EOI - Corrections Officer - Nikau Women's Unit - Waikeria Prison

About this role

Expressions of Interest - Corrections Officers – Nikau Women's Unit – Waikeria Prison

• Help to shape futures & make a difference in people's lives!
• Embark on a challenging & rewarding career
• Free onsite parking

We are currently at our resourcing capacity in Nikau Women's Unit based at Waikeria Prison; however, we encourage you to submit an application to be considered for opportunities in the coming months. 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

With the women's prison population rising at a higher rate than forecast and we are approaching our current maximum capacity across the women's network.

ARWCF General Manager Tayla Yandall would be responsible for custodial operations at Nikau Unit, with some support provided by Waikeria Prison. These positions are permanent positions based at Nikau Unit under ARWCF.

The preferred women for the unit will be low security prisoners or remand prisoners, assessed using our remand management tool as low supervision, who are connected with the Central District Courts. Having these prisoners housed in the Nikau Unit will mean they are closer to whānau and other support networks.

We remain committed to our Women's Strategy, Wāhine: E Rere Ana Ki te Pae Hou, and will be taking steps to ensure continuity of gender-responsive and trauma-informed approaches for the women accommodated at Nikau Unit.

This role is based at Nikau Women's Unit based at Waikeria Prison. 

We have a short YouTube video outlining the role which you can watch by copying and pasting this link into your browser:  https://youtu.be/ACKg2RWNFwI?si=CFT1dIgw-66JteSD

Mōu | About you

We are looking for a diverse range of candidates, from different cultures with varied backgrounds and experience. We are interested to hear from people who:

• Possess solid interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly
• Can operate with high levels of integrity
• Have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically
• Can operate effectively in a culturally diverse setting and have an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Be able to work rostered shifts across a 24/7 pattern including weekends and public holidays

 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

To be eligible you need:

• The legal right to work in New Zealand or a Work Visa with at least 24 months remaining*
• A full New Zealand Driver Licence (or be eligible to obtain one)
• To declare any conflicts of interest and previous convictions**  
• The ability to pass a drug test
• To be medically fit for employment and complete a Medical Assessment and Physical Readiness Assessment

Our prisons operate 24/7 - applicants must be able to work shifts on a rotating roster. 

In line with our Strategy Hōkai Rangi, we are prioritising applications from people who have experience in a Kaupapa Māori or Pasifika environment and/or a willingness to learn. Please highlight any relevant experience and/or language skills in your application. 

Our standards are high so should you apply to join us you will undergo a comprehensive selection process that will assess you against our core requirements. 

* Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. In line with Immigration New Zealand requirements, we are required to give priority to candidates who already hold this right.

**Note: The criminal history check is exempt from The Clean Slate Act. In other words, The Clean Slate Act does not apply to this position. Please declare all offences in your application.

Ngā painga | The benefits

The starting salary for this position is $70,019 per annum. Once in the role there are opportunities to increase your salary as you achieve national qualifications (Level 3 at $74,697, Level 3+ at $76,697, Level 4 at $80,213 and Level 4+ at $82,213).

We are also able to offer:

• 5 weeks annual leave
• $4000 shift allowance per annum, in addition to your salary
• 10 week fully paid training programme
• Clear pathway for career progression and continuous learning and development
• Free parking and on-site gym facilities
• A supportive team-environment
• Rosters provided 12 months in advance so you can plan your leave
• 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 expression of interest 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: Monday 4th of August, 2025.

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