NEW ZEALAND
DIPLOMA
in Business

LEVEL

05

Leadership strand
(pending NZQA approval)

This practical Level 5 diploma equips you with the skills to lead teams, manage change, communicate with influence, and create inclusive workplace cultures. With a strong focus on kaitiakitanga, ethical leadership, and real New Zealand business contexts, you’ll graduate ready for leadership roles or further study pathways, including progression to higher-level business qualifications.

120

CREDITS

40

WEEKS

30 HOURS PER WEEK

Hybrid Learning

9.00am-2.30pm: MON -TUE
1.5 hours online: WED -THU

COURSE OUTLINE

Ready to take the next step in your career? The New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) (Leadership) is designed for future leaders who want to develop the skills, confidence, and practical knowledge needed to lead teams, support business success, and make a positive impact in the workplace.

Throughout this programme, you’ll learn how to lead people through change, build strong and inclusive workplace cultures, communicate with confidence, and drive continuous improvement within an organisation. You’ll also gain a solid understanding of how businesses operate and how effective leaders contribute to organisational performance.

A unique feature of this qualification is its focus on kaitiakitanga, a New Zealand approach to leadership that emphasises respect, responsibility, and stewardship of people, resources, and relationships. You’ll develop the cultural awareness and leadership skills needed to work effectively in New Zealand’s diverse and bicultural business environment.

Learning is practical and applied, with regular opportunities to work on real-world business challenges and leadership scenarios. Whether you’re a recent school leaver, currently in the workforce, changing careers, or looking to formalise your existing leadership experience, this programme will help you build valuable and transferable skills that employers are looking for.

The programme can be completed full-time in one year or part-time to fit around work and other commitments. Graduates will be well prepared for leadership and supervisory roles across a wide range of industries or can continue their studies through higher-level business qualifications.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to lead with confidence, communicate effectively, support positive change, and contribute to successful teams and organisations.

Further study opportunities: Take your learning even further. Crown’s pathway arrangement with Massey University allows eligible graduates to progress directly into the second year of a Bachelor of Business degree (conditions apply), helping you build on your diploma and work towards a prestigious university qualification with advanced standing.

Course Delivery Method:

Face to face in a classroom setting, with elements of blended online learning.

THE COURSE CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING 8 MODULES:

Each module is delivered over 5 weeks

Business environments and operational decision-making

Kaitiakitanga in leadership: Continuous improvement in practice

Business operations, innovation and change

Leading change and improvement

Stakeholder relationships and business communication

Building workplace culture and inclusive teams

Te Tiriti, ethics and inclusive practice in business

Communicating to lead: influence and interpersonal effectiveness

Upcoming Intakes


COURSE DATES

2 February - 17 December 2027

2 March 2027 - 10 March 2028

entry requirements

Domestic Student

  • 16 years of age or older at course start date
  • NCEA level 3 with a minimum or 14 numeracy and 8 literacy credits at level 1 or higher
  • Students who do not meet the entry requirements may be accepted at the discretion of the department head.

International student

  • 18 years of age or older at course start date 
  • IELTS (Academic) 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0 (or NZQA approved equivalent) 
  • NCEA level 3 (if residing in New Zealand) or equivalent

Further STudy

Massey University
Direct Entry to Year 2 of the
Bachelor of Business (Any Major)*
*conditions apply

CAREER PATHWAY

CAREER OPTIONS

Employment
Pathways

Find more employment
options at Tahatū, Career Navigator

A qualification in this course can lead to great jobs such as:

Team Leader or Supervisor

Operations Coordinator

Junior Manager or Management Trainee