Posted 17 July, 2026
Corrections Officer - Whanganui Prison
Department of Corrections NZ
Whanganui, MWT, NZ
Full Time
Reference: ce40ec41d42421a3
Job Description
Expression of Interest - Corrections Officers - Whanganui Prison Help to shape futures & make a difference in people's lives! Embark on a challenging & rewarding career. Free onsite parking & great staff benefits included. About the role Corrections Officers work inside our prisons and are responsible for ensuring the security and wellbeing of people serving sentences or on remand. They induct people into their unit, help them to navigate life in prison, and supervise daily routines. By being prosocial role models, our Corrections Officers also play a significant part in creating change and making our communities safer. The role of a Corrections Officer varies, including tasks across specialised units, security levels and site‑specific activities. All new officers attend an intensive, fully paid training programme to equip them with the necessary skills required for the job. This involves an initial week–long induction at your allocated prison site, six weeks at our National Learning Centre in Upper Hutt, then a further six weeks back on site before graduating. From there the learning journey will be ongoing. Our Corrections Officers are part of a wider custodial team, and there is plenty of support and guidance available. You'll get opportunities for professional development, promotion and the ability to gain a recognised qualification in Offender Management. This role is based at Whanganui Prison in Kaitoke. We have a short YouTube video outlining the role which you can watch by copying and pasting the following link into your browser: https://youtu.be/ACKg2RWNFwI?si=CFT1dIgw-66JteSDW We are looking for good people who are good with people and committed to creating better outcomes for all. About you We are looking for a diverse range of candidates, from different cultures with varied backgrounds and experience. We are interested to hear from people who: Possess solid interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly Can operate with high levels of integrity Have excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to think critically Can operate effectively in a culturally diverse setting and have an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi Be able to work rostered shifts across a 24/7 pattern including weekends and public holidays Skills and experience To be eligible you need: The legal right to work in NewZealand or a work visa with at least 24 months remaining A full NewZealand driver licence (or be eligible to obtain one) To declare any conflicts of interest and previous convictions** To be medically fit for employment and complete a medical assessment and physical readiness assessment Our prisons operate 24/7 – applicants must be able to work shifts on a rotating roster. In line with our Strategy Hōkai Rangi, we are prioritising applications from people who have experience in a Kaupapa Māori or Pasifika environment and/or a willingness to learn. Please highlight any relevant experience and/or language skills in your application. Our standards are high so should you apply to join us you will undergo a comprehensive selection process that will assess you against our core requirements. * Applicants must have the legal right to work in NewZealand. In line with Immigration NewZealand requirements, we are required to give priority to candidates who already hold this right, and as a result we may not be able to support visa applications for this role. ** Note: The criminal history check is exempt from the Clean Slate Act. Please declare all offences in your application. The benefits The starting salary for this position is $70,019 per annum. Once in the role there are opportunities to increase your salary as you achieve national qualifications (Level3 at $74,697, Level3+ at $76,697, Level4 at $80,213 and Level4+ at $82,213). We are also able to offer: 5 weeks annual leave $4,000 shift allowance per annum, in addition to your salary 12‑week fully paid training programme Clear pathway for career progression and continuous learning and development Free parking and on‑site gym facilities A supportive team environment Rosters provided 12 months in advance so you can plan your leave Health and well‑being benefits including access to EAP, eye‑care benefits, health checks and more About us Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa – Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re‑offending, and addressing 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr