Health and community care workers will soon benefit from a new suite of micro-credentials that can lead towards the attainment of the New Zealand Certificate in Long-Term Health Conditions qualification (Level 3) (55 credits). 

Toitū te Waiora Workforce Development Council developed a suite of skill standards, micro-credentials, and a qualification, in collaboration with Diabetes New Zealand, Arthritis New Zealand  Matemōpōpōna Aotearoa, Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Heart Foundation, with support from Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora. 

The micro-credentials can be assessed by new skill standards approved in February 2025, and ‘stacked’ to award of the New Zealand Certificate in Long-Term Health Conditions qualification. Learners can complete each micro-credential separately, choosing the topics most relevant to their work or learning goals. If a learner completes all five micro-credentials, they will be eligible for award of the New Zealand Certificate in Long-Term Health Conditions qualification.  

Open Polytechnic, which delivers online distance learning throughout New Zealand, is intending to seek accreditation to award the new micro-credentials, with delivery to commence sometime in 2026. 

The learning pathway aims to enhance the knowledge and confidence of health care assistants, carers, kaiāwhina, health coaches and health promoters in supporting individuals and whānau living with long-term health conditions. 

The suite enables them to recognise and understand the key characteristics and impacts of long-term health conditions, apply principles of hauora and cultural responsiveness to support holistic care and support behavioural change, promoting healthier lifestyles by addressing modifiable risk factors. 

Learners will build confidence in working alongside individuals and whānau living with long-term conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, stroke, and heart disease. 

For more information, please go to the Toitū te Waiora website.