Corrections Officer - Whanganui Prison

Marketplace; Whanganui, Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite parking

Staff benefits

5 weeks annual leave

Shift allowance

Training programme

On-site gym facilities

Health and well-being benefits

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections in Whanganui is seeking Corrections Officers to work inside the prison, upholding security and wellbeing of people serving sentences. The role includes inducting new arrivals, guiding daily routines, and acting as a pro-social example.

All new officers undertake an intensive paid training program: a week induction, six weeks at the National Learning Centre, then six weeks back on site before graduating.

Qualifications

• Must have legal right to work in New Zealand.
• Hold a full New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Medically fit for employment and able to pass assessments.

Responsibilities

• Induct new prisoners into units and supervise daily routines.
• Maintain security and wellbeing of people in custody.
• Model pro-social behaviour and support learning journeys.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Clear communication

Integrity

Problem solving

Cultural awareness (Te Tiriti o Waitī

Rotating shifts

Education

Legal right to work in New Zealand

Full NZ Driver Licence

Job description

# Corrections Officer - Whanganui Prison at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Manawatu-Whanganui## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role**Expression of Interest - Corrections Officers - Whanganui Prison*** Help to shape futures & make a difference in people's lives!* Embark on a challenging & rewarding career* Free onsite parking & great staff benefits included**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, six weeks at our National Learning Centre in Upper Hutt, then a further six 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.This role is based at Whanganui Prison in Kaitoke.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***We are looking for good people who are good with people and committed to creating better outcomes for all.*****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\\*\\** To be medically fit for employment and complete a Medical Assessment and Physical Readiness AssessmentOur 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. As a result, we may not be able to support visa applications for this role.\\*\\*Note: The criminal history check is e*xempt* 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* 12 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 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.If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [e-mail] or visit **careers.corrections.govt.nz.**## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) || Location: | Manawatu-Whanganui || Position type: | Permanent || Category: | Defence, corrections & security || Date listed: | 28-Oct-2026 || Salary range: | $70,019 - $80,213 || Closing date: | 29-Oct-2026 || Reference: | NZ/1849422AB || Attachment: | 20230916\\_Corrections\\_Officer\\_Job\\_Description.pdf (PDF, 351KB)Position Description20230916\\_Corrections\\_Officer\\_Job\\_Description.docx (Word, 282KB)Position Description || File links: | || Website: | |Note: You may be redirected to the employer's careers website.