Probation Officer - Canterbury

About this role

• Be a positive force for change, empowering individuals to make meaningful progress in their lives
• Step into a challenging and rewarding role where your mahi directly strengthens community wellbeing
• Grow your career in a purpose-driven organisation that lives its values every day

 

 'Kotahi anō te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi' – ‘There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of our people

 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As a Pīhāna Matakana (Probation Officer) for Ara Poutama Aotearoa, you will work alongside individuals in our care and their whānau to address the underlying causes of offending and support long-term change. Grounded in the values of manaaki (care), kaitiaki (guardianship), wairua (spirituality), rangatira (leadership), and whānau (family), you will manage community-based sentences and orders, while also preparing detailed written reports for the Courts and the New Zealand Parole Board.

Your contribution to public safety will be guided by a commitment to positive relationships, wellbeing and the restoration of mana. You will support individuals to make meaningful changes in their lives, helping to reduce the likelihood of future involvement in the justice system. Respect, dignity, and cultural responsiveness will be central to your practice.

All new Probation Officers are provided with role specific training to help them succeed in the role. This includes one week Ara Tika (induction week) at our National Learning Centre in Upper Hut, followed by 25 weeks Pou Hapori Iho training pathway which is completed on site.

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an assessment centre as part of the recruitment process, which is scheduled for Friday, 29^th May 2026.

 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are seeking people who:

• Communicate clearly and effectively, with strong writing skills
• Are confident and comfortable learning new systems and technologies
• Relate well to people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds
• Are resilient, empathetic and can remain calm in challenging situations
• Think critically and make sound, informed decisions
• Work collaboratively and contribute positively to team environments
• Have experience managing large caseloads (advantageous but not essential)

To be eligible, you must hold a full New Zealand Driver Licence and have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand for a minimum of twenty-four months from your start date.

 In alignment with Hōkai Rangi, we welcome applications from individuals with experience in Kaupapa Māori or Pasifika environments, or those with a genuine willingness to learn and grow in these areas. Please highlight any relevant cultural experience or language skills in your application.

 

Ngā painga | The benefits

The starting salary for this position is $70,956 - $75,947, with potential to increase to $91,307 over time based on meeting our progression criteria.

We are also able to offer:

• 5 weeks annual leave
• Learning and development opportunities and a clear pathway for career growth
• A supportive team-environment
• Health and well-being benefits including access to EAP, eye care benefits, health checks and more.

 

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

 

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on: Sunday, 17^th of May 2026. 

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact southernrecruitment@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.