This fit-for-purpose qualification, grounded in Mataora model of hauora practice, is open to anyone passionate about strengthening wellbeing for whānau and communities. Whether you are already working in the social, health, education, or community sectors, or seeking to deepen your understanding of mātauranga Māori approaches, this programme equips you with practical skills, cultural insight, and confidence to support whānau-centred wellbeing in meaningful and transformative ways.

Programme Outcomes:

Graduates of the New Zealand Diploma in Whānau Ora (Level 5) will develop the knowledge, practical skills, and professional capability to deliver culturally grounded, whānau-centred services. Guided by te ao Māori and the values of whanaungatanga, kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga, pūkengatanga, whakamana, rangatiratanga, and mana motuhake, graduates will be equipped to build meaningful relationships, coordinate services and support, apply systems and processes, and implement and evaluate Whānau Ora practices that strengthen whānau wellbeing and aspirations.  Through critical reflection, graduates will also enhance their professional practice, supporting positive and sustainable outcomes for whānau and their communities.

Programme Modules:

WOD501: Whanaungatanga and Coordinated Communication Practice

WOD502: Whānau Ora Systems, Policy, and Kaitiakitanga-Based Practice

WOD503: Rangatiratanga in Planning, Implementation, and Resource Coordination

WOD504: Whānau Ora Practice – Applied Facilitation and Manaakitanga

WOD505: Evaluation, Quality Improvement, and Pūkengatanga in Whānau Ora Practice

WOD506: Critical Reflection, Leadership and Rangatiratanga

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

If you believe you have existing knowledge, skills, or experience gained through previous study, employment, or life experiences, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). WaiTech will assess your eligibility and determine whether your prior learning meets the relevant programme requirements, potentially reducing the assessments you need to complete.

This programme provides an introduction to Whānau Ora practice for those aspiring to work alongside whānau and their communities.  Learners will develop the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to support whānau through culturally grounded, strengths-based approaches.  Guided by te ao Māori, tikanga, and the values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and kaitiakitanga, the programme prepares learners to engage with whānau with care, respect, and integrity, supporting their aspirations and wellbeing in a safe and supportive environment.

Programme Modules:

WOD301 Whakawhanaungatanga: Building Connections

WOD302 Systems and Processes for Whānau Support

WOD303 Assisting Well-Informed Decisions

WOD304 Whānau Ora Planning

WOD305 Designing a Whānau Ora Plan

WOD306 Reflective Practice and Rangatiratanga

This micro-credential in Kaitiakitanga aims to equip learners with knowledge and competencies in planning, facilitating, implementing and evaluating various social services initiatives and interventions designed to promote the welfare and wellbeing of whānau including the important role cultural competence plays in these situations.

Programme Outcome:

On the successful completion of this micro-credential in Kaitiakitanga, you will be able to:

• manage referrals for a family meeting or whānau hui; co-ordinate planning of a family meeting or whānau hui; and co-ordinate the welcome and hospitality for a family meeting or whānau hui.
• assess a situation for its suitability for disputes resolution for Iwi/Māori social service purposes; make arrangements to convene a disputes resolution process; contribute to the opening of a disputes resolution hui; contribute to the hui process for disputes resolution; and contribute to the closure of a disputes resolution hui.
• Identify triggers that may potentially lead to at-risk situations for Māori; explain at-risk behaviours and their impact on the hauora of Māori; and present a case study that includes triggers, behaviours and intervention strategies
• analyse the concern, issue, or need requiring advocacy in social service work; plan a course of action for advocacy in social service work; implement the course of action for advocacy in social service work; and evaluate and amend the course of action for advocacy in social service work.
• in social service work with abuse, neglect, or violence: develop a plan for protection or safety; facilitate implementation of a plan for protection or safety; and close a plan for protection or safety.

Credit Transfer:

We will assess your NZQA prior achievements to see if you are eligible for a credit transfer.