New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Peer Support) (Level 4)

Designed for those working in the sector. The New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Peer Support) uses blended learning methods for delivery that combines face to face, online delivery and work-integrated learning. Students attend the polytechnic for eight two day block courses, with the remaining hours completed in the workplace. Workplace hours are a minimum of 18 hours per week and independent study is approximately nine hours per week. The New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Peer Support) will be delivered in collaboration between Kites Trust and Whitireia.

Programme Outline 

The Lived Experience (30 credits)

This course provides the opportunity for the student to demonstrate the skills and knowledge to work effectively as a peer support worker. Students will demonstrate an understanding of self-care strategies and their contribution to wellbeing. Students will reflect on their own lived experience and how this lived experience can be shared in a safe and professional way to support peers and whānau who are experiencing distress.

Whānaungatanga Building Relationships (30 credits)

This course develops skills and knowledge to enable students to build effective professional relationships with peers (people who have experienced similar adversity). Students will demonstrate an understanding of socio-cultural and historical factors that impact on health and/or social outcomes. Students will reflect on their use of appropriate communication strategies that are respectful of diversity and that demonstrate working in partnership with others.

Peer Tools (30 credits)

This course develops the skills and knowledge to enable the student to demonstrate the ability to work effectively as a peer support worker. Students will demonstrate an understanding of advocacy relevant to working alongside peers who have a similar experience. Students will reflect on the peer support tools and strategies used to foster hope and build resilience, self-determination and autonomy.

Leadership (30 credits)

This course develops skills and knowledge that enable students to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of peers and whānau. The student will demonstrate an understanding of their role in quality improvement and its impact on improving health and wellbeing. The student will reflect on their own personal leadership and their ability to influence effective teamwork and policy-relevant to work with people and whānau accessing peer support services. Students will also reflect on the ethical and legal implications related to their role.

New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Peer Support) Course Outline

How to apply

You will need additional forms and documents for your application, please read the steps and download the required forms through the link below.

How to apply

Entry Requirements

NCEA Level 1 or equivalent; employment or voluntary work in a related field for a minimum of three days/18 hours/week with evidence of manager support; evidence of suitability based on employer’s support/referees and safety checks, to meet relevant legislation

International students

Proven equivalence to domestic entry requirements and IELTS 5.5 (no band lower than 5.0), or equivalent.

Government's Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF)

These programmes are FREE under TTAF, covering; compulsory tuition fees, compulsory course costs and compulsory student services fees. Visit tec.govt.nz for more information about TTAF.