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Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections) invites you to become a Catering Instructor at Waikeria Prison. This is a unique opportunity to apply your culinary skills and leadership to teach, mentor, and develop tāne (men) in our care. You will play a critical role within a high-performing team, overseeing commercial kitchen operations, meal production, and contributing to rehabilitation through meaningful work and training. If you are motivated by challenge, driven to make a real difference, and possess outstanding people skills, we welcome you to bring your expertise to this rewarding career.
Company Overview
Ara Poutama Aotearoa is a values-led organisation dedicated to improving public safety and reducing re-offending. We are guided by the principles of Hōkai Rangi and our core values: rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships). Our Industries team provides tāne with vital work habits, experiences, and qualifications to support their successful reintegration. By joining us, you contribute to safer communities and help address the overrepresentation of Māori in the justice system through positive, impactful work.
Key Responsibilities
- Instruct, supervise, and mentor tāne within a high-volume commercial kitchen, providing practical training in food preparation, cook-chill processes, and catering for up to three meals daily.
- Oversee operations in the staff cafeteria, ensuring quality service and compliance with health and safety standards.
- Provide cover and support within the prison bakery as required (bakery experience is a plus).
- Manage stock, equipment, and resources efficiently while maintaining outstanding health, safety, and hygiene practices.
- Develop effective working relationships with tāne, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
- Support tāne to achieve qualifications (e.g., NZQA unit standards) and develop work-ready skills for sustainable employment upon release.
Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- A relevant trade qualification (e.g., London City and Guilds hospitality-catering) or a minimum of 5 years’ hands-on experience in a commercial kitchen environment.
- Experience with cook-chill processes is essential.
- Bakery experience is a definite advantage.
- Outstanding health and safety practices and a current First Aid Certificate.
- Exceptional people, communication, and organisational skills with the ability to motivate and develop others.
- A full, clean New Zealand driver’s licence and the legal right to work in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Preferred: Experience as an adult educator or NZQA assessor (unit standard 4098 or equivalent). Support to obtain this qualification can be provided.
- Stocktake management experience and the ability to build effective stakeholder relationships.
Benefits and Perks
This permanent, full-time role offers more than a job it offers a career with purpose and a comprehensive package:
- A salary band of $72,514 – $90,322 per annum, with appointment reflecting your skills and experience.
- Play a direct role in reducing re-offending and creating safer communities through rehabilitation.
- Support to obtain NZQA assessor status and ongoing career growth within a large government department.
- Work within an organisation committed to Māori values, diversity, inclusion, and building a workforce that reflects the public we serve.
- A permanent position within an essential public service.
How to Apply
Nau Mai, Haere Mai. If you are ready for this challenging and rewarding career, we encourage you to apply. To apply, please submit a tailored CV and a cover letter through our careers site at careers.corrections.govt.nz. Your cover letter should describe your motivation for joining Ara Poutama Aotearoa and highlight your relevant skills and experience.
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Please note: Applications must be submitted via our careers site; email applications will not be considered.
For any questions or to learn more, please contact mahiwaikeria@corrections.govt.nz.
Ara Poutama Aotearoa is committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process. We encourage you to discuss any reasonable accommodations you may require.
