Small Business & Project Management
Classroom learning
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
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?
No classes are currently open for application.
Prefer learning in an online classroom with others? Check out our online offerings.
Kaupapa anamata
Upcoming events
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