The Drive Home is our article series that focuses on real experiences of our staff – the meaningful moments and challenges that shape a day working at Corrections.

In this article, we hear from Preston, a corrections officer who works face-to-face with women in prison.

When my shift comes to an end, the first thing I do is complete a handover with the night watch officers. Once that's done, it's time to remove my personal protective equipment (PPE), make sure any paperwork is securely disposed of, and wait for clearance from security to exit through the gates.

It's funny what you notice when you leave. The air smells fresher. The colours seem brighter. Working in a rural prison, I can hear lambs, cows and birds instead of radio traffic and unit noise. Most days, the sun is beginning to set as I head home.

When I get to my car, I take a moment to reflect. I think about the day, the positives, the challenges, and anything I can learn from it before I switch my focus to home.

Daily rhythm

Today, I watched a woman leave prison after serving a long sentence.

I'd seen her journey from the beginning of her sentence through to preparation for release. Being part of that process and watching someone work towards positive change is one of the most meaningful aspects of the role.

Moments like that remind me that rehabilitation isn't just a programme. It's something we help support every day. Progress isn't always straightforward, but seeing positive change over time makes the work worthwhile.

Today wasn't a typical day for me. I was working in the Mothers with Babies self-care unit, where eligible women can care for their babies while serving their sentence. The women in this unit are generally low-to-minimum security and are nearing the end of their sentences. Many have jobs, have completed programmes, and are actively preparing for life back in the community.

No matter the unit, the core responsibilities stay the same. The day revolves around unlocking and locking units, supporting rehabilitation and reintegration activities, helping women maintain contact with whānau and support networks, and ensuring minimum entitlements are met.

Safety remains a constant focus. That includes cell and facility searches, incident reporting, and maintaining a secure environment for everyone.

Influencing change

Corrections officers are often seen as people who simply manage security. While that's an important part of the job, there's much more to it than that.

Positive role modelling matters – being calm, professional and consistent helps people learn different ways of dealing with stress and conflict. We support rehabilitation every day, whether that’s encouraging programme attendance, or simply building rapport by treating the women in prison with respect and fairness.

At the same time, public safety is always at the heart of what we do. Maintaining a safe, controlled environment protects our communities, our colleagues, and the people we manage.

Working as a team

This role would be impossible without teamwork.

Support can look different depending on the situation. Sometimes it's seeing a sea of blue uniforms arrive when an incident is called over the radio. Other times it's managers and supervising officers taking the time to be present on the floor, supporting staff and engaging with prisoners.

More often, it's the small everyday moments. Checking in on each other. Sharing snacks or lunch during a busy shift. Looking out for your teammates and making sure everyone gets through the day safely.

The things that make me feel supported are straightforward: having the right PPE available, knowing I have access to training, and having leaders who are visible and engaged.

I'll be honest, this is not an easy job.

You will be challenged. You will be tested. Long shifts and busy weeks can leave you physically and mentally drained. By the end of some days, I'm tired, overstimulated, and often hungry.

But I'm also fulfilled.

At the end of the day, it’s meaningful to help people reintegrate into the community. I take pride in being able to do the job with integrity, fairness and positivity, even when it's tough.

For anyone considering becoming a corrections officer, I think the people who thrive are those with strong life experience, resilience and emotional intelligence. You need a positive attitude, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

As I drive past the sheep in the paddocks and the daffodils lining the driveway, I'm reminded that while the work can be challenging, helping someone build a better future makes it worthwhile.