Staff profile

Anita
Probation Officer

Anita typifies today’s new probation officer – bright and keen to make a difference.

Anita joined the Department of Corrections in May 2005 equipped with a degree in criminology and anthropology from Victoria University and three years of travelling overseas.

The 26-year-old heard about the work of Corrections while at university and always wanted a career focusing on people.

Part of her motivation stems from her travel in ‘third world’ countries.  “It reminded me how lucky we are in New Zealand and about the great opportunities we all have. I’m keen to help people make more of them.”

She’s now a Wellington-based probation officer managing a caseload of offenders, writing reports for courts and the New Zealand Parole Board, and spending two days in court each week.

Like all new probation officers, Anita has completed comprehensive on-the-job training designed to give new staff all the tools they’ll need in their work.

“It’s very good training and gives you some great skills that are transferable to other jobs.” And the job is often its own reward.

“I like seeing people who actually are making changes and taking up the opportunities given to them. And I enjoy working with younger people; often they have never had anyone
focus on them and the good things they’re capable of.”