Custodial Manager at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Waikato

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

“He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero.  What is the food of the leader? It is knowledge. It is communication”

• Key site leadership opportunities
• Cohesive, dedicated, diverse ‘one team' approach - who walk the talk
• Strong cultural capability – guide others on their journey

We are on the lookout for our next motivated Leaders, people who will bring their passion and commitment to Spring Hill Corrections Facility.

What is really important to us are Leaders who reflect our values, who support a positive, learning culture and who can build on the foundation of our organisation's strategy - Hōkai Rangi   

About the role | Mō te tūnga

The Custodial Management role is pivotal in our custodial environment and will offer you the opportunity to showcase your skill and capability; to demonstrate visible leadership; and to drive high performance through the motivation, development, and encouragement of others. By supporting the General Manager in the fast-paced environment, you will be influential in laying the foundations for our future.

Developing our people is at the heart of everything we do.  By demonstrating visible leadership, you will have the courage, passion and determination to deliver outstanding results, raising the bar for quality practice with a deep understanding, appreciation for, and genuine interest in the issues the people in our care face.

About you | Mōu

We would like to hear from you if you are an experienced leader with:

• In depth knowledge of legislation, policy, assurance, and compliance requirements governing Corrections operations
• Proven emergency management, operational, financial, and business systems experience at a senior level
• Exceptional communication skills, initiative, and leadership qualities
• Resilience, courage, and determination to influence and succeed at both a strategic and operational level
• A focus on innovation, continuous improvement, and best practice implementation, championing regional and national initiatives
• The commitment to develop staff and improve performance in a change environment
• A high level of understanding and anticipation of political and reputational risk
• Familiarity of the Treaty of Waitangi and an understanding of rehabilitation & reintegration

Along with the above a genuine interest for working within a site that is focussed on achieving objectives and outcomes of our organisational strategy Hōkai Rangi

 Utu ā-tau | Salary

The starting salary for this role is Step 1, Scale B2 of the Managers collective $110,145

Ko wai 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 whānau (relationships) to shape how we work and deliver the outcomes in our strategy - Hōkai Rangi.

It is an exciting time to join us, and we continue to seek out talented individuals who are committed to an inclusive, vibrant workplace. We recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals, and that of the collective talent in our whānau. 

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. 

All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency. Applications received via email will not be considered. 

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

 Applications close 2st June 2025