Job Description
Full job description
Full-time, permanent opportunity in Invercargill
Help people in prison build confidence and skills for future employment
Help create safer communities by supporting reintegration through work
'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
Are you looking for a challenging position within an environment that will stretch your skills, offer you opportunities for development and growth, and provide personal satisfaction?
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 a Catering & Laundry Instructor at Invercargill Prison, you will be providing direct supervision and practical training within a commercial kitchen setting. From general meal preparation and delivery to corporate catering, you will enable our people to achieve NZQA qualifications and provide a platform of good working habits for them to take forward to the future. The role also provides support to the laundry operation as part of the wider Internal Services team.
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.
The hours of work will be on a standard shift basis of 80 hours per fortnight, Monday to Sunday, 0600hrs - 1800hrs. Working public holidays, along with the possibility of some overtime or callouts, may be required.
Mou | About you
This is a role with unique challenges and rewards. Our Industries Team supports men in prison to build work habits and skills that increase their chances of finding sustainable, legitimate mahi upon release-reducing reoffending and making our communities safer. To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:
Experience and a proven passion in the catering industry at a professional level.
London City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or equivalent trade qualifications.
Outstanding health & safety practices.
Exceptional communication skills and the ability to develop effective relationships.
The ability to motivate and develop people within a team environment.
The ability to operate in a culturally diverse setting and understands Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
A full NZ driver licence (or is eligible to obtain one).
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.
Utu a-tau | Salary
The starting salary for this role will be $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: Sunday, 11 January, 2026
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.
Full-time, permanent opportunity in Invercargill
Help people in prison build confidence and skills for future employment
Help create safer communities by supporting reintegration through work
'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
Are you looking for a challenging position within an environment that will stretch your skills, offer you opportunities for development and growth, and provide personal satisfaction?
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 a Catering & Laundry Instructor at Invercargill Prison, you will be providing direct supervision and practical training within a commercial kitchen setting. From general meal preparation and delivery to corporate catering, you will enable our people to achieve NZQA qualifications and provide a platform of good working habits for them to take forward to the future. The role also provides support to the laundry operation as part of the wider Internal Services team.
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.
The hours of work will be on a standard shift basis of 80 hours per fortnight, Monday to Sunday, 0600hrs - 1800hrs. Working public holidays, along with the possibility of some overtime or callouts, may be required.
Mou | About you
This is a role with unique challenges and rewards. Our Industries Team supports men in prison to build work habits and skills that increase their chances of finding sustainable, legitimate mahi upon release-reducing reoffending and making our communities safer. To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:
Experience and a proven passion in the catering industry at a professional level.
London City & Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 or equivalent trade qualifications.
Outstanding health & safety practices.
Exceptional communication skills and the ability to develop effective relationships.
The ability to motivate and develop people within a team environment.
The ability to operate in a culturally diverse setting and understands Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
A full NZ driver licence (or is eligible to obtain one).
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.
Utu a-tau | Salary
The starting salary for this role will be $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: Sunday, 11 January, 2026
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.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Catering & Laundry Instructor - Invercargill position is now open for candidates interested in the Helper Jobs sector. This role in South Hillend offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Helper Jobs is a plus.