17 December
Ten new staff at Northland Region Corrections Facility today graduated from their six week Initial Training Course, with one receiving high praise from Corrections Minister Hon Judith Collins.
“Today's graduation marks the beginning of an important and rewarding new career for you all,” said Departmental Kaumatua Des Ripi attending the ceremony on behalf of Ms Collins, to present the Minister’s Excellence Award to one graduate who performed above the required level during their training.
“You should all be very proud of your achievements. When you graduate today, you will not just be starting a new job, but you will be entering a career in which you can make New Zealand a better and safer place every day,” he said.
The winner of the Minister’s Excellence award was Leon Para. Leon has had experience working with prisoners after being employed by a security company responsible for the escort of prisoners for court appearances. Leon lives in picturesque Matauri Bay with his family and was described by his course manager as a high achiever who had done very well in all of his assessments and of great character.
The Minister of Corrections established the award to promote and honour excellence in graduates of the six week course. All new staff members must complete the course before working in a custodial role in a prison.
The new recruits have spent the last six weeks training at Northland Region Corrections Facility where they have learnt the basics in actively managing all types of prisoners, from dangerous and disturbed to rehabilitation-focussed quieter types. Graduates have covered modules in Corrections legislation, the Sentencing and Parole Acts, site and perimeter safety, managing prisoners’ visitors, drug reduction in prison, gang management and avoiding being compromised – or ‘getting got’ by prisoners among others.
Acting Prison Manager Chris Gisler also welcomed graduates into their new employment.
“Well done to each and every one of you. I look forward to meeting you all and getting to know you better as you get to work in the units here. Congratulations on making it over your first hurdle, and a very warm welcome to the site.
“Managing offenders in prison is not only a vital service - keeping the public safe - but helping prisoners make more positive choices and reduce reoffending makes it a rewarding career.
“Corrections officers are responsible for ensuring prisoners are safely, securely and humanely contained during their sentence and they actively work with prisoners to make positive changes to their behaviour.
“This is also a position that offers a clear career path for motivated professionals. We have a number of staff around the country who have worked their way up from the floor, just as I have did over the last 18 years.
“I am sure you will all be warmly welcomed by the staff here. People that work with prisoners share the same challenges and rewards to the work across New Zealand, and as the nature of the work is unique, many make supportive, lifelong friends in the service.
After their initial training the graduates will complete an induction programme into the prison before being assigned to full operational duties. During the course of their career in the Prison Service they will continue to undertake workplace training toward National Certificates in Offender Management, refresher training and specialist role training as required.”
Note to reporter:
Click here to go to the recruitment section of our website.
The starting salary for corrections officers is $44,272, staff progress through competency based steps to the top level salary of $54,529 before promotion to senior corrections officer.
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk: