Terraform and CI/CD pipelines
If you thrive in a complex and ever-changing environment and have a passion for continuous improvement and making a genuine difference to New Zealand, then we want you on our team!
What we offer |He aha mātou e tuku
At NZ Customs, we aim to create a great place to work, where our people have a sense of belonging and the capability and desire to meet our future challenges. We are an organisation that is clear about our mission and this is underpinned by Te Pou Tokomanawa (the Foundations) and our Whanonga Pono (Values). Our work really matters to the safety and success of New Zealand.
We care about well-being, personal growth, and job satisfaction, which is supported through:
Interesting and varied work, enabling you to use your creativity and initiative
Fostering inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups
Supporting flexible working - talk to us about how we can help you achieve your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements
Providing discounted health insurance, and free on-site gyms (in some locations)
Three days of service holidays, in addition to four weeks of annual leave
Requirements to apply | Ngā paearu hei tono
To join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident. This means:
a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at time of application; OR
a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at the time of application. You may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA. You will be required to provide overseas police certificates for periods spent outside of New Zealand.
You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level. Due to the nature of Customs work, you must have a clear Police record. The successful applicant will also be required to pass a drug test as well as being subject to random, ongoing drug tests during their period of employment with Customs. These requirements apply to all successful applicants for roles at Customs and Customs employees.
How to apply…
To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining your skills and experience and what attracted you to apply for this role.
Applications close at 11pm Wednesday 4 March 2026.
We encourage you to apply early as we will be shortlisting applications as they are received and may interview earlier than the above closing date.
Please note Customs will be managing this recruitment independently in-house and will not be engaging with recruitment agencies at this stage.
New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also offer flexible working arrangements.
Job details
Reference #
47409
Posted on
18 Feb 2026
Closes on
04 Mar 2026
Location(s)
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
Expertise
Information Technology
Job level(s)
Experienced
Work type(s)
Permanent Full Time
Additional attachment
We have an opportunity for an Applications Developer to be part of making a genuine change to how we protect New Zealand’s borders and reduce harm to New Zealanders.
The Protection product team within the New Zealand Customs Service is responsible for the business applications that protect New Zealand's borders. Our purpose is to make our country safer and more secure by identifying and managing the risks associated with the international movement of goods, people and mail; preventing risk from reaching our borders; and reducing harm to New Zealanders.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga ma hi
You will be supporting both new initiatives and projects underway, maintaining and enhancing some of Custom’s most business-critical applications, and providing production support. Some of the key areas of the role include:
Developing technical solutions and new product capabilities from start, through to ongoing support and enhancement
Contributing to the design of complex solutions
Operational support of highly visible, business critical, high-volume, 24x7 systems
Supporting and contributing to continuous improvement development and delivery practices.
Reporting to the Product Manager (Protection), you will be responsible for the development of new capabilities for the Protection team. You will use your design, build, CI/CD pipeline, containerisation, deployment automation, testing and validation, and issue resolution skills to deliver and support quality solutions to our customers.
This is a full-time permanent role. The role is preferably based in Wellington, but we are open to applications from candidates nationwide as this role could be based in any one of our Customhouses in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
About you | Ko wai koe
To help us achieve our vision, we are seeking a talented and motivated Applications Developer to join our team who is able to provide strong problem-solving skills and proven creativity to produce customer focused technical solutions.
To be successful in this role you will need to have experience in a similar role and be able to demonstrate the following:
Development experience using C++, Sybase and linux scripting in bash, perl and python
Familiarity with Azure cloud computing - Kubernetes (AKS), Service Bus and APIM
Experience with Java, JavaScript/Typescript, React, Node.JS is preferred
Good knowledge of how to work across the entire development lifecycle, from initial discovery, to build and quality assurance, through to value measurement and support
The proven ability to work well in a team in a highly collaborative manner
Able to adapt to and learn new technologies and methodologies as required
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Additional technical skills that will serve you well in this role (and that you will have the opportunity to pick up if you are not already familiar) include:
PostgreSQL or equivalent application database experience
Modern development tools, Terraform and CI/CD pipelines
If you thrive in a complex and ever-changing environment and have a passion for continuous improvement and making a genuine difference to New Zealand, then we want you on our team!
What we offer |He aha mātou e tuku
At NZ Customs, we aim to create a great place to work, where our people have a sense of belonging and the capability and desire to meet our future challenges. We are an organisation that is clear about our mission and this is underpinned by Te Pou Tokomanawa (the Foundations) and our Whanonga Pono (Values). Our work really matters to the safety and success of New Zealand.
We care about well-being, personal growth, and job satisfaction, which is supported through:
Interesting and varied work, enabling you to use your creativity and initiative
Fostering inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups
Supporting flexible working - talk to us about how we can help you achieve your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements
Providing discounted health insurance, and free on-site gyms (in some locations)
Three days of service holidays, in addition to four weeks of annual leave
Requirements to apply | Ngā paearu hei tono
To join Customs in any role you must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident. This means:
a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at time of application; OR
a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at the time of application. You may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA. You will be required to provide overseas police certificates for periods spent outside of New Zealand.
You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level. Due to the nature of Customs work, you must have a clear Police record. The successful applicant will also be required to pass a drug test as well as being subject to random, ongoing drug tests during their period of employment with Customs. These requirements apply to all successful applicants for roles at Customs and Customs employees.
How to apply…
To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining your skills and experience and what attracted you to apply for this role.
Applications close at 11pm Wednesday 4 March 2026.
We encourage you to apply early as we will be shortlisting applications as they are received and may interview earlier than the above closing date.
Please note Customs will be managing this recruitment independently in-house and will not be engaging with recruitment agencies at this stage.
New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also offer flexible working arrangements.
Job details
Reference #
47409
Posted on
18 Feb 2026
Closes on
04 Mar 2026
Location(s)
Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch
Expertise
Information Technology
Job level(s)
Experienced
Work type(s)
Permanent Full Time
Additional attachment
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Applications Developer position is now open for candidates interested in the Customer Care sector. This role in Auckland offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Customer Care is a plus.
