Probation Officer - Queenstown

New Zealand Government; Southland; On-site; NZD 71,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Learning and development opportunities

Health and well-being benefits (EAP, 眼

Eye care benefits

Job summary

Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections is hiring a Pihana Matakana (Probation Officer) based in Queenstown. You will work with individuals and whānau to address underlying causes of offending and support long-term change.

You will prepare reports for Courts and the New Zealand Parole Board, guided by manaaki, kaitiaki, wairua, rangatira and whanau values. The role includes training through Ara Tika and Pou Hapori Iho pathways, with a 40-hour week, Monday to Friday.

Qualifications

• Clear and effective communication, with strong writing ability.
• Willingness to learn new systems and technologies.
• Ability to relate to people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Resilience, empathy and calm under pressure.
• Strong decision-making and critical thinking.

Responsibilities

• Manage community-based sentences and orders.
• Prepare detailed written reports for Courts and the NZ Parole Board.
• Contribute to public safety and positive relationships.
• Support individuals to reduce re-offending and restore mana.

Skills

Communication skills

Writing skills

Adaptability

Cultural awareness

Empathy

Critical thinking

Team collaboration

Caseload management

Job description

Be a positive force for change, empowering individuals to make meaningful progress in their livesGrow your career in a purpose-driven organisation that lives its values every dayFull-time, permanent role based in Queenstown, commencing from February 2027'Kotahi ano te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi' - `There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of our people.Mo te tunga | About the roleAs a Pihana Matakana (Probation Officer) for Ara Poutama Aotearoa, you will work alongside individuals in our care and their whanau to address the underlying causes of offending and support long-term change. Grounded in the values of manaaki (care), kaitiaki (guardianship), wairua (spirituality), rangatira (leadership), and whanau (family), you will manage community-based sentences and orders, while also preparing detailed written reports for the Courts and the New Zealand Parole Board.Your contribution to public safety will be guided by a commitment to positive relationships, wellbeing and the restoration of mana. You will support individuals to make meaningful changes in their lives, helping to reduce the likelihood of future involvement in the justice system. Respect, dignity, and cultural responsiveness will be central to your practice.All new Probation Officers are provided with role specific training to help them succeed in the role. This includes one week Ara Tika (induction week) at our National Learning Centre in Upper Hut, followed by 25 weeks Pou Hapori Iho training pathway which is completed on site.This is a full-time permanent position based in Queenstown, working Monday -Friday, 40 hours per week.Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experienceWe are seeking people who:Communicate clearly and effectively, with strong writing skillsAre confident and comfortable learning new systems and technologiesRelate well to people from a wide range of cultures and backgroundsAre resilient, empathetic and can remain calm in challenging situationsThink critically and make sound, informed decisionsWork collaboratively and contribute positively to team environmentsHave experience managing large caseloads (advantageous but not essential)To be eligible, you must hold a full New Zealand Driver Licence and have the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand for a minimum of twenty-four months from your start date.In alignment with Hokai Rangi, we welcome applications from individuals with experience in Kaupapa Maori or Pasifika environments, or those with a genuine willingness to learn and grow in these areas. Please highlight any relevant cultural experience or language skills in your application.Nga painga | The benefitsThe starting salary for this position is $70, 956 - $75, 947, with potential to increase to $91,307 over time based on meeting our progression criteria.We are also able to offer:5 weeks annual leaveLearning and development opportunities and a clear pathway for career growthA supportive team-environmentHealth and well-being benefits including access to EAP, eye care benefits, health checks and more.Mo 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 NowTo 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: Tuesday 17th 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.