We are pleased to announce that NZQA has approved the New Zealand Certificate in Long-Term Health Conditions (Level 3) [Ref: 5299]. 

Developed by Toitū te Waiora, alongside Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand, Diabetes New Zealand, the Heart Foundation, and Arthritis NZ – Mateponapona Aotearoa.   This qualification provides a foundational pathway for those supporting people with long-term health conditions across Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Why was this qualification developed? 

This qualification was developed in direct response to sector feedback and rising demand for workers who understand the broad impacts of long-term conditions and can contribute meaningfully to person-centred care. 

It supports a growing workforce across community, residential, and primary care settings and is ideal for learners who are: 

• New or current health and wellbeing workers supporting people with long-term conditions 

• Seeking foundational knowledge in health promotion and condition management 

• Looking to advance into higher-level qualifications or roles in the sector 

Graduate Profile Outcomes 

Graduates of this qualification will be able to: 

• Determine the scope of long-term conditions, to support health and wellbeing outcomes in Aotearoa, New Zealand.  

• Recognise the key characteristics of common long-term conditions 

• Determine the prevalence of common long-term conditions in Aotearoa New Zealand 

• Identify strategies and medical treatments used to manage common long-term conditions 

• Recognise the potential impacts of a diagnosis for a person, their whānau, and caregivers 

What’s next? 

The listed qualification will be published on the NZQA website shortly. The next review is scheduled for 31 December 2029 to ensure the qualification remains aligned with sector needs and developments in long-term condition care.