NZ Diploma in Child Protection
Level 5 NZQA Certified advanced-level child protection training
The New Zealand Diploma in Child Protection equips professionals with advanced, evidence-based knowledge and practical skills to protect, advocate for, and promote the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi, shaping the culture of child protection within their organisation.
09
FEB
1-year, starting February 2027
Six 3-day in-person block courses
$1,165 +GST | Hamilton
Advanced-Level Child Protection Training
This is a one-year Level 5 NZQA Certified qualification. Delivered by Child Matters, this course provides comprehensive, practical professional education in child protection and advocacy. The Diploma comprises both in-person and online tuition. Self-directed tasks and eight formal assessments make up the rest of the course.
The purpose of the Diploma is to provide Aotearoa with graduates who can protect and advocate for the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.
Learn to speak out and take action to promote safety and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi while becoming empowered to take a leadership role to advocate in situations where an organisational, community, or societal response is required.
Entry criteria apply. To ensure you have a strong foundation of knowledge for Diploma level study, it is a requirement that you complete both a Foundational and Intermediate training course with Child Matters before applying.
“Completing the NZ Diploma in Child Protection has been a genuinely significant learning experience for me. It has reshaped how I understand the needs, rights, and experiences of tamariki and rangatahi, and it has helped me develop a much clearer sense of my own responsibilities.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“Throughout the course, Child Matters showed professionalism and dedication to the achievement of the students. Support was easily accessible when needed, and communication was straightforward.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“By applying the principles learned, I contribute to embedding child protection into everyday practice, ensuring that even indirect interactions with families are informed by a safeguarding lens.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“I now have child protection at the forefront in any conversation around children and I also have the confidence to show leadership because I am sure of my knowledge because of the study I have undertaken.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“I feel Child Matters is so passionate about child protection with a wealth of knowledge, I would never hesitate to reach out to any of the team.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“To me this knowledge has had a huge impact on my practice and relationships with children, and I believe children would benefit from having more trauma informed people in their lives.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“The tutors at Child Matters were supportive, knowledgeable, and culturally responsive throughout the diploma. They provided feedback that was constructive and timely, and the learning environment felt safe, respectful, and inclusive.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“I would strongly recommend this course to other professionals working with tamariki and whānau, especially those in healthcare, social services, education, or community support roles. The content is practical, grounded in Aotearoa’s realities, and essential for anyone advocating for child safety.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“Overall, the NZ Diploma in Child Protection has significantly deepened my skills, strