Service Manager

Public Defence Service - New Zealand; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 99,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4.4 weeks holiday leave

Flexible work hours

Online professional development portal

Inclusive networks

Job summary

Public Defence Service - New Zealand in Christchurch leads the Kaiārahi team across the Southern region to support families engaging with the Family Court and related services. This Christchurch-based, permanent, full-time role focuses on delivering a consistent, high-quality service that puts whānau at the centre.

You will coach staff, build strong partnerships with iwi and government agencies, manage regional priorities, and travel regularly to meet demand.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading, coaching and supporting people.
• Experience managing services and performance across different locations.
• Ability to build strong relationships with iwi, communities, Courts and government agencies.
• Experience working with diverse whānau and communities, including people in challenging situations.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ability to work with Māori and Pasifika communities.
• Confidence operating within Court and multi-agency environments.
• Strong communication, problem-solving and influencing skills.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel across the region.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and support a team working across several locations in the Southern region.
• Keep a clear view of service delivery, performance, demand and pressure points across the region.
• Ensure whānau receive a consistent and high-quality service.
• Build strong relationships with iwi, community providers, Court leaders and other partners.
• Manage current priorities while planning for future service needs and improvements.
• Be a visible leader across the Southern region with regular travel and flexible arrangements.

Skills

Leadership

Performance mgmt

Stakeholder engagement

Māori/Pasifika engagement

Court environment

Communication

Travel readiness

Driver licence

Job description

Job Description

Service Manager Southern

Kaiārahi | Family Court Navigators

Christchurch based | Permanent, full time

This is an opportunity to lead the Southern Kaiārahi service and make a real difference for parents, caregivers and whānau using the Family Court and other family justice services. This is a Christchurch-based role. As Service Manager Southern, you will lead the Southern Kaiārahi team across a large region. You will support your team to provide a consistent and responsive service in communities and Courts.

Kaiārahi help whānau understand the Family Court and connect with services such as Family Legal Aid, Family Dispute Resolution and Parenting Through Separation. Your leadership will help make sure this support is practical, timely and well connected.

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

• Lead, coach and support a team working across several locations in the Southern region.
• Keep a clear view of service delivery, performance, demand and pressure points across the region.
• Ensure whānau receive a consistent and high-quality service.
• Build strong relationships with iwi, community providers, Court leaders and other partners.
• Manage current priorities while planning for future service needs and improvements.
• Be a visible leader across the Southern region. Regular travel and flexibility are required.

We are looking for a leader who brings people together, provides clear direction and keeps whānau at the centre of the service.

Ō Pūkenga / Skills And Experience

• Proven experience leading, coaching and supporting people.
• Experience managing services and performance across different locations.
• The ability to build strong relationships with iwi, communities, Courts and government agencies.
• Experience working with diverse whānau and communities, including people in challenging situations.
• An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the ability to work effectively with Māori and Pasifika communities.
• Confidence working within Court and multi-agency environments.
• Strong communication, problem-solving and influencing skills.
• A full driver licence and the ability to travel regularly across the region.

Mō Mātou/About Us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

Benefits

• 4.4 weeks holiday leave
• flexible work hours where possible
• an online professional development portal
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

Utu ā-tau / Salary

The appointing salary is $99,208 to $127,683, based on skills and experience.

Applications close: Friday 30 October 2026.