Why This Programme

Running a Business Is Hard. Growing One Requires a Plan.

Most business owners learn on the job — dealing with problems as they come, without a framework for making smarter decisions.

The result? Missed opportunities, wasted time, and risks that could have been avoided.

The New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) – Project Management strand gives you the skills, tools & structure to take your business further — without pausing your operation.

Work on your business while working in your business.

See What You'll Study

The Qualification

Diploma in Small Business and Project Management

A practical, hands-on programme designed for people already running or managing a business in New Zealand. Everything you learn is applied directly to your own business.

📊

Business Skills and Knowledge

Learn through a range of business-themed workshops designed to fill your toolkit.

Business analysis and strategy
Sales, Marketing & Branding
Finance & Operations
Health and Safety, HR

🗂️

Project Management

Apply proven project management techniques to a real initiative in your business. Plan it, execute it, and measure it — with one-on-one mentoring throughout.

Project planning and scoping
Timeline and resource management
Stakeholder communication
Risk identification and mitigation
Project review and reporting

Ready to Enquire? →

Points of Difference

Why Choose Te Wananga o Aotearoa?

There are several other tertiary institutes offering this course — so why choose Te Wananga o Aotearoa?

Our points of difference:

💬

Weekly Live Classes, Delivered Online

Work with a group of similarly motivated peers from all around Aotearoa
Get your questions answered in real time
The group dynamic means you learn more, and faster
The low/no fee providers don't offer this
Other institutes cost 3 times as much

🎯

Projects Targeted to Your Own Business

You plan and implement 2 projects to meet your business needs
You get the benefits of these project outcomes while developing your project management skills
Apply the knowledge from the business workshops that meet your needs — you are not tested on things that don't matter!

🤝

Excellent Support, Resources & Expertise

Course materials are provided within the course fees
Accessible and friendly Student and IT support
Great guest speakers with industry expertise
1-1 mentoring with your Kaiako Mike

💰

Competitive Fees & Service

Significantly lower fees than other mainstream providers offering contact delivery
More support than low-fee distance providers
Student loan & allowance eligibility
Fees are tax deductible as professional development for self-employed and business owners

The Process

How It Works

1

Apply & Enquire

Fill in the form below or get in touch with Mike. You'll have a brief conversation to confirm the programme is the right fit for where your business is now.

2

Study Online via Zoom

Attend weekly Zoom sessions from anywhere in New Zealand. Study fits around your business — no need to travel, take time off, or attend a campus.

3

Graduate with Your Level 5

Complete both business projects and receive your New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5) — a nationally recognised NZQA qualification, a fantastic investment in your future success.

Your Kaiako / Tutor

Hi, I'm Mike

I've spent years working with New Zealand business owners — helping them build structure, reduce risk, and create real growth. I know how hard it is to find time to study when you're running a business. That's why this programme is designed to work with your business, not against it.

As your kaiako (tutor), I provide one-on-one mentoring throughout the programme. The projects you complete aren't hypothetical — they're real initiatives you implement in your own business.

Masters in Business Administration (MBA)

Adult Education Level 5 qualified

Accredited tutor — Te Wananga o Aotearoa

Years of experience mentoring NZ business owners

Study with Mike →

Student Stories

What Past Students Say

Thank you for your kind words, guidance, and support over my time studying with you. It's been quite the journey for sure and I hope you continue to find meaning and value teaching other students going forward. I'm incredibly grateful I had the opportunity to complete the course when I did. There is so much I have already continued to carry forward and I know that won't be stopping any time soon.

Tabitha

You are an incredible mentor. Your care, guidance, and passion for what you do are truly inspiring, and I’m so grateful to have you supporting me through this.

Carolina

Mike’s teachings are grounded in the real world. He’s not just a kaiako, he’s a mentor. He helped shape my business thinking, and I’ve been able to use that at the bowling centre. We’ve identified new opportunities for growth, and I’ve been confident to put ideas into action. https://www.twoa.ac.nz/hononga/news/2025/07/31/whanau-fuelled-success-at-te-wananga-o-aotearoa

Nadia

Graduated Student in 2024

It was a pleasure being apart of your classes this last year. Your course content was easy to follow and will be very useful in my mahi.

Mary

It feels weird to look back at what I was doing a year ago, and how stressed I was - and now thanks to the course and your tuition, I feel like I have the skills to make a brighter future for myself :)

Antoinette

I thoroughly enjoyed the course and learnt so much. What I really did find useful was the filling in of knowledge in areas where my knowledge was not that great, like marketing. I really admire your genuine passion for helping others succeed.

Paul

Get Started

Enquire About the Next Intake

Day or night options available, places are limited.

Fill in the form and Mike will be in touch to talk you through it.

Intake 1 February — Study begins Term 1

Intake 2 July — Study begins Term 3

Invest now in your future success!

✔ Student loans & allowances available ✔ 100% online
You must be involved in managing or owning an existing NZ business or side venture to enquire.

Grow Your Business With a Nationally Recognised Level 5 Diploma — Fully Online