A typical workday for Amanda, Manager, Offender Management Systems, has a common thread that will be relatable for many of us – “there’s always coffee involved!”

When she’s not getting her caffeine fix, she says that her day usually involves meetings and catching up with her team to support their work delivering technology in prisons and the community.

As Manager, Offender Management Systems, Amanda is responsible for the systems that are used by offenders, such as kiosks, or those to manage people in either the community or prison.

“There are about 50 systems that fit under the broad set of Offender Management Systems.”

Amanda’s career journey with Corrections started as an Analyst, before moving into a team leader position, then her current management role.

She says having the opportunity to support frontline staff and contribute to change are big drivers for her in her work.

“Our frontline staff are working with some of the toughest people in the country and in IT we have the ability to make the frontline staff’s day a bit better.  Sometimes it’s the little things that you can do to help them out.

I’m also really motivated by seeing the change that Ara Poutama Aotearoa wants to make in how people are managed in prison, and how Hōkai Rangi has set a clear mandate for Ara Poutama to achieve this. I find this really inspirational.”

Amanda also appreciates that she been able to work part-time in the past, which was important to her after having kids. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and volunteering as a tour guide and Chair of the Friends of Karori Cemetery. 

“I also love a good book and time outside either on the beach or one of our local walking tracks.”