Programme Facilitator - Waikeria Prison

About this role

Are you looking for a new start and fresh challenge? 

We are in the business of facilitating positive change, if that sounds like something you are interested in, please read on to learn about the requirements of this exciting role. 

“Ehara taku toa I te toa takitahiengari he toa takitini” - My strength is not the strength of my own, but the strength of many 

 

Mō te tūnga | About the role 

Our Programme Facilitators work with the people in our care, as well as our Community Corrections sites to support them to understand and address the causes of their offending and assist them in creating crime-free futures. Programme Facilitators do this through delivering a range of clinically designed therapeutic programmes, either individually or in a group with a co-facilitator.  

Using the principles of manaaki, kaitiaki, wairua, rangatira, and whanau, Programme Facilitators deliver a range of clinically designed therapeutic rehabilitation programmes. At Ara Poutama we work collaboratively to treat those in our care and management with respect to uphold mana and dignity. 

We appreciate the different skill set within our team who come from different backgrounds, cultures, education, and experience – they all share the ability to motivate and work alongside others to support them to make positive changes in their lives. 

This role will commence early 2027 with training and time in Wellington required.

 

Mōu | About you 

We're looking for people who can actively listen and understand the people in our care and are keen to help them gain insight into their harmful behaviours. To undertake this role, you will need to be comfortable walking alongside people on their journey while consistently reflecting on your own practice. 

Life experience is important to us, along with an alignment to our values, you will also be able to demonstrate the following: 

• Excellent communication skills with a natural ability to engage and build relationships 

• Cultural understanding including working under a tikanga Māori framework 

• Resilience and flexibility – no two days will be the same 

• Self-insight, the ability to maintain your wellbeing and a healthy work/life balance 

• Understanding of de-escalation and conflict resolution 

• Ability to juggle a variety of things at one time, keeping to timeframes and adapting to different situations 

• Have a current driver's license 

To support you in the role, it would be helpful, though NOT essential, for you to have an understanding of individual and group behaviour, and/or relevant tertiary education in psychology, social work, counselling or other relevant tertiary qualification along with demonstrated experience within this or a similar related area. 

You will need a Full New Zealand Driver's License and a legal right to work in New Zealand, without restriction, for a minimum of 12 months.  

 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience 

So, what does a good Programme Facilitator look like?  These are some of the qualities that will make you stand out: 

• An effective listener and communicator with the ability to build strong positive relationships with participants and other stakeholders 

• Knowledge of, or are willing to learn about Māori culture, protocols and peoples and apply Kaupapa Māori practice in your work 

• Ideally have experience in delivering and facilitating therapeutic interventions, either individual or, ideally, group therapy (not essential) 

• Comfortable having your practice reviewed and receptive to receiving regular constructive feedback with the confidence/maturity to grow and develop from this 

• Report writing experience 

 

Ngā painga | The benefits

Salary starts at $70,825 with opportunities to progress. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role. 

• Fitness Passport offering discounted gym membership
• Eye exam & eyewear reimbursement for eligible staff (conditions apply)
• Access to EAP & Staff Support Networks
• Subsidised medical insurance

 

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 1^st November 2026, 11.59pm NZST

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

We are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this role. Unsolicited CVs submitted by agencies will not be accepted and no agency fees will apply.