Corrections Officer - Arohata Prison

Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections); Wellington; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking on-site

On-site gym

5 weeks annual leave

$4000 shift allowance per annum

Training programme (10 weeks)

Career progression

Roster planning 12 months in advance

Health and well-being benefits

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections invites Expressions of Interest for Corrections Officer at Arohata Prison in Wellington. Officers keep prisons secure, support wellbeing, induct new inmates, and supervise daily routines with strong teamwork and care.

All officers undergo an intensive paid training programme, operate on a 24/7 rotating roster, and have opportunities for professional development and career progression. On-site parking and gym facilities are available.

Qualifications

• Solid interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to operate with high levels of integrity.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
• Ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse setting with understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Willingness to work a 24/7 rotating roster including weekends and public holidays.

Responsibilities

• Corrections Officers work inside prisons to ensure security and wellbeing of people serving sentences or on remand.
• Induct individuals into their unit and help navigate life in prison.
• Supervise daily routines and support a safe and orderly environment.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Integrity

Problem-solving

Te Tiriti awareness

Shift work

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) – Wellington, North Island

Expressions of Interest - Corrections Officer - Arohata Prison

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

We are currently at our resourcing capacity at Arohata, however we encourage you to submit an application, to be considered for opportunities in the coming months. Successful shortlisted applicants will only be contacted once vacancies become available and our recruitment processes recommence.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Corrections Officers work inside our prisons and are responsible for ensuring the security and wellbeing of people serving sentences or on remand. They induct people into their unit, help them to navigate life in prison, and supervise daily routines. By being prosocial role models, our Corrections Officers also play a significant part in creating change and making our communities safer.

The role of a Corrections Officer varies, including tasks across specialised units, security levels and site-specific activities.

All new officers attend an intensive, fully paid training programme to equip them with necessary skills required for the job. This involves an initial week-long induction at your allocated prison site, five weeks at our National Learning Centre in Upper Hutt, then a further five weeks back on site before graduating. From there the learning journey will be ongoing.

Our Corrections Officers are all part of a wider custodial team, and there is plenty of support and guidance available. You'll get opportunities for professional development, promotion and the ability to gain a recognised qualification in Offender Management.

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 Correctionssets the stage for a gender-specific, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach.

Do you have a passion for working with Wāhine?

AtArohata Women's Prisonyou 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 theirwhānau.

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

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

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

The starting salary for this position is $70,019 per annum.
Once in the role there are opportunities to increase your salaryas 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

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.

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