General Manager - Tongariro Prison

Department of Corrections NZ; Tongariro; On-site; NZD 169,000 - 239,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Corrections NZ seeks an exceptional General Manager Custodial to lead safe, humane and high-performing custodial services across the prison network. You will drive strategic and operational performance at site and system levels, embed Te Tiriti obligations, and champion inclusive leadership and wellbeing.

You will work with iwi, hapū and partners to reduce re-offending, improve safety, and promote rehabilitation and reintegration, with a strong focus on equity for Māori within the

Qualifications

• Strategic, resilient leader with experience in high-risk environments.
• Deep knowledge of custodial or justice sector operations.
• Proven capability in people leadership, change, culture transformation and performance delivery.
• Advanced relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commitment to Te Ao Māori and inclusive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead custodial operations and set strategic direction across the network.
• Oversee planning, financial management and infrastructure for services.
• Drive safety, rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives and manage operational risk.
• Build and lead high-performing leadership teams and foster a culture of safety and excellence.

Skills

Custodial leadership

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Te ao Māori inclusive leadership

Education

CIMS Level 4 Qualification

NZSIS security clearance

NZ Driver's Licence

Job description

## About this role* Lead change. Shape futures. Strengthen communities* Strategic and operational performance at site and system levelAra Poutama Aotearoa is committed to one purpose: the wellness and wellbeing of people. By working alongside those in our care and their whānau, we drive meaningful, long-term change that creates safer communities and reduces reoffending.We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our senior leadership team as a General Manager Custodial, responsible for leading safe, humane and high-performing custodial services across our prison network.To find out more about the Tongariro Prison please visit - https://careers.corrections.govt.nz/why-us/tongariro**Mō te tūnga | About the role**This is a critical national leadership role with accountability for the safe, lawful and effective delivery of custodial operations across the network. You will lead strategic and operational performance at site and system level, build strong and inclusive leadership capability, and ensure services reflect Hōkai Rangi, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and culturally responsive practice.Working across the justice system, iwi, hapū and community partners, you will influence system-wide outcomes through sound judgement, strong relationships, and a commitment to continuous improvement.****Mōu |** About You**You'll provide network stewardship across custodial services, setting site strategy and overseeing planning, financial management and infrastructure. You'll drive high standards of safety, rehabilitation and reintegration, use performance insights to lift service delivery, and lead responses to operational risks and critical incidents.You'll also build and lead high-performing leadership teams, strengthen talent pipelines, champion wellbeing and inclusion, and foster a workplace culture grounded in safety, accountability and excellence. Central to the role is embedding Te Tiriti obligations into decision-making and championing approaches that address inequities for Māori within the justice system.**Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience*** You're a strategic, resilient and values-driven leader with experience leading complex, high-risk environments. You bring:* Deep knowledge of custodial or justice sector operations (or a comparable field)* Strong capability in people leadership, change, culture transformation and performance delivery* Advanced relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills* Expertise navigating legislative, operational and reputational risk* A demonstrated commitment to Te Ao Māori and inclusive leadership* A current NZ Driver's Licence, CIMS Level 4 Qualification and the ability to gain and maintain an NZSIS security clearance The full list of requirements for this role can be found in the attached JD.**Ngā painga | The benefits**The salary range is $168,944 - $238,509, with a mid-point of $198,757. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.**Ko wai 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**Applications Close 26th October 2026.When applying, submit a tailored CV/Resume and Cover Letter describing your motivation for joining our department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work. So, we can get to know you as a leader, we ask that you submit a leadership statement as part of this application. Instructions are attached to this advert (please navigate to our **Careers Site** if using Seek).To apply and view the position description, click the application link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered.