Supervisor - Tai Aroha at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Permanent, full-time role
• Based in Hamilton

Mō te tūnga | About the role

• Join Tai Aroha, an intensive specialist residential rehabilitation programme supporting high-risk community-based offenders with complex treatment needs related to violence.
• As a Supervisor/Kaimahi, you'll be part of a multidisciplinary team responsible for supporting residents within the therapeutic community, both in the residential setting and during external activities.
• Play a key role in delivering a culturally responsive rehabilitation programme that integrates kaupapa Māori and tikanga Māori alongside evidence-based therapeutic practices to help participants build socially responsible and fulfilling lives.

Mōu | About you

“Mā Mua Ka Kite A Muri, Mā Muri Ka Ora A Mua”
Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.

• You are confident operating within a Māori cultural environment and are committed to supporting positive outcomes for tāne in our care.
• You remain calm, resilient and professional in challenging situations and can build positive relationships with a diverse range of people.
• You are a positive role model who demonstrates sound judgement, empathy and the ability to contribute to a supportive therapeutic community.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

• Ability to operate effectively within a Māori cultural setting and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of Te Reo Māori and experience with pōwhiri and whakatau processes in a marae environment.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively, build rapport and establish positive relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, measured and resilient in high-pressure situations.
• A full New Zealand driver's licence, with the ability to drive both manual and automatic vehicles.

Ngā painga | The benefits 

The midpoint of the salary range is $68,772 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $66,713 - $74,019 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

• Structured rostered shifts across Monday to Sunday.
• Morning shift: 6:00am - 2:30pm, Afternoon shift: 2:00pm - 10:30pm, Nightwatch shift: 10:00pm - 6:30am.
• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful rehabilitation outcomes and make a positive impact on community safety.

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: Sunday 27 September 2026 If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact Vera.degroot@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.