Probation Officer - Palmerston North

Department of Corrections NZ; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 71,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Corrections NZ in Palmerston North is seeking a Probation Officer to work with people in the community and their whānau to address criminogenic behaviours and reduce reoffending. You will prepare reports for the Courts and NZ Parole Board and contribute to public safety with manaaki and dignity.

You will join a values-led organisation prioritising Kaupapa Māori and Pasifika perspectives, with opportunities to connect with diverse communities and build strong relationships while

Qualifications

• Relate to people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
• Team-oriented with ability to motivate others.
• Maintain positivity and resilience in challenging situations.
• Think critically and assess information.

Responsibilities

• Manage community-based sentences and orders in Palmerston North.
• Prepare reports for Courts and New Zealand Parole Board.
• Contribute to public safety through manaaki and dignity.
• Build positive relationships with the community and whānau.

Skills

Relate to diverse cultures

Excellent communication

Teamwork & motivation

Positivity & resilience

Critical thinking & assessment

Job description

# Probation Officer - Palmerston North## About this role* We need positive role models with a passion for empowering others!* This is a challenging role that can have a positive impact on your community.* Full-time, permanent opportunity based in Palmerston North**Mō te tūnga | About the role**As Probation Officer for Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), you will work with people we manage in the community and their whanau to address criminogenic behaviours and reduce reoffending. Using principles of manaaki, kaitiaki, wairua, rangatira, and whanau, you will manage community-based sentences and orders, whilst also preparing reports for the Courts and New Zealand Parole Board.You will contribute to public safety, viewing this through the lens of manaaki, positive relationships, and the uplifting of wellbeing of people we manage in the community. By focusing on the wellbeing of the person who has come into our management, you will help reduce the chances of them returning to the justice system. You will treat those under our management with respect, upholding their mana and dignity.Being a Probation Officer is an incredibly exciting opportunity to make a real difference in your community. You'll have the chance to connect with people, build strong relationships, and do something which really makes a difference and improves public safety.Fulltime permanent position available working Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.**Mōu | About you**We are looking for people who:* Are able to relate to people from a range of cultures and backgrounds* Have excellent spoken and written communication skills* Can work in a team and motivate others* Can remain positive and resilient in difficult situations* Are able to think critically and assess informationIf you have worked with large caseloads before then this is a distinct advantage.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.You'll also need a Full New Zealand Drivers Licence, and 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.**Ngā painga | The benefits**The full salary range (Level 1 - 5) is $70,956 to $91,307. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.**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.**Applications close on: Monday, 2nd November 2026.**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.**## Job details| | || --- | --- || Job reference: | APA/1952041 || Location: | Manawatu-Whanganui || Date posted: | 12-Oct-2026 || Application close date: | 03-Nov-2026 || Attachments: | Probation Officer-JD.pdf (PDF, 54KB)Position Description |