Program Overview

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New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services - Mental Health and Addiction Support)

Programme Overview

Become a mental health and addiction support worker. Foster hope, support recovery and build resilience. This programme is designed for those working in the sector.

Programme Details

Level

4

Campus

Porirua

Start Date

23/02/2026

Duration

1 year, full-time, part-time options available

Domestic Fees

TBA

Programme Outline

This programme is delivered using blended learning methods which combines face to face, online delivery, and work-integrated learning.

Teaching and Learning

This programme offers the following four courses:

• Whānaungatanga Building Relationships (30 credits) This course develops skills and knowledge to enable students to build effective professional relationships with people, families and whānau, and community networks in a health or social service setting. Students demonstrate an understanding of socio-cultural and historical factors that impact on health and/or social outcomes. Students reflect on their use of appropriate communication strategies that are respectful of diversity and that demonstrate working in partnership with others.
• Safety and Practice in Mental Health and Addiction Support (30 credits) This course develops skills and knowledge that enables students to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of people, whānau and families engaged in a mental health and addiction setting. Students demonstrate an understanding of advocacy relevant to working with people, whānau and/or family accessing mental health addiction services. Students reflect on ethical and legal implications related to their role.
• Leadership and Cultural Responsiveness (30 credits) This course develops skills and knowledge to enable students to provide culturally responsive care and advocate appropriately. Students demonstrate an understanding of their role in quality improvement and its impact on improving health and wellbeing. Students reflect on their own personal leadership and their ability to influence effective teamwork to work alongside and promote self-management and health literacy people, families and whānau.
• Understanding Mental Health and Addiction (30 credits) This course develops the skills and knowledge to enable students to demonstrate the ability to work effectively as a mental health and addiction support worker. Students will demonstrate an understanding of human development and health conditions relevant to mental health and addiction practice. Students will reflect on the tools and strategies used to foster hope, support recovery and build resilience.

Entry Requirements

Domestic

• NCEA Level 1 or equivalent
• Evidence of suitability based on referees and safety check, to meet relevant legislation
• A Health Screening may be required for specific placement settings

International

• Proven equivalence for Domestic Entry Requirements
• IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no band score lower than 5.5

How to Apply

Before you start your application, you will need to have the following documentation available to upload when requested:

• Completed supplementary application form
• Referee report
• Verified ID
• Verified official transcripts

Give the referee report to a person who is willing to be your referee. Ask them to complete the form and either return to yourself (so you can upload with your application), or scan and email to within 10 days.

Alternatively, completed applications can be printed off and either:

• Mailed to: Enrolments, Whitireia New Zealand, DX SX33459
• Dropped into: Enrolments, Whitireia New Zealand, 3 Wi Neera Drive, Porirua