Who is this programme for?

This course is ideal for: Current or aspiring leaders in the New Zealand health sector Clinical and non-clinical professionals seeking to grow their leadership capability Health professionals interested in culturally responsive, ethical, and inclusive leadership Current intakes are available exclusively to employees of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and its subsidiaries.

What is a micro-credential?

A micro-credential certifies achievement of a specific and coherent set of skills and/or knowledge. Micro-credentials are created through strong evidence of need by industry, employers, iwi and/or the community. Think of them like a ‘crash course’ on the future – bringing you up to speed on what matters today but also what’s critical for a thriving future. They are designed to be done alongside your busy work and personal life, so you don’t have to take time off to study. Our Micro-credentials give you a recognised NZQA qualification. Delivered through a combination of self-directed learning and weekly live online sessions, you’ll practice and apply the knowledge and skills you learn through two practical assessments. Between 7 and 15 weeks, all micro-credentials have a set price and we run regular intakes at set times of the year.

What qualification will I get?

Upon successful completion of the programme and assessment, you’ll be awarded a 10-credit NZQA Level 7 micro-credential, recognising learning at the same level as that found in a Bachelor’s degree.

What sort of assessments will I complete?

This micro-credential will have one summative assessment. Assessment can individual or group based to encourage collaboration with others. In this micro-credential you will critically analyse a real-world healthcare leadership challenge and reflect on how leadership theories apply to your own practice. You’ll complete a case study (individually or in a group) and submit a personal reflection to show how your thinking and leadership skills have developed throughout the course.

Can I do this course with colleagues?

Absolutely. We encourage you to consider doing the course alongside colleagues, where logistics and approval allows. There are opportunities to work collaboratively on a project of interest for the assessment. Learning is always better together!

How much time will I need to commit?

You’ll spend around 10 hours each week over 10 weeks. This includes attendance at one 90-minute live online workshop (there will be two options of timing each week to choose from). The remaining 8.5 hours includes engaging with flipped learning content on the Learning Management System, independent research, assessment work, workplace application of learning, and reflection. Each week, the 8.5 hours might look slightly different depending on the content and learning activities, your work week, and the time committed to assessment and the due date gets closer (Week 10).

I’m not sure I can fit this in. What should I do?

Talk with your manager about how this can be supported. They can help prioritise the time needed so you can make the most of this development opportunity.

Will I be in a specific cohort?

Cohorts are mixed, so you’ll learn alongside colleagues from different backgrounds and roles. You’re also welcome to form study groups if you wish.

How large are the cohorts?

Each cohort will include between 40 and 100 participants, giving you a supportive learning community with a wide range of perspectives.

I’ve already done leadership training. Is this still relevant?

Yes. This programme helps build a shared leadership language, expand networks, and strengthen communities of practice across Health New Zealand — valuable for all leaders.

What support is available if I need it?

Support is available from academyEX, the Health New Zealand Leadership Development team, and your manager. Please make sure you reach out for help at any stage.

This micro-credential is fully funded for employees of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. At this stage it is not available for any other learners.

What are the entry requirements?

The Health Leadership Development Programme has been developed specifically for Health NZ and is available only to leaders currently employed by Health NZ. Additionally, to be eligible to enrol in this micro-credential, learners/ākonga must be currently employed within the health sector and have: A Level 6 qualification or an equivalent level qualification in a relevant field OR at least 2 years professional experience in a relevant role within the health sector. * Relevant role in this case means experience in a leadership role If you’re an emerging leader without direct leadership experience, but your manager believes you have strong potential, you may still be able to join. They will need to nominate by contacting the Health NZ Leadership and Talent team in the first instance.

You’ll be able to register by clicking Register now button on this page. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and have your manager’s approval before registering. You will be directed through this button to academyEX to complete the onboarding process.

Why do I need my manager’s approval?

Your manager’s support ensures you have protected time for learning and feedback as you apply new skills in your role.

What if my manager doesn’t approve?

We encourage you to discuss any concerns and explore solutions together. If it’s still unresolved, please get in touch with the Health NZ Leadership and Talent team for further guidance.

What recognition will I get?

You’ll receive a digital badge and your learning record will be updated. This credential can be shared in any professional context.

What times are the online sessions?

The online live session will be delivered at two different times each week to try to enable maximum flexibility amongst learner’s busy schedules. Check the Fees and Start dates section on this page for the exact days and session times.

Do I have to attend all the workshops?

Health NZ expects attendance at at least 90% of the sessions. We’ll offer different times and dates to help fit your schedule.

Will workshops be recorded?

The main facilitated content will be recorded, but breakout discussions won’t be recorded to maintain confidentiality.

Can I study and work full time at the same time?

Yes, almost all academyEX learners work full time while studying part time. The workload for micro-credentials has been developed to fit in around full time work or family commitments. The assessment is designed to be practical and linked to personal aspirations and projects.

Can I use my protected time for this?

Yes - if your employment agreement includes protected time away from work, you can use it to attend workshops and complete your learning.

Can I study fully online or do I need to be able to travel to Auckland for classes?

Micro-credentials are delivered entirely online. Each micro-credential has regular online facilitated classes and self-directed study, that includes viewing videos, completing quizzes and reading relevant papers.

