Whether you are retiring completely or leaving Police to move to another job, the formal process is the same: you are resigning from New Zealand Police.
When you are ready to leave, visit the Police Intranet and locate the Leaving Police process. This provides the current steps, identifies the people you need to notify and includes a checklist to help ensure nothing is overlooked.
Advising Police
Submit your resignation online and include your proposed final day. Before confirming that date:
- Check the notice period in your employment agreement or applicable collective agreement. The shortest notice period is generally two weeks.
- Consider whether you want to take annual or long-service leave before finishing or have it paid out.
- Allow enough time to complete the leaving process, hand over your work and return Police property.
- Consider discussing your plans with your supervisor, Police HR or the Police Association.
There is no compulsory retirement age in New Zealand. Turning 65 does not automatically end your employment. The decision about when to leave is yours.
Before choosing your final date
Your finishing date can affect several financial and practical matters. Take time to consider:
- Your final salary and any unused leave or other payments.
- Whether taking leave before finishing would be more beneficial than receiving a lump-sum payment.
- The possible tax implications of receiving a lump sum and the tax year in which it will be paid.
- Whether your tax code may need to change, particularly if you will receive NZ Superannuation or income from another source.
- What you intend to do with your superannuation funds.
- The time needed to complete your handover and return Police property.
Leaving Police FAQs
How much notice must I give?
Your employment agreement or applicable collective agreement will specify the required notice period. Police may agree to a shorter period, but any variation should be confirmed in writing.
Can I take leave before finishing?
You can ask to take annual or long-service leave before leaving Police. Approval will depend on your employment agreement and operational requirements.
Police may prefer to pay outstanding leave as a lump sum. However, before agreeing to this, consider whether taking some or all of your leave would be more beneficial. A lump-sum payment may affect the amount of tax deducted and the tax year in which the income is received.
Everyone’s circumstances are different, so it is worth getting advice before deciding how and when your leave should be paid. You can contact Inland Revenue for tax information or speak with Naked Finance, which provides free financial consultations for Police Association and Welfare Fund members.
What happens to my unused leave?
Your final pay should include any outstanding salary, annual holiday entitlement and other payments you are entitled to receive. Unused sick leave is not normally paid out unless your employment agreement provides otherwise.
Will I need to change my tax code?
Possibly. This is particularly important if you will begin receiving NZ Superannuation, continue working or receive income from more than one source. Check with Inland Revenue or seek financial advice before leaving
What Police property must I return?
What you need to return will depend on your role and may include:
- Police identification and access cards.
- Uniform and operational equipment.
- Laptop, cellphone and other technology.
- Firearms or specialist equipment.
- Police vehicles, keys and fuel cards.
- Documents, records and other Police information.
Use the checklist on the Police Intranet and confirm with your supervisor that all property has been returned and your handover is complete.