Skip to main content

Wellbeing After Police

Many people spend years preparing financially for retirement but give less thought to the emotional, social and physical changes that come with leaving Police.

Planning for these changes can make the transition easier and help you build a satisfying life after work.

More than leaving a job

Police provides more than employment. It can bring:

  • Structure and routine.
  • Close friendships.
  • Shared experiences.
  • A strong sense of identity and purpose.

When these are no longer part of everyday life, the change can feel unsettling, even when retirement has been eagerly anticipated.

It may take 12 months or longer to settle into a new lifestyle, although everyone’s experience will be different. Give yourself time to adjust and think about how you will spend your time, stay connected and look after yourself.

Start by asking yourself

  • Who am I outside Police?
  • What will give my days structure and purpose?
  • How will I maintain friendships and social connections?
  • What activities or interests would I like to pursue?
  • How will I look after my physical and mental wellbeing?
  • Do I want another job, or do I need time to rest and adjust first?

Stay connected

Retirement changes your daily routine and may reduce regular contact with people who have been an important part of your life.

Maintaining existing friendships and developing new connections can help prevent isolation and support your overall wellbeing.

Consider:

  • Catching up regularly with former colleagues, friends and family.
  • Talking with retired Police employees about how they managed the transition.
  • Joining a club, community group, volunteer organisation or recreational activity.
  • Staying informed through Police News, the Police Association website and email communications.
  • Connecting with a local Retired Police Club to maintain friendships and meet people who understand policing.

Visit our Retired Police Clubs page to find your nearest club.

Former sworn New Zealand Police employees can also join the Returned and Services Association. Local RSAs offer social activities, events and opportunities to connect. Visit the RSA website for more information.

Look after your mental wellbeing

Leaving Police can bring mixed emotions. You may enjoy the freedom retirement offers while also missing the camaraderie, responsibility, excitement and sense of belonging that came with the job.

It can help to:

  • Talk openly with your partner, family, friends or former colleagues about the changes you are experiencing.
  • Create a new routine that includes activities you enjoy and that give your days purpose.
  • Consider volunteering, study, hobbies or part-time work if these would give you a sense of contribution.
  • Seek professional support if you are dealing with unresolved experiences, substance use, depression, family difficulties or finding the transition harder than expected.

Support through the Welfare Fund

If you remain a Welfare Fund member, support may be available through:

  • Police Health Plan: Psychological and psychiatric benefits are included with Basic and Plus cover. See the Police Health Plan webpage for details.
  • Counselling benefit: Available through Full Welfare Fund membership. See the Welfare Benefits webpage for details.
  • External support: The Support webpage provides contact details for organisations that can help with a wide range of personal and family circumstances.

Keep moving

Regular activity supports both physical and mental wellbeing, and it does not need to involve strenuous exercise.

Activities such as walking, swimming, tai chi, yoga, golf, bowls, croquet and gardening can help maintain mobility, cardiovascular health and general wellbeing.

Joining a local sporting or recreational club can also provide:

  • Regular activity.
  • Structure and routine.
  • Social contact.

Choose something you enjoy and can realistically make part of your routine.

Build a life beyond Police

Retirement is not simply the end of your Police career. It is the beginning of a different stage of life.

A balanced retirement plan covers more than money. It should also help you stay:

  • Connected.
  • Active.
  • Supported.
  • Involved in people and activities that provide enjoyment and purpose.