- Help men in prison develop skills in the farming industry
- Work for a values-led organisation that makes a difference
- On the job training and opportunities to build your career
'Kotahi ano te kaupapa, ko te oranga o te iwi' - `There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of our people'.
Mo te tunga | About the role
Prison industries provide people in prison with meaningful engagement and equip them with valuable work experience and skills for the future. They are an important part of working towards reintegration and can increase chances of obtaining successful employment on release. Industries are also critical in providing essential services for the operation of the prison.
As an Instructor - Pig, Sheep & Cattle at Christchurch Men's Prison, you will be working with and providing direct supervision and practical training to men in prison on a working farm, with the primary focus of this position being the piggery. You will be involved in the day to day running of the property, working with people in prison who are employed on the farm, and training them with valuable employment skills to help them make positive change on release. In providing a platform of good working habits to take forward to the future, you will further support rehabilitation and reintegration practices that in turn support our aim to reduce offending and provide for safer communities.
The hours of work will be on a standard shift basis of 80 hours per fortnight, Monday to Friday, 0700hrs - 1500hrs. Working public holidays, along with the possibility of some overtime or callouts, may be required. There will be some seasonal work as would be expected in a farming environment e.g., hay season etc.
Instructors have the same classification as Corrections Officers and, as such, complete the same initial training courses. This will involve on-site training as well as residential training at our National Learning Centre in Upper Hutt, Wellington, to focus on the custodial elements of the position.
For more in-depth information or to gain further insight into the working farm environment operating at Christchurch Men's Prison, you can contact Warren Chilton directly on 021 769 959 for a confidential discussion.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience
To be successful it is highly desirable that you have:
- Experience working with livestock and general farm equipment. particularly piggery experience.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to motivate others.
- Able to share skills and knowledge as part of a hands-on learning environment for adult learners.
- Experience working within a Kaupapa Maori or Pasifika environment, and /or demonstrates a willingness to learn.
- A full NZ driver licence or be eligible to obtain one.
- Is committed to workplace health & safety.
- Experience as an Adult Educator or NZAQ Assessor (4098) is an advantage.
The latter stages of the recruitment process involve pre-employment checks including a drug test, medical test, physical assessment, and police vetting. Please note - this Criminal History Check is exempt from the Clean Slate Act. Please ensure you declare all offences (even those outside of 7 years) in your application.
Nga painga | The benefits
The starting salary for this role is $72, 514 - $80, 876 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role. Once in the role, there are opportunities to increase your salary over time up to $90, 322.
Mo matou | 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 Maori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whanau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hokai 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 inaianei | 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: Monday 22nd September 2025.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact southernrecruitment@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.