The business qualifications were inherited from the National Qualifications Services (NQS). As part of their 5-year review cycle, Ringa Hora Services Workforce Development Council initiated the review of the New Zealand Certificates and Diplomas in Business Level 3 – Level 6.
The review will ensure these qualifications remain fit for purpose and relevant to the needs of professionals, business functions, and businesses across Aotearoa. This review will consider product (qualification, standards, and micro-credential) opportunities as they are investigated and confirmed.
This suite also included Level 7 Diplomas in Business, and Ringa Hora was tasked to engage, confirm if the existing qualifications owners will retain or transfer ownership, and update these qualifications to the latest NZQA listing standard.
For more information please contact [email protected].
This phase included the following qualifications:
| 1. | New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 3) (60 credits) | Ref: 2452 |
| 2. | New Zealand Certificate in Business (Introduction to Small Business) (Level 3) (60 credits) | Ref: 2454 |
| 3. | New Zealand Certificate in Business (Small Business) (Level 4) (60 credits) | Ref: 2457 |
| 4. | New Zealand Certificate in Business (Administration and Technology) (Level 4) (60 credits) | Ref: 2461
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| 5. | New Zealand Certificate in Business (Accounting Support Services) (Level 4) (50 credits) | Ref: 2455 |
| 6. | New Zealand Certificate in Project Management (Level 4) (60 credits) | Ref: 2462 |
| 7. | New Zealand Diploma in Business (with strands in Accounting, Administration and Technology, Human Resource Management, Leadership and Management, Marketing and Sales, and Project Management) (Level 5) (120 credits) | Ref: 2459 |
| 8. | New Zealand Diploma in Business (with strands in Accounting, Administration and Technology, Human Resource Management, Leadership and Management, Māori Business and Management, Marketing and Sales) (Level 6) (120 credits) | Ref: 2460
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Refer to Te Manu Arataki for updates and information regarding Leadership.
Information was gathered from NZQA, MBIE business insights and needs, economic development agencies, Providers, and small businesses to inform review approach.
These qualifications were grouped together into their natural disciplines, which informed the number of Working Groups needed for the project.
Ringa Hora engaged with a variety of economic development agencies, industry peak bodies, industry associations, small – medium sized businesses within the Service sector, pākihi Māori and Māori business networks, Pasifika businesses and networks, regionally-based small business owners, and industry experts in other sectors to participate in the review.
There were a variety of ways to engage in the project:
Ringa Hora partnered and collaborated with different organisations to amplify the voices of regional business owners, professionals, employers, and community voices into the review of the Business qualifications.
View the 2024 – 2025 Review of Business Qualifications review page for insights.
Ringa Hora established the following Working Groups:
These Working Groups met online and/or face-to-face across May 2024 – February 2025.
View the 2024 – 2025 Review of Business Qualifications for-project information and updates.
The New Zealand Certificates and Diplomas in Business Level 3 – Level 6 qualifications were made available for feedback until end of March 2025.
The following approaches were available to enable a variety of ways for external stakeholders to provide feedback:
The New Zealand Certificates and Diplomas in Business Level 3 – Level 6 were submitted to NZQA in May 2025.
Updates will be posted on the 2024 – 2025 Review of Business Qualifications webpage.
This phase included the following qualifications:
| 1. | Diploma in Hospitality Management (Level 7) | Ref: 3544 |
| 2. | Diploma in Business Management (Level 7) (with specialisations in Brand Management, Business Information Technology, Digital Ubiquitous Marketing) | Ref: 3711 |
| 3. | Diploma in Business Administration (Level 7) | Ref: 107797 |
The existing Qualification Developers will be contacted for further information and planning.
Ringa Hora has engaged with the current qualification owners and has confirmed the following outcomes:
Ringa Hora will collaborate with Alpha Education Institute to review the Diploma in Business Management (Level 7) (with specialisations in Brand Management, Business Information Technology, Digital Ubiquitous Marketing) Ref: 3711.
View all project information and updates here.
Review updates are expected by September 2025.
Review updates are expected by December 2025.
Ringa Hora has conducted an analysis to inform what standards will be reviewed for 2025. The following domains will be reviewed in 2025:
View information and updates on the 2025 Review of Business Standards page.
Ringa Hora will re-engage with tertiary education organisations that have consent to assess, the business qualification Working Group members, and external networks and subject-matter experts to participate in the review.
Feedback and expressions of interest are sought.
View information and updates on the 2025 Review of Business Standards page.
View all project information and updates on the 2025 Review of Business Standards page.
Review updates are expected by September 2025.
Review updates are expected by December 2025.
As part of the qualification review, Ringa Hora and industry subject-matter experts identified the following opportunities to investigate further:
Tendering and procurement
Ringa Hora has engaged with other Workforce Development Councils to understand the needs of small businesses and sole traders in this area.
Ringa Hora is leading the scoping and investigation of generic tendering and/or procurement products (qualification, standards, and micro-credentials).
View all information and updates on the 2025 Tendering and procurement development project.
Bookkeeping
Ringa Hora is engaging with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers New Zealand and Skills Group Training Limited.
Information will be updated soon.
Information will be updated soon.
Information will be updated soon.
