Rick Stewart started his journey at Ara Poutama Aotearoa in 2012 as a Technical Lead.

Now ten years later, he’s an IT Solutions Architect working on the Modern Prisons project, an initiative which aims to improve access to technology for people in prison, as well as for frontline staff.

“I'm excited about this initiative because I think it has the potential to change people's lives for the better and equip them the tools and skills to improve their lives. This has been in the 'too hard' basket for a long time. But now with the investment in improved network infrastructure through projects like Digital Foundations for Hokai Rangi, it looks possible at last.”

The initiative includes the development of a prisoner population app and the trialling Chromebooks in cells, with several applications including Māori language learning, literacy and numeracy puzzles, brain training and websites that support education, rehabilitation and wellbeing.

As an IT Solutions Architect, Rick describes his role as “helping with the operational side of Corrections to use technology to improve the outcomes for people in prison and to make it easier for Frontline staff to do their job safely and effectively.”

He says that part of what drives him is the different technology problems that he gets to explore, which makes the work challenging and interesting.

“There are so many facets to the things that the Department does. Many of the things we do are quite unique when it comes to technology solutions. The business problems facing Corrections are nothing like those in large commercial organisations of similar size.”

For Rick this translates to a varied work environment where every day is different.

“There is no such thing as a typical day - that's what I like about working for Corrections.