Service Manager at NZ Ministry of Justice, Canterbury
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Service Manager Southern
Kaiārahi | Family Court Navigators
Christchurch based | Permanent, full time
This is an opportunity to lead the Southern Kaiārahi service and make a real difference for parents, caregivers and whānau using the Family Court and other family justice services.
This is a Christchurch-based role. As Service Manager Southern, you will lead the Southern Kaiārahi team across a large region. You will support your team to provide a consistent and responsive service in communities and Courts.
Kaiārahi help whānau understand the Family Court and connect with services such as Family Legal Aid, Family Dispute Resolution and Parenting Through Separation. Your leadership will help make sure this support is practical, timely and well connected.
Te Haeata/The Opportunity
- Lead, coach and support a team working across several locations in the Southern region.
- Keep a clear view of service delivery, performance, demand and pressure points across the region.
- Ensure whānau receive a consistent and high-quality service.
- Build strong relationships with iwi, community providers, Court leaders and other partners.
- Manage current priorities while planning for future service needs and improvements.
- Be a visible leader across the Southern region. Regular travel and flexibility are required.
We are looking for a leader who brings people together, provides clear direction and keeps whānau at the centre of the service.
Ō pūkenga / Skills and Experience
You will be an experienced and people-focused leader who is comfortable working with communities, Courts and other agencies. You will bring:
- Proven experience leading, coaching and supporting people.
- Experience managing services and performance across different locations.
- The ability to build strong relationships with iwi, communities, Courts and government agencies.
- Experience working with diverse whānau and communities, including people in challenging situations.
- An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the ability to work effectively with Māori and Pasifika communities.
- Confidence working within Court and multi-agency environments.
- Strong communication, problem-solving and influencing skills.
- A full driver licence and the ability to travel regularly across the region.
Mō mātou/About us
At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.
Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here
We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:
- 4.4 weeks holiday leave
- flexible work hours where possible
- an online professional development portal
- access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks
See our full range of benefits here.
With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.
Utu ā-tau / Salary
The appointing salary is $99,208 to $127,683, based on skills and experience.
Tono mai/Apply
Select Apply to visit our Careers Website, read the position description and submit your CV and cover letter.
Applications close: Friday 30 October 2026. For questions about the recruitment process, contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz.
If you are ready to lead the Southern Kaiārahi service and support whānau across the region, we would like to hear from you.
Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details
| Employer: | NZ Ministry of Justice |
| Location: | Canterbury |
| Position type: | Permanent Full Time |
| Category: | Managers |
| Date listed: | 05-Oct-2026 |
| Salary range: | 99,208 - 127,683 |
| Closing date: | 30-Oct-2026 |
| Reference: | NZ/1950908 |
| Attachment: | Service Manager - OSD - March 2026.pdf (PDF, 448KB) |
| File links: | |
| Website: |
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