Robbie Morrish

Strategic and values-driven operational leader with 10+ years of experience leading complex residential and custodial services across New Zealand and the UK. Expertise in people leadership, service delivery, and operational transformation in high-risk environments. Committed to values-led leadership and culturally responsive practice aligned with Te Ao Māori.

Resident Manager at University of Auckland (2022-01 – Present)

Lead operations for one of Australasia's largest first-year residential communities.

• Lead operations for one of Australasia's largest first-year residential communities.
• Manage a multidisciplinary leadership team and student leaders supporting residential services.
• Oversee wellbeing, tenancy management, property operations, and community engagement.
• Deliver cultural and engagement programmes that strengthen residential community wellbeing.
• Manage recruitment, contracts, performance management, and staff development.
• Act as Senior On-Call Manager responding to complex incidents and emergencies.
• Serve as second-in-command to the Head of Operations during executive leadership absences.
• Manage operational budgets, reporting, risk management, and strategic initiatives.

Operations Manager at Department of Corrections (2020-01 – 2022-12)

Oversaw custodial operations in a high-security prison environment.

• Oversaw custodial operations in a high-security prison environment.
• Managed residential managers and frontline staff performance and development.
• Led critical incident response and investigation processes.
• Implemented operational improvements and risk management strategies.
• Managed industrial relations matters and health and safety compliance.
• Chaired the Diversity and Inclusion Network promoting inclusive leadership.

Principal Corrections Officer at Department of Corrections (2017-01 – 2020-12)

Led frontline staff managing residential prison units.

• Led frontline staff managing residential prison units.
• Conducted risk assessments and managed health and safety compliance.
• Supported rehabilitation initiatives and behavioural programmes.
• Contributed to the development of New Zealand's first residential drug and alcohol unit for remand prisoners.

Senior Corrections Officer at Department of Corrections (2015-01 – 2017-12)

Supervised custodial teams and ensured safe daily operations.

• Supervised custodial teams and ensured safe daily operations.
• Maintained security and compliance with operational procedures.

Executive Master of Business Administration in Business Administration – Massey University (2026-01)

Bachelor of Applied Management in Applied Management – Open Polytechnic of New Zealand (2023-01 – 2025-12)

Change Management Practitioner Certification in Change Management – ITSM Hub (2025-01 – 2025-12)

Mana Ora in Māori Business & Management – Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (2025-01 – 2026-12)

Diploma in Prison Management in Prison Management – Department of Corrections (2021-01 – 2021-12)