Full Breakdown
Private Investigator Nick Mayer Receives Final Misconduct Warning
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Findings and Penalties
The Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA) issued a final misconduct warning to private investigator Nick Mayer after determining that he repeatedly used a false persona to investigate the personal and financial affairs of complainants. The authority fined Mayer $500, ordered him to complete an advanced primary course and tertiary-level legal or business ethics papers, and formally reprimanded him. It warned that any further misconduct could lead to suspension or cancellation of his licence.
Regulatory Background and Prior Complaints
Mayer’s conduct has been the subject of three complaints over the past three and a half years. In February 2023, the PSPLA found him guilty of unsatisfactory conduct for telling a woman that her husband was having an affair. In March 2024, he was found to have engaged in misleading conduct by presenting himself as registered with the Ministry of Justice and using the ministry’s logo on his website; no penalty was imposed because the conduct was deemed unintentional. Amendments to the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act removed that requirement for discretionary cancellation, but the amendment was not retrospective, so licence cancellation was unavailable for Mayer’s earlier actions.
Official Response from the Licensing Authority
Chairwoman Trish McConnell noted that Mayer’s actions were part of ongoing investigative activity that extended beyond a single defamatory social-media post. McConnell accepted that Mayer had suffered emotional, professional, financial and personal costs, including loss of his New Zealand Institute of Private Investigators membership and access to Motor Vehicle Registrar and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency arrangements.
Criticism from Complainants
The complainants argued that Mayer showed no accountability, no remorse, and failed to acknowledge the seriousness of his behaviour. They warned that, without a clear change, there was a risk he would repeat similar conduct in the future.
Verbatim Quote
- “In addition, if Mr Mayer does not learn from the ordered training and is found guilty of misconduct again, his licence is likely to be suspended, or if his misconduct is serious, cancelled.” — Nick Mayer