Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
To provide students with the skills and knowledge to work with clients who have mental health and addictions needs.
If you want to work alongside people and whānau across the health and wellbeing sectors, including mental health and addiction support work, this programme is for you. You’ll learn all the tools and strategies to foster hope, support recovery and build resilience in individuals and families.
Graduates of this programme are able to:
- engage and communicate with people, family and/or whānau accessing social and community services in a manner which respects their socio-cultural identity, experiences and self-knowledge
- relate the history of Māori as tangata whenua and knowledge of person-whānau interconnectedness to own role in a health and wellbeing setting
- display self-awareness, reflective practice and personal leadership in a health and wellbeing setting
- actively contribute to a culture of professionalism, safety and quality in a health and wellbeing organisation
- relate the purpose and impact of own role to the aims of the wider health and wellbeing sector.
Graduates of the Mental Health and Addiction Support strand will be able to:
- work alongside people, family and/or whānau in a mental health addiction setting to support autonomy by using tools and strategies to foster hope, support recovery and build resilience.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Applicants under 20 years
- Have achieved NCEA Level 1; or
- Any approved qualification at Level 3 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework
Applicants 20 years or over
- Must be able to demonstrate skills for tertiary study that have been acquired through study, work and/or life experience
Other Requirements
All applicants must be prepared to authorise a current police check to ensure suitability. The Vulnerable Children Act 2014 will prohibit students with “specified offences” from working with children in some roles and this may hinder their ability to complete the qualification/s. Students should check whether their convictions apply. A full list of the specified offences can be found here (search for “specified offences”).
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Learn online with Open Polytechnic, with regional support by NorthTec:
- Access to a NorthTec facilities – computer/meeting room access, library and student support.
- Local workshops – optional workshops where you can be supported in your online learning with others studying the same programme as you. Located in Whangārei, Ngāwhā, Kerikeri, Kaitaia, & other campuses as demand requires.
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy and any course-related costs. The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) for programmes level 3 and above.
Unless otherwise stated, prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST. Prices that are not explicitly indicated as International are the domestic price and may differ for International students. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Education and Employment Pathways
For graduates who intend to pursue further study related to health and wellbeing, this qualification may lead on to the New Zealand Certificate in Public Health and Health Promotion (Level 5), New Zealand Diploma in Addiction Studies (Applied) (Level 6) or bachelor’s degrees in related health and wellbeing subject areas.
For graduates who intend to pursue further study related to leadership and management, this qualification may lead on to the New Zealand Certificate in Business (First Line Management) (Level 4), the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) or bachelor’s degrees in related leadership and management subject areas.
To complete this programme, students must achieve a minimum of 120 credits. Students must attend at least 80% of weekly study days.
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
