Mate’s 30+ year journey in Correctional facilities includes almost 23 years dedicated to the Department of Corrections. What started as a chance meeting and a short-term contract, grew into a lifelong career focused on people, culture and positive change.

Raised in a small community on the east coast of the North Island, Mate affiliates to Te Whānau a Apanui, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Awa and Ngai te Rangi. His upbringing, whānau and strong connection to Te Ao Māori continue to shape how he leads and works with others today.

An unexpected path into Corrections

Mate’s journey with Corrections began not through a formal recruitment process, but through chance, initiative and a willingness to step forward.

“About 30 years ago, I was struggling financially as a student at Auckland University,” Mate explains. “While shopping at a local supermarket, I overheard a man looking for a qualified carver in Māori Art and Design, and I realised I could help.”

Mate had completed his training and apprenticeship at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua, now known as Te Puia, specialising in greenstone and bone carving. The following day, he was invited to an informal interview at Auckland Prison.

“The man was the programmes manager for Auckland Prison at the time and, processes being what they were at the time, offered me a six-month contract to deliver a carving programme to ten men in one of the prison units.”

As the contract came to an end, it was the men in the programme who encouraged Mate to stay and consider a career with Corrections. He took their advice, beginning his journey as a corrections officer.

Early in his career, Mate was struck by the disproportionate number of Māori people in prison. This awareness deepened Mate’s resolve to contribute in ways that centred culture, dignity and meaningful change; not just within formal programmes, but through everyday interactions and practice.

A career shaped by growth and contribution

Mate’s career has spanned frontline, specialist cultural and senior advisory roles, reflecting the range of career paths available within Corrections.

Today, as Lead Adviser for Māori Community Partnerships and Pathways, Mate works across communities and services to build pathways that support more positive outcomes for the people we manage.

When asked what has helped him grow most throughout his career, Mate points not to titles or promotions, but to people and values.

“Supporting my team with meaningful advice has been central to my own growth,” says Mate. “Seeing them progress into senior roles has been especially rewarding.”

He also credits the Department’s support for his academic studies, and the freedom to lead authentically, as key to his development.

Reflecting on his career, Mate recalls a quote from a retired colleague: “I came, I saw and I made a difference.”

For Mate, making a difference isn’t about large-scale organisational change, but about consistent, deliberate actions taken every day.

“That might look like helping a teammate grow by sharing advice on career development, or creating an environment where team members feel safe to admit mistakes and share ideas without fear of harsh criticism.”

These everyday actions, Mate believes, are what truly shape culture and enable people to thrive.

Mate’s career shows what’s possible when passion, culture and opportunity align. There is no single pathway in Corrections, but for those motivated by people, purpose and growth, the journey can be both unexpected and deeply meaningful.