What is the time requirement for this programme?

If we look at this from a purely academic perspective, a micro-credential is worth 10 educational credits which equates to 100 hours of learning. But how much time you need to commit each week will depend on the length of the programme. This 10-week micro-credential includes an average of 10 learning hours per week. Health Leadership micro-credential’s blended delivery approach includes self-directed and directed learning activities supported by weekly 90 minute virtual synchronous class sessions. These sessions will be recorded and we recommend attendance where possible to get full value from the programme.

Do I have to sit an exam?

There are no exams. You’ll complete a summative assessment, and once you pass, you’ll receive your microcredential.

Can I choose my cohort start date?

Yes. Available cohort dates are available in the Fees & Start dates section on this page and you will select your preferred start date as you register. Please Note: Enrolments in Cohort 1 (starting 23rd September) are full as they have been filled with the Pilot Group.

When are the next intakes?

All open intakes for this micro-credential are available in the Fees & Start dates section on this page.

When do registrations close?

Registrations close 2 weeks before the start date of the intake you are registering for. Each intake has a limited number of places and registrations may close early once full. Registrations may be accepted on a case-by-case basis after the registration close date at the discretion of academyEX. Please contact us if registrations for a specific intake are closed and you would like to register.

Can I change my cohort start date after registering?

Please contact academyEX if you wish to change the intake you are enrolled in - you can adjust your cohort at any time up until 7 days after the start date, and in exceptional circumstances, changes after the first week of the programme might be possible.

MICRO-CREDENTIAL

Health Leadership

Step into your potential with our Health Leadership micro-credential — designed in collaboration with Health New Zealand, specifically for current and future clinical and non-clinical leaders ready to steer change, foster cultural safety, and shape a healthier Aotearoa. Gain practical, future-focused skills to navigate complexity and lead with compassion.

Currently available to kaimahi employed by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.
Please use your work email address during the registration process.

Course duration

Complete in 10 weeks

Weekly commitment

Live session: 1.5 hours
Prep: 1-2 hours
Apply & reflect: 6.5 hours

Flexible study

100% online, expertly facilitated

Accredited

NZQA accredited, Level 7 (10 Credits)

LEARNING OUTCOMES

What you’ll learn

Whether you're leading in Health New Zealand or preparing to take on a leadership role, this micro-credential will help you strengthen your leadership style and sharpen your impact.

Develop the skills, mindsets and frameworks needed to lead in Aotearoa’s complex, fast-evolving health sector. Through real-world case studies and weekly online sessions, you’ll critically reflect on your own leadership practice and apply adaptive, inclusive and culturally responsive approaches to real challenges in your workplace.

Leadership essentials

Explore culturally responsive leadership grounded in Aotearoa’s unique health context. Develop skills in collaboration, communication, and leading change with a focus on culturally safe practice and inter-professional teamwork.

Adaptive leadership

Build capability to lead through uncertainty with adaptability, emotional intelligence, and compassion. Learn strategies to foster resilience, ethical decision-making, and wellbeing in healthcare teams.

Lead what matters

Build confidence in leading teams through complex, fast-evolving healthcare environments with clarity, resilience, and vision. Gain tools to critically reflect on your leadership practice, apply proven frameworks, and lead positive change.

This course is ideal for:

Current or emerging leaders in Health New Zealand
Health professionals interested in adaptive, culturally responsive and compassionate leadership

Currently available only to leaders and emerging leaders employed by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

What you need to register

Approval from manager

You'll need approval from your manager before registering for this course.

Proof of identity

You will need to provide a copy of your passport or birth certificate to confirm your personal details.

Qualifications & work experience

You may need to provide proof of study or work (e.g. transcript, certificate, or CV). If you’ve worked at HNZ for over 2 years, this won’t be required.

HOW TO APPLY

Application and admissions

Step-by-step process to apply for this course:

Regisiter online

If you're an employee of Health New Zealand, you can register directly on this page. Make sure to upload all required documentation so we can process your application quickly.

Enrolment confirmed

Once your documents and registration have been reviewed and approved, your enrolment will be confirmed. We’ll be in touch with onboarding details ahead of the course start.

Welcome to the whānau!

You're all set to begin your learning journey and join a community of like-minded, lifelong learners.

FEES & START DATES

Let’s get started!

Domestic Student Fees:

This micro-credential is fully funded for employees of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.

International Student Fees:

Not available.

Available course start dates and session times:

08 Sep 2026 - Tues 10:30am-12:00pm or Thurs 3:30pm-5:00pm
22 Sep 2026 - Wed 8:00am-9:30am or Fri 1:00pm-2:30pm
10 Nov 2026 - Tues 1:00pm-2:30pm or Thurs 9:30am-11:00am
24 Nov 2026 - Wed 3:30pm-5:00pm or Fri 9:00am-10:30am

Please note that the cohorts starting on Nov 10 and Nov 24 will run through to the week of December 14, then break over the holiday period, resuming on the Week of January 11.

Registrations close 1 week before the start date.
Spots are limited - complete your application early to secure your place.

Each intake includes two live online session time options.

Live sessions run weekly for 10 weeks. Recordings are available if you can’t attend live.

MICRO-CREDENTIAL