Te Wānanga o Aotearoa_Arahi Kaupapa_Diploma in Small Business & Project Management

Small Business & Project Management

Classroom learning

Diploma
Classroom
No fees
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa_Arahi Kaupapa_Diploma in Small Business & Project Management 2. people brainstorming in a boardroom with post-it notes

Tirohanga whānui

Lead projects and grow your business

This diploma develops your capability to analyse, plan, and lead within small business and project environments. You’ll learn how to manage projects through their full life cycle while applying advanced business principles across operations, marketing, accounting, human resources, and risk management.

Through a balance of theory and applied learning, you’ll build the confidence to innovate, manage change, and make strategic decisions that enhance business performance. You’ll also explore how Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles can be integrated into business and project operations, supporting ethical and culturally grounded leadership.

He aha tāu ka whiwhi?

Skills you'll leave with

Completing this programme means you’ll be able to:

  • Analyse internal and external business environments to inform decision-making

  • Apply business principles in operations, marketing, HR, accounting, and risk management

  • Contribute to innovation and organisational change

  • Build and maintain stakeholder relationships that support business performance

  • Apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles to operational and business contexts

  • Demonstrate professional, ethical, and culturally responsive leadership

  • Manage projects through their full life cycle using recognised tools and techniques

  • Lead stakeholder engagement and communication across project phases

Mā te mahi ka ako

Learn by doing

You'll complete multiple business and project-based activities like:

  • Analysing your own business operations

  • Planning and delivering real projects

  • Preparing business and project documentation

  • Delivering presentations

  • Participating in mentoring

Ngā ara e wātea ana

Where will this take me?

On completion, you'll have the skills to:

Keep studying
Continue your studies with the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 6) or other relevant qualifications in leadership, management, or Māori business.

Use at work
Apply to running your own business. Or, pursue a career pathway in business administration, project coordination, or management. The project management skills you gain will support leadership positions across a range of industries and community organisations.

Community involvement
Use your business and project management expertise to support whānau, hapū, or community initiatives that promote sustainable development and growth.

He meka

Quick facts

  • Level 5 (Intermediate)
  • 120 Credits
  • 38 Weeks
  • NZ Diploma in Business (Project Management) Level 5
  • In class
  • No fees
  • NZQA Accredited
  • In some locations this programme may be provided by a sub-contractor

Paearu whakauru

Entry criteria

You can enrol if you: 

  • Are 16 years or older 

  • Are a NZ citizen or resident (includes Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau) or Australian citizen/permanent resident 

  • Currently reside in New Zealand 

  • Attend an interview with a kaiako

  • Meet one of the following requirements:

    • You are an existing business owner

    • You are in the process of establishing a business with a current business plan

    • You are involved in the management of a small business with authority to initiate and implement projects in operations, sales, or marketing

Te wā

Time commitment

This programme is:  

  • Full-time  

  • 120 credits 

  • 38 weeks long (including holidays) 

  • Classroom-based, with mentoring sessions and wānanga

Kōnae ako

Learning modules

Ki hea, mō āhea hoki au ako ai?

Where and when can I learn?

Prefer learning in an online classroom with others? Check out our online offerings. 

Kaupapa anamata

Upcoming events

Close up of a red and black korowai

He Puāwaitanga Whirikoka 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Gisborne

Gisborne War Memorial Theatre - 159 Bright Street, Gisborne
Free
Close up of someone wearing a korowai

He Puāwaitanga Ōpōtiki 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Ōpōtiki

Ōpōtiki De Luxe Theatre - 127 Church Street, Ōpōtiki
Free
A woman in graduation robes and a man hongi outside the wharenui

He Puāwaitanga Waihōpai 2026

Graduation Ceremony, Invercargill

Southern Institute of Technology - 133 Tay Street, Invercargill 9810
Free

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