Programme Facilitator - Tongariro at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

“Ehara taku toa I te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini” 

(My strength is not the strength of my own, but the strength of many)

We're in the business of facilitating positive change. If that sounds like something you are interested in, please read on.

• Full time, permanent role available based in Turangi
• Experience a lifestyle like no other within a stunning natural playground
• Enjoy diverse recreational activities from fishing to hiking to skiing
• Make the most of rich cultural heritage, thriving community spirit and affordable living 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Our Programme Facilitators work with the people in our management within our Prisons and out in the community helping them to understand and address the causes of their offending to assist them to create crime-free futures.  They do this through delivering a range of clinically designed therapeutic programmes, either individually or with a co-facilitator.

We appreciate the different skill set within our team who come from different backgrounds, cultures, education, and experience – they all share the ability to motivate and work alongside others to support them to make positive changes in their lives.

This role will be based at Tongariro Prison with some need to travel to other locations on occasion.

Mōu | About you

We're looking for someone who can actively listen and understand those we work with and are keen to help them gain insight into their harmful behaviours. To undertake this role, you will need to be comfortable walking alongside people on their journey and consistently reflecting on your own practice.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are seeking people who:

• Are effective listeners and communicators and who can build strong positive relationships with participants and other stakeholders
• Have knowledge of, or are willing to learn about Maori culture, protocols and peoples and apply Kaupapa Maori practice in your work
• Have life experience that means you can work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and ethnic groups
• Are comfortable having their practice viewed and are receptive of regular feedback on their practice 
• Have good verbal and written communication skills

Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen, New Zealand Resident Permit holder, Australian citizen or an Australian resident who holds a current Australian Resident Return Visa. Applicants must also hold a full NZ driver licence.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The salary band for this role is $70,825-$89,406. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Mō mātou | About us

Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a name that has been gifted to us and is our commitment to improving the oranga and safety of the people, whānau, and that of the communities we serve across the motu. 

As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship) and whanau (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our strategy - Hokai Rangi (https://arapoutama.page.link/Eit5).

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To apply, please submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience. Alignment to our kaupapa is critical to our success - we ask that you provide examples which reflect and demonstrate our organisation values. 

Applications close 12 noon, 21 May 2026

If you want to find out more about a career with us, visit careers.corrections.govt.nz or email bianca.jones@corrections.govt.nz