Steve Lockett & Karapiti Workplace Investigations

Experience, Integrity, and Fair Process

Karapiti Workplace Investigations was founded by Steve Lockett, a licensed private investigator with more than 30 years of investigative experience.

Steve joined the New Zealand Police in 1988, serving until 2018. Over that time, he spent 21 years as a Detective in the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), investigating a wide range of serious crimes.

In 2007, Steve was selected for the NZ Police’s inaugural Level 3 (Specialist) Interview Course, qualifying as a specialist interviewer. He conducted interviews with victims and witnesses of serious crimes and trained Taupō and Tauranga area staff in Level 1 interviewing skills.

Through his investigative work, Steve developed exceptional skill in interviewing people from all walks of life and managing complex, sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.

After a rewarding career with the Police, Steve transitioned to the private sector, applying his experience to the specialist field of workplace investigations. As a licensed private investigator, he brings an evidence-based, impartial approach to every case.

In April 2019, Steve completed advanced training with the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) in Chicago, USA, achieving certification as an AWI-CH (Certificate Holder). This international qualification recognises his expertise and commitment to the highest professional standards in workplace investigations.

Our Values

  • Integrity: impartial, transparent, and thorough in every investigation.

  • Respect: every person is treated with dignity and fairness.

  • Clarity: findings are presented clearly and without bias.

The Meaning of Karapiti

The word ‘karapiti’ comes from te reo Māori and means to put or fasten together side by side, or to pinch. It represents bringing separate parts together — much like the investigative process, where facts are carefully gathered and connected to reveal the full picture.

This meaning reflects the purpose of Karapiti Workplace Investigations: to bring clarity and understanding by methodically piecing together information with fairness, balance, and integrity.

steve lockett karapiti workplace investigations