NZ Diploma in Child Protection

Students are encouraged to become child protection champions and are able to take proactive leadership roles in their organisations and communities regarding child protection issues. We recommend organisations identify key people to complete the Diploma programme who can then give guidance and support to other staff.

Graduates will be able to…

• implement evidence-based and child-centred practice to protect and advocate for the safety and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi in a range of environments
• apply advanced strategies to identify, prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect, and promote the safety of tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau
• model best-practice in child protection in organisation and community settings to encourage consistent and safe responses to the needs of tamariki and rangatahi
• engage with and support families and whānau from diverse cultural contexts in a child-centred way to promote the safety and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi

2026 Dates

Hamilton
Block One: 17-19 February 2026
Block Two: 14-16 April 2026
Block Three: 16-18 June 2026
Block Four: 11-13 August 2026
Block Five: 6-8 October 2026
Block Six: 24-26 November 2026

Application process:
Please use the Register button to submit your application.  You will also be asked to email a copy of your CV, proof of NZ Citizenship or Residency, and a character reference.  Your manager will also be contacted directly to give a reference.  From there, the Child Matters National Services Manager will review your application and let you know if you have been accepted onto the Diploma programme.  You will then need to register your personal details (all collected for auditing purposes) and create an order so an invoice can be raised.  For any issues or queries, please email diploma@childmatters.org.nz 

Fees Free
Starting tertiary study or work-based learning for the first time? You may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.

Fees Free covers the cost of your fees for the final year of study or final two years of work-based learning, up to $12,000.

When you enrol, you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan – StudyLink.

For more information on the eligibility requirements and when it is best to apply for Fees Free, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.

Student Loan - Apply before 16 December - you can't miss it

If you're studying in 2026, 16 December is a very important date. It's one you just can't miss.

Around 120,000 students will need to get organised for study in 2026. Apply for your student allowance or loan before 16 December to give yourself the best chance of having everything sorted and ready for the start of your course.

If you’ve had a student allowance or loan in the last 12 months, login to MyStudyLink and use the Returning Application to apply. It'll take less than five minutes.