[Andy&Carol]

Well, where to start! We've thought about migrating to NZ for YEARS, but it never seemed the right time, this time we're still in the early stages but we feel so much more positive, doing loads of research and lots of forum reading!

We have two sons 17 & 18, older one really up for moving (hopes to go to uni in NZ after a year of working to get some money behind him). Younger one not so happy, doesn't want to leave his girlfriend behind! Ho hum.

Got lots of questions, but I'll make this the first because it's the only one I haven't found any info about on the forum. Has anyone had any experience of working for the Department of Corrections? Andy is an Instructional Officer (teaches joinery to the prisoners) here in the UK and they have a very similar role in NZ, read the Departments' website, but really need a workers perspective. Any advice or info would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Carole

[M&J]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I am sorry but can't answer your question but there do always seem to be jobs in the Waikato Times for the Dept. of Correction.

I'm sure you will find this forum really useful, we have.

Good luck with everything

Jo

[constablechuck]

The Department of Corrections is hiring but the application process and training can take some time, after completing the application and testing process you may have to wait up to a year before being offered employment and sent for training.

I applied there several months ago, passed the background check, the written test, the psychological test and then went for a scope day where I spent a day along side corrections officers inside the prison, I ended up cancelling my interview and putting my application on hold because I accepted a job with another government department.

Here are my observations, the staff I met seemed like decent and sincere people, however I was a bit uneasy about the casual behavior of the inmates, I got the impression that government policy places more of a priority on prisoner rights than on discipline and security, having worked in both corrections and law enforcement in the U.S. I have become accustomed to a different approach, certain behaviors of inmates towards officers that are acceptable in a NZ prison would result in swift and severe action in a U.S. prison.

[holland]

Welcome to the forum

J x

[Kim39]

Firstly welcome to our world Carol/Andy:nice1

secondly: give me 24 hrs and i will pass on an email address(have to have permission) of a friend of ours who is a PO out here at Waikeria nick. He has said in the past if he can help others he would willingly do so, so i'll have a word. Hopefully you'll have your first answer from your first question within a few hours:yes

Keep firing the questions as we are a friendly crew out here.

Kim

[Andy&Carol]

Thankyou to everyone so far,

Kim, thanks for the offer of the e-mail address, it would be helpful to get first hand information.

Constable Chuck, yes I'd imagined that the prison regime in NZ would be - shall we say 'relaxed'!

Jo and Holland thanks for your 'welcome' messages!

We've been reading threads on here for a few weeks now and we really feel it's a supportive forum. No doubt be asking lots of other questions soon!

Andy & Carol

[dilanium]

Can't answer any questions for you, sorry.

But welcome!

[Caroline and Dave]

Just like to say welcome,I can't advise at the moment but anything I can help with I will.

Kind regards

Dave and Caroline

[Bruckner]

Can't help with your questions but welcome to the forum!

Emily