Legal Manager, Prosecutions at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Influence justice sector outcomes at a national level 
• Shape strategy and drive change in a nationally significant role 
• Drive innovation in one of New Zealand's largest prosecution services    

Mō te tūnga | About the role 

As Legal Manager, Prosecutions, you will lead Corrections' prosecution function, providing strategic direction, oversight and assurance of prosecution activity across Aotearoa New Zealand. You will ensure the delivery of high-quality, pragmatic legal services that support the lawful and effective management of people serving community-based sentences. 

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a significant transformation within one of Aotearoa's largest public sector legal functions. As Corrections brings prosecution capability in house, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and embedding a modern prosecution model, building organisational capability, and influencing the future direction of prosecution practice across the organisation. 

Working closely with the Chief Legal Adviser and senior Legal Services leaders, you will oversee complex and high-profile matters, manage legal risk, set prosecution priorities, and drive continuous improvement. Your leadership will be instrumental in establishing a high-performing function that delivers consistent and effective outcomes. 

Through strong partnerships across Corrections and the wider justice sector, you will help advance Hōkai Rangi by contributing to safer communities and better outcomes for people in our care and management, their whānau, and communities. 

Mōu | About you  

You are an accomplished prosecutor who understands what good prosecution practice looks like, but you also bring a broader, system-wide perspective. You can confidently navigate complexity, think strategically at a national level, and identify practical solutions that deliver better outcomes for the organisation and the communities we serve. 

You will bring strong prosecution experience and the ability to apply that expertise within Corrections' unique operating environment. Just as importantly, you are excited by the opportunity to lead change. As we bring prosecution capability in house, you will play a key role in shaping the future of the function, building capability, and embedding new ways of working. 

A credible and engaging people leader, you are committed to developing others, creating high-performing teams, and lifting organisational performance. This role will suit someone looking for their next leadership challenge, who is motivated by influence, impact, and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy within the justice sector  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience 

We are looking for someone who brings: 

• Extensive prosecution experience, including managing complex and high-profile matters. 

• Proven leadership experience within a legal services environment, with responsibility for performance, capability, and service delivery. 

• The ability to operate strategically, influencing direction while delivering practical solutions in complex environments. 

• Experience working in the public sector or within a large, complex organisation and navigating statutory and regulatory frameworks. 

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to provide clear advice and build credibility with a wide range of stakeholders. 

You must hold a current practising certificate (or be eligible to obtain one) and a law degree, supported by substantial experience managing prosecutions and navigating criminal justice and court processes. 

 
Ngā painga | The benefits 

The midpoint of the salary range is $182,127 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $154,808 - $218,553 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role. 

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.   

Tono ināianei | Apply Now 

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered. 

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. 

Applications close on: Wednesday 19th August 2026 

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact maria.papp@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.