Corrections Officer

About this role

**Corrections Officers - Whanganui Prison**
- Help to shape futures & make a difference in people's lives
- Embark on a challenging & rewarding career
- Free onsite parking & great staff benefits included

**_We are looking for good people who are good with people and committed to creating better outcomes for all._**

**Mō te tūnga | About the role**

Corrections Officers work inside our prisons and are responsible for ensuring the security and wellbeing of people serving sentences or on remand. They induct people into their unit, help them to navigate life in prison, and supervise daily routines. By being prosocial role models, our Corrections Officers also play a significant part in creating change and making our communities safer.

The role of a Corrections Officer varies, including tasks across specialised units, security levels and site-specific activities.

All new officers attend an intensive, fully paid training programme to equip them with necessary skills required for the job. This involves an initial week-long induction at your allocated prison site, five weeks at our National Learning Centre in Upper Hutt, then a further five weeks back on site before graduating. From there the learning journey will be ongoing.

Our Corrections Officers are all part of a wider custodial team, and there is plenty of support and guidance available. You'll get opportunities for professional development, promotion and the ability to gain a recognised qualification in Offender Management.

This role is based at Whanganui Prison in Kaitoke.

**Mōu | About you**
- Possess solid interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly
- Can operate with high levels of integrity
- Have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically
- Can operate effectively in a culturally diverse setting and have an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Be able to work rostered shifts across a 24/7 pattern including weekends and public holidays

**Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience**

To be eligible you need:

- The legal right to work in New Zealand or a Work Visa with at least **24 months** remaining*
- A **full** New Zealand Driver Licence (or be eligible to obtain one)
- To declare any conflicts of interest and previous convictions**:

- The ability to pass a drug test
- To be medically fit for employment and complete a Medical Assessment and Physical Readiness Assessment

Our prisons operate 24/7 - applicants must be able to work shifts on a rotating roster.

**Ngā painga | The benefits**

The starting salary for this position is $70,019 per annum.
Once in the role there are opportunities to increase your salary as you achieve national qualifications (Level 3 at $74,697, Level 3+ at $76,697, Level 4 at $80,213 and Level 4+ at $82,213).

We are also able to offer:

- 5 weeks annual leave
- $4000 shift allowance per annum, in addition to your salary
- 10 week fully paid training programme
- Clear pathway for career progression and continuous learning and development
- Free parking and on-site gym facilities
- A supportive team-environment
- Rosters provided 12 months in advance so you can plan your leave
- Health and well-being benefits including access to EAP, eye-care benefits, health checks and more

**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.

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.

Job details

**Job reference**:

- APA/1849422CC

**Location**:

- Manawatu-Whanganui

**Date posted**:

- 09-Apr-2025

**Application close date**:

- 30-Jan-2026