NZ Diploma in Child Protection

Applications open 31 August 2026 for the 2027 cohort

Learners are encouraged to become child protection champions and are able to take proactive leadership roles within 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 the families and whanau.
• 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 whanau from diverse cultural contexts in a child-centred way to promote the safety and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

2027 Dates

The NZ Diploma in Child Protection is a one-year programme starting in February 2027.  Learning consists of in-person block courses, self-directed tasks, and live online tutorials.  The Diploma programme will be run in Hamilton in 2027 - see below for block course dates:

Block One: 9-11 February 2027
Block Two: 6-8 April 2027
Block Three: 1-3 June 2027
Block Four: 10-12 August 2027
Block Five: 5-7 October 2027
Block Six: 30 November - 2 December 2027

Fees

The fees for the NZ Diploma in Child Protection are $1,100 + GST per learner.  These fees cover class tuition, resources, daily morning tea during in-class tuition, and related administration costs.

Application process

Please use the Register button to submit your application.  Please then email a copy of your current CV, proof of NZ citizenship or residency, and a written character reference from someone other than your manager to diploma@childmatters.org.nz.  Your manager will also be directed to provide a reference.  

From there, the Child Matters National Services Manager will review your application and we will let you know if you have been accepted onto the Diploma programme.  You will then need to register your personal details (only collected for auditing and reporting purposes) and create an order so an invoice for your fees can be raised.  

If you have any issues with the application or registration process, please email diploma@childmatters.org.nz.

Student Loan

The NZ Diploma in Child Protection is considered full-time equivalent study, so you may be eligible for a StudyLink student loan for your course fees.  To find out if you are eligible, please visit the StudyLink website.