Supervisor - Tai Aroha

Department of Corrections NZ; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 67,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Corrections NZ in Hamilton, North Island, invites applications for a Supervisor/Kaimahi role. You will support residents in residential and external activities within a therapeutic community, delivering kaupapa Māori–oriented rehabilitation using evidence-based practices.

A calm, empathetic approach and strong interpersonal skills are essential as you work with a diverse range of people. The role requires a full NZ driver’s licence and resilience in high-pressure settings.

Qualifications

• Must be confident working in a Māori cultural environment.
• Ability to build positive relationships with a diverse range of people.
• Demonstrated empathy, sound judgement and resilience in challenging situations.
• Experience engaging with tāne in correctional or rehabilitative settings is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support residents within the therapeutic community in residential and external activities.
• Deliver a culturally responsive rehabilitation programme incorporating kaupapa Māori tikanga.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to support residents and achieve rehabilitation goals.
• Contribute to safe, respectful, and supportive environments consistent with organisational values.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Te Reo Māori knowledge

Calm under pressure

Full NZ driver’s licence

Job description

Department of Corrections NZ – Hamilton, North Island

• Join Tai Aroha, an intensive specialist residential rehabilitation programme supporting high-risk community-based offenders with complex treatment needs related to violence.
• As a Supervisor/Kaimahi, you'll be part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for supporting residents within the therapeutic community, both in the residential setting and during external activities.
• Play a key role in delivering a culturally responsive rehabilitation programme that integrates kaupapa Māori and tikanga Māori alongside evidence-based therapeutic practices to help participants build socially responsible and fulfilling lives.

"Mā Mua Ka Kite A Muri, Mā Muri Ka Ora A Mua"
Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.

• You are confident operating within a Māori cultural environment and are committed to supporting positive outcomes for tāne in our care.
• You remain calm, resilient and professional in challenging situations and can build positive relationships with a diverse range of people.
• You are a positive role model who demonstrates sound judgement, empathy and the ability to contribute to a supportive therapeutic community.
• Ability to operate effectively within a Māori cultural setting and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of Te Reo Māori and experience with pōwhiri and whakatau processes in a marae environment.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, build rapport and establish positive relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, measured and resilient in high-pressure situations.
• A full New Zealand driver's licence, with the ability to drive both manual and automatic vehicles.

The midpoint of the salary range is $68,772per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $66,713 - $74,019 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

• Structured rostered shifts across Monday to Sunday.
• Morning shift: 6:00am - 2:30pm, Afternoon shift: 2:00pm - 10:30pm, Nightwatch shift: 10:00pm - 6:30am.
• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful rehabilitation outcomes and make a positive impact on community safety.

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 Rangistrategy. We valueinclusion and diversityin 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.

Applications close on: Sunday 27 September 2026If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact ************@corrections.govt.nz, or visitcareers.