Corrections Officer - Arohata Prison

About this role

Corrections Officer - Arohata Prison

 

Kōtahi anō te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi | There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of people.

 

Ko wai mātou | Who we are:

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is more than just a name; it's a responsibility to help those in our care and management reach their potential while ensuring the well-being and safety of our people, whānau, and communities. We're passionate about reducing re-offending and fostering community safety.

As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship) and whānau (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our strategy - Hōkai Rangi.

It is an exciting time to join us, and we continue to seek out talented individuals who are committed to an inclusive, vibrant workplace. We recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals, and that of the collective talent in our whānau.  

 

Arohata Women's Prison: Arohata Women's Prison is one of three women's prisons within the network in New Zealand. At Arohata, we've been working hard to better serve the unique needs of women. Our Women's Strategy, "Wāhine: E Rere Ana Ki te Pae Hou," Wāhine: E Rere Ana Ki te Pae Hou Women's Strategy 2021 - 2025 | Department of Corrections sets the stage for a gender-specific, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach.

Do you have a passion for working with Wāhine?

At Arohata Women's Prison you will join a dedicated and supportive team managing the well-being, health and safety of the women at our site. 

We recognise the women we manage have different needs to men and we have set an approach that will give our women the care, treatment, encouragement, counselling, skills and support required to shape better futures for themselves, their tamariki and their whānau.

 

Utu ā-Tau | Salary and Benefits:

• Starting Out: Begin your journey with a starting salary of $67,519, which increases as you achieve national qualifications (Level 3 at $72,197, and Level 4 at $77,713).
• Career Progression: Opportunities include career paths leading to Senior Corrections Officer, Principal Corrections Officer, and Tier 5 Manager positions.
• Collective Agreement: Our collective agreement ensures fair compensation with overtime rates and shift allowances.
• Meaningful Work: Join a dedicated team where every day you make a tangible difference in our community.
• Community & Belonging: Engage in numerous events and support networks that offer a strong sense of belonging.
• Professional Growth: Attain NZQA qualifications at Levels 3 and 4 as an integral part of your role.
• Uniform Provided: You'll receive a full uniform for the job.

  

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As part of your training, you'll acquire the skills and knowledge to excel within a custodial environment. By collaborating positively with your team, you'll have the chance to influence positive change in the lives of women and their whānau. Your role involves assisting and empowering the women we serve to make better choices, take timely actions, and support their individual journeys toward offence-free lives.

He Āpiha Whare Herehere - Corrections Officers will:

• ĀRAHI: Supervise daily routines.
• MANAAKI: Respond to questions and help resolve problems, supporting women in their rehabilitation and reintegration.
• WHAKAKIPAKIPA: Motivate and inspire women to make positive changes.
• HĀPAI: Monitor and manage health, safety, and wellbeing.
• MAHITAHI: Work closely with whānau and other key stakeholders.
• MAHI: Be ready to work 12-hour rostered shifts across a 24/7 pattern, including weekends and public holidays.

 

Ngā Korero Mōu | About you

We're looking for individuals who:

• Can build meaningful relationships, are effective communicators and empathetic listeners.
• Are motivated to create a positive impact in their community.
• Are inspired by the opportunity to change someone's life.
• Value integrity and role-model this every day
• Have experience within a Kaupapa Māori environment (or the openness to learn), this is desirable but not essential.

 

In addition to your unique skills and perspective, you should:

• 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. As a result, we may not be able to support visa applications for this role.

• A Full New Zealand Driver Licence (holders of a Full International Licence are also eligible to apply)
• To be medically fit for employment and complete a Medical Assessment and Physical Readiness Assessment

 

We offer fully paid training, starting with a one-week induction at Arohata Women's Prison, followed by 5 weeks of training at our National Training Centre in Trentham, Wellington, and then 4 weeks back at Arohata before graduating. Your learning journey will continue with professional practice and development support, along with a clear pathway to career progression.

 

Things to know

Pre-employment checks are part of our process and include a drug test, full disclosure criminal conviction check (Clean Slate Act does not apply), a medical assessment, a physical fitness assessment, and reference checks.

We welcome applications from disabled and neurodiverse communities, all cultures, faiths, and Rainbow communities, as we appreciate the richness of experience that diversity brings to our organisation. We strive to make our recruitment process fair and inclusive, and we encourage applicants to discuss reasonable accommodation with us if required at careers@corrections.govt.nz.

We have two sites available here in Wellington – our Main site, based in Tawa, and our smaller site, based in Trentham, Upper Hutt.

Note: whilst we have two sites available and will endeavour to take preference of location into consideration when placing staff, please keep in mind that should you be successful in being offered a role, you will be expected to work at either Prison site should the need require.

 

Tono ināianei | Apply now

To apply, please submit your application online including a tailored CV and cover letter. Your cover letter should describe your motivation for this particular mahi and outline your relevant skills, experience and personal qualities and how these align with the focus areas of a Corrections Officer.  Alignment to our kaupapa is critical to your success.

To make sure we get to your application quickly and to keep things transparent, please apply directly using the link below. Just so you know, we handle all applications for Correction Officer roles ourselves and don't use third-party agents. Please note that applications sent via email will not be considered.

If you want to find out more about a career with us, visit careers.corrections.govt.nz or email our team at careers@corrections.govt.nz.

 

Applications for this role close on 31st May, 2025