General Manager - Tongariro Prison

New Zealand Government; Waikato; On-site; NZD 169,000 - 239,000; Full time

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa, the New Zealand Department of Corrections, is seeking an exceptional leader to join our senior leadership team as General Manager Custodial. You will be responsible for leading safe, humane and high‑performing custodial services across the prison network.

You will drive strategic and operational performance at site and system level, embed Te Tiriti obligations, and champion wellbeing, inclusion and strong governance across the workforce and partners.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex, high-risk environments.
• Strong capability in people leadership and culture transformation.
• Advanced relationship management and stakeholder engagement.
• Commitment to Te Ao Māori and inclusive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide network stewardship across custodial services.
• Set site strategy and oversee planning and financials.
• Drive safety, rehabilitation and reintegration outcomes.
• Lead leadership teams and talent development.
• Embed Te Tiriti obligations in decision-making.

Skills

People leadership

Change management

Performance delivery

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Risk management

Maori leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Lead change. Shape futures. Strengthen communitiesStrategic 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 whanau, 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/tongariroMo te tunga | About the roleThis 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 Hokai Rangi, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and culturally responsive practice.Working across the justice system, iwi, hapu and community partners, you will influence system-wide outcomes through sound judgement, strong relationships, and a commitment to continuous improvement.Mou | About YouYou'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 Maori within the justice system.Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experienceYou'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 deliveryAdvanced relationship management and stakeholder engagement skillsExpertise navigating legislative, operational and reputational riskA demonstrated commitment to Te Ao Maori and inclusive leadershipA current NZ Driver's Licence, CIMS Level 4 Qualification and the ability to gain and maintain an NZSIS security clearanceThe full list of requirements for this role can be found in the attached JD.Nga painga | The benefitsThe 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 matou | About usJoin Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Maori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whanau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hokai 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 inaianei | Apply nowApplications 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.If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [e-mail], or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.We are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this role. Unsolicited CVs submitted by agencies will not be accepted and no agency fees will apply.