Military Style Academy

3 days ago

Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children Full time NZ$68,771 - NZ$75,501 per year

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.

Programme Coordinator at the MSA
Based in
Palmerston North
, at our
Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence
, this position will provide essential support and coordination to the Programme Lead and wider Miltary Style Academy team. Bringing a strong relationship management lens to their mahi, the Programme Coordinator plays a key role in ensuring that time spent by rangatahi in the MSA is purposeful and contributes to their successful reintegration back into the community.

The Programme Coordinator collaborates closely with external providers, residential team leaders, case leaders and care teams to ensure programmes and content are relevant to behavioural plans, interventions, and the needs of young people. Fostering key relationships and networks with external providers of programmes is vital along with the ability to review and monitor programme delivery and outcomes.

This is a
fixed-term, full-time
opportunity with an anticipated 1-year appointment.

Key responsibilities of this role include:

  • Coordinating scheduled programmes and liaising with providers
  • Organising and managing resources required for programme delivery
  • Supporting facilitation of programming as needed
  • Assisting in the development of lesson plans / curriculum as needed
  • Identifying suitable and relevant programmes and providers

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

  • Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural issues and concerns, in particular, knowledge of tikanga Maori, Te Whare Tapa Wha model, and Pacifica community.
  • Knowledge of, and established links to, community networks and experience working in collaboration and conjunction with community service providers, other government departments, including effective work in cross cultural environments and contexts.
  • Understanding of the statutory role and objectives of Oranga Tamariki.
  • Clinical and therapeutic experience in a multi-disciplinary setting with children and adolescents to address complex behavioural issues.
  • Confident in building relationships with rangatahi and formulating programmes based on their individual needs and goals.
  • Understands the importance of safe and meaningful programs delivered in a Youth Justice environment.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and deliver engaging programs daily
  • A relevant tertiary qualification is desirable and registration with a professional body is an advantage but not a requirement.
  • A full, clean driver's licence

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you
Annual remuneration for this opportunity is between $68,371 and $75,501 dependant on experience.

We offer a vibrant and supportive team and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to contribute to the wellbeing of our rangatahi.

To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply
Apply online with your CV and your answers to our application questions in lieu of a cover letter. If you are already a kaimahi of Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children, please apply using your Oranga Tamariki email login.

Applications close
8 December 2025
If you have any questions about role, please contact

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 .

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