Finding work with a criminal record: Clean Slate and what employers can ask

Clean Slate: are your convictions concealed?

The Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004 lets you say you have no convictions in New Zealand if you qualify. It works automatically; you don't apply. You qualify if you have:

• No convictions in the last 7 years.
• Never been sentenced to a custodial sentence (such as prison).
• Never been convicted of a 'specified offence' under section 4 of the Act.
• Fully paid any fine, compensation, reparation or court costs.
• Never had an order under section 65 of the Land Transport Act 1998.
• Never been held in hospital by a court instead of being sentenced because of your mental condition.

1. Request a copy of your own criminal record from the Ministry of Justice. That's the best way to find out where you stand.
2. If you qualify, you can say you have no convictions. It is unlawful for anyone to ask you to reveal your full record unless one of the specified cases applies.
3. If you don't qualify, you can't rely on Clean Slate, so answer honestly when asked directly and focus on how you've changed.

You may need to give your full record when travelling or living overseas (the scheme doesn't apply abroad), or applying for roles such as police, prison or probation roles, judges, justices of the peace or community magistrates, and national security roles.

Applications and interviews

• Check the job ad for what's actually required. A vulnerable-persons or driving role may legitimately need checks; many jobs don't.
• Only discuss convictions when you must, or if the question is legitimately asked about unconcealed matters.
• If asked, answer briefly and honestly, own it, say what you learned, and move to what you offer now.
• Employers must handle personal information under the Privacy Act 2020 and checks should be relevant to the job.

Support from Corrections and Work and Income

• Corrections: people under Corrections' management can use its employment and reintegration services. Ask your case manager or see the Corrections employment services page.
• Release to Work is for minimum-security prisoners assessed as suitable to take paid work in the community.
• Work and Income: ask about Jobseeker Support, a Transition to Work Grant (up to $1500 per 52 weeks, check eligibility), and help with ID, clothing, tools and licences. See the urgent costs guide.
• Pre-release: ask your case manager about Work and Income support before your release date.

Practical steps

• Build a CV that leads with skills and training, including prison-based courses and qualifications.
• Gather ID, bank account, IRD number and any licences first, because delays here block starting work.
• Consider employers and sectors known for second-chance hiring, trades, hospitality, construction, horticulture and labouring, and ask agencies directly.
• Fix any unpaid fines: paying them in full can restore your Clean Slate eligibility. Ask the courts (0800 4 FINES, 0800 434 637) or Community Law about payment plans.
• Get a referee who can speak to your work ethic: a case manager, tutor, support worker, or a previous employer.

Looking after yourself

Rejection and stigma can be heavy. Keep a routine, tell someone, and don't go it alone. Call or text 1737, or the Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797) if substances are part of the picture.