Staff profile

Frank
Service Manager

Frank joined the Department as a probation officer seven years ago with a background in Māori social services, drug and alcohol counselling, and social work.

“The client base I started with when I joined the Department was similar to the caseload I had as an alcohol and drug counsellor. That made the transition easier.”

Frank’s professional development goals include continual study and he says his academic pursuits fit well with his move into management. He took part in Corrections’ year-long professional development programme, Future Leaders, and graduated in 2004.

He now heads two teams of probation officers and support staff in Te Kuiti and Taumarunui. “There are challenges in the role. It’s been a real learning curve, particularly moving up from the team to a service manager’s position.

“The variety of work involved means there’s never a dull moment. I’m not the type of person who likes to do the same thing day after day.”

Frank’s enjoying the role of championing the Department’s strategy of increasing its responsiveness to Māori. He’s made recruiting more Māori probation officers his special focus, promoting the Department at tertiary institutes and careers days.

Over the years Frank’s been involved with the Hamilton Māori Staff Network, a forum to support other Māori staff and to have input in the Department’s efforts to reduce re-offending by Māori.

“There are lots of ways to contribute and it’s a passion of mine,” says Frank.

And as a service manager in a rural team he still manages to keep his hand in helping to manage high-risk offenders and supporting his frontline staff.

 “As a service manager you feel you can contribute at a strategic level within the organisation. And I have the opportunity to use some influence at management level for Māori.”