Program Overview

New Zealand Diploma in Primary Industry Business Management (Level 5)

Overview

This programme is designed to equip you with skills and knowledge that will increase your confidence to make sound business decisions, enable you to ensure your team is productive and engaged, and to improve your bottom line. It's delivered each week via a two-hour Zoom class and an online tutorial. Everything you learn will apply to the business you work in.

What will I study

The diploma covers management and planning in four key areas: finance, business, staffing and sustainability. You’ll learn about:

• Employment obligations and responsibilities
• Human resources issues and strategies for good workplace relationships
• Budgets and cash flow forecasts
• GST and PAYE
• Evaluating opportunities for future performance

You’ll also learn about concepts of asset management, transfer and succession; analysing environmental management practices and addressing shortcomings; ensuring long term viability and sustainability; nutrient budgeting for Land Management units.

Pathway

This programme offers the flexibility to work towards the full diploma or complete only courses that you require. You can start at the beginning of any of the four terms.

Details

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $538.50 - $4,308 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• 48 Credits at NCEA Level 2 including 12 credits in English or Māori
• A relevant qualification at NZQF Level 3; or above or Equivalent

Additional Requirements

• You should be in a position to access financial and production performance information about a specific primary industry business.

Alternative Requirements

• Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
  • You are eligible for Special Admission if you are 20 years of age or older and have not reached the general admission requirements for this programme.
  • If you are not yet 20 years of age and have not reached the general admission requirements for this programme, you may be eligible for Discretionary Admission.
  • If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

English Requirements

• What if English is not my first Language?
  • Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
    • English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
  • If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
  • If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
  • IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
  • What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Funding assistance

• If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core courses

• Primary Industry Business Planning (NSCI5901) - 15 credits
• Fundamentals of Financial Management & ... (NSCI5902) - 15 credits
• Financial Analysis for Primary Industry... (NSCI5903) - 15 credits
• Human Resource Management in Primary Industry (NSCI5904) - 15 credits
• Workplace Compliance in Primary Industry (NSCI5905) - 15 credits
• Environmental Sustainability for Primary Industry (NSCI5906) - 15 credits
• Business Risk Management for Primary Industry (NSCI5907) - 15 credits
• Primary Industry Strategic Analysis and... (NSCI5908) - 15 credits

Career opportunities

• After completing this qualification you can go on to work as an agribusiness manager/ owner. Part-time up to 3 years.

Programme Information

• Type: Diploma
• Code: NZ2221
• Next Starts: October 2025
• Credits: 120
• Level: 5
• Additional Equipment/Fees: Advised on enrolment
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• Available Part time: Yes
• May be eligible for Fees Free?: Yes
• Reference: NZ2221-STRU

COVID-19 vaccination information

• Placements or workplace assignments are an integral part of this programme. You don’t need to supply evidence of your Covid vaccination status to apply for or to study this programme but please be aware that some workplaces may require evidence from you that you are fully vaccinated for Covid before allowing you to complete work at their organisation. The number of organisations at which your placement or workplace assignment can be completed may be impacted, depending on your vaccination status.