Military Style Academy

Tirohanga | Overview

Following the Military Style Academy (MSA) Pilot, Oranga Tamariki is well advanced in planning what future versions of the MSA may look like and is looking to deliver the programme again in 2026.

The MSA is a kaupapa-driven, military-style residential programme for serious and persistent youth offenders and will provide an evidence-based, trauma-informed, alternative pathway for youth offenders to help them thrive within their whānau and communities.

Working in partnership with mana whenua and other youth focused providers, the programme is intended to bring hope, healing, and sustained change.

Mō te tūnga| About the role

We are looking for a Programme Lead to be based in Palmerston North, at our Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence for a one-year secondment/ fixed term opportunity.

The purpose of this role is to manage the content and delivery of the programme for the MSA, and to ensure that the time spent by rangatahi in the MSA is purposeful and contributes to their successful reintegration back into community. This role reports to the MSA Kaiwhakahaere

Key responsibilities of this role include, but not limited to:

Overseeing the scheduled programmes and managing performance of providers

• Leading the organisation and management of resources required for programme delivery
• Leading and facilitating programme delivery where required
• Leading and overseeing the development of lesson plans / curriculum as required
• Identifying and driving opportunities for continuous improvement in MSA programme and provider delivery, including regular review of programme components to ensure they continue to meet needs
• Establish positive relationships with rangatahi
• Build and maintain sound relationships and networks with external providers of programmes

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

• A relevant tertiary qualification is desirable, however if you have demonstrated people management experience in leading high performing teams, we want to hear from you
• Experience in programme implementation, management and development that lead to improved outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi
• An understanding and sound knowledge of Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, the adoptions Act 1995 and other relevant legislation
• Cultural competency and demonstrable knowledge and skill about kaupapa Māori, te reo Māori, Te Tiriti ō Waitangi and Pacifica protocols
• Experience in provider delivery management, both government and non-government
• Flexibility in managing workload and a strong understanding of the organisation's broader needs to consistently deliver service excellence, including active participation in a 24-hour service model that requires availability for after-hours, weekend, and Public Holiday work as needed
• Intermediate level competence in the use of the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint
• A current Full, "clean" driving licence is essential and a willingness to drive the Ministry's vehicles

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

This is an opportunity to contribute to a programme of work that can have life-changing impacts for rangatahi. Successful candidates will start in the role with specific Military Style Academy training to be best prepared for this mahi.

Remuneration for this position starts between $125,926.00 and $139,459.00 dependant on experience

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Please see the position description provided for further information relevant to this position

If this position sounds like you, Please apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address.

If you have any questions about role, please contact 

Applications close at midnight on 18th November We'll be reviewing applications and scheduling interviews as they come in, so don't wait, apply now

If you are interested, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol.