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

Auckland
Block One - 17-19 February 2026
Block Two - 21-23 April 2026
Block Three - 23-25 June 2026
Block Four - 18-20 August 2026
Block Five - 13-15 October 2026
Block Six - 1-3 December 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
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.

If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.

For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz

5-day Child Protection Studies Programme