FAQ for Private Investigators

You’ve probably got a few questions for us. Here is a list of our frequently asked questions to take a look through. Also, feel free to check out our blog and contact us for a chat.

What does a private investigator do?

A private investigator gathers information, conducts research, and performs surveillance on behalf of clients for various personal, legal, or business purposes. We can assist with almost any information requirement. We specialise in surveillance, cheating partner investigations, tracing (finding) people, GSP tracking, domestic investigations, background checks, asset searches, document service, and OSINT investigations. We also have a wide network of experts for other types of investigations.

Why should I hire a private investigator?

Private investigators can provide professional expertise and resources to uncover information, solve cases, or address concerns that you might not be able to on your own. We are an impartial third party here to get the truth.

Is your agency licensed?

Yes, our agency is licensed by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA) in NZ. Our license number is 23-107192.

How do I know if I need a private investigator?

If you have concerns or questions that require discreet investigation, a private investigator can help. Common reasons include infidelity suspicions, background checks, fraud investigations, and more. If you want to find something out discreetly, and in a professional manner, you probably need a P.I.

How much does it cost to hire a private investigator?

The cost varies depending on the complexity and scope of the investigation. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and provide a quote. Visit our pricing page for more details. Our standard hourly rate is $100 + GST and our mileage rate is $1.00 + GST per km. All prices excl. GST. We take payment by bank transfer or credit card.

Special offer for new clients
$445 + GST for up to 5 hours of general investigations, enquiries, surveillance, planning, and reporting
Up to 2 free days GPS tracking
Up to 50km mileage

General investigations
Surveillance
Peace of mind checks
Cheating partner investigations
Background checks
Child support investigations
Commercial investigations
OSINT investigations
$100 + GST per hour
$1.00 + GST per km

Finding someone in NZ
$70 basic check

GPS tracking
From $50 per day
From $200 for placement

Document or process serving
$160 Auckland (up to 3 attempts)
Enquire for the rest of NZ

Asset searches
$70

Is my information kept confidential?

We take client confidentiality seriously and adhere to strict ethical guidelines. Your information is secure with us. We will not share it unless required to by law.

How long does an investigation take?

The duration of an investigation varies based on the specific case. We will provide you with an estimated timeframe during the initial consultation.

Can I track the progress of my case?

Yes, we offer regular updates and communication throughout the investigation. You can always contact us to check on the status of your case.

Is it legal to hire a private investigator?

Yes, it is legal to hire a licensed private investigator for legitimate purposes. We always conduct investigations within the boundaries of the law, and within our ethical guidelines.

What information do you need from me to start an investigation?

During the initial consultation, we will discuss your case and determine the information needed to proceed. The more information you can give us, the better chance we have for a favourable (and cost-effective) outcome.

What areas do you serve?

We are based in Auckland and can conduct investigations throughout New Zealand. We also have contacts worldwide through our associations.

Do you offer a free initial consultation?

Yes, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action. This can be over the phone, or in person at a discreet location.

What should I expect during the initial consultation?

The initial consultation is a confidential discussion where you can explain your case, and we can assess how we can assist you. The more information you bring to this initial consultation, the better.

Can you provide legal support or testify in court if needed?

We can work with legal professionals and provide evidence for court cases when required.

Are your investigators trained and licensed?

Yes, all our investigators are professionally trained and hold the necessary licenses or certificates of approval to conduct investigations.

What is the difference between a private investigator and a detective?

Private investigators typically work for individuals or businesses, while detectives are often associated with law enforcement agencies. Both conduct investigations, but their roles and jurisdictions differ.

What types of cases do you not handle?

We do not engage in any illegal activities or cases that violate ethical standards.

Do you only charge for a successful result?

Like any other professional (e.g. lawyers etc.), private investigators will charge for any time spent on a case, regardless of the result. It has to be this way since we can’t guarantee the outcome of any case.

However, there are some limited cases that we may be able to look into and only charge if we’re successful.

Click here for more info.

Do you do pro bono (free) cases

Yes, we have taken on pro bono cases. We can only take on select cases as we need to make a living too!

Our pro bono service is a community service project entirely funded by iSolve. We dedicate our own time and money to these.

There are several reasons we do this.

• We like to give back to the community where we can
• We value justice
• In some cases it’s just the right thing to do

Examples of where we might take on pro bono case work:

• For charities
• Support for vulnerable people
• Miscarriage of justice
• Working with journalists in the public interest

If you think you have a potential pro bono case, get in touch.

How do I get in touch with you to start an investigation?

You can contact us through our website, phone (09 391 1100), or email (help@isolve.nz) to initiate the process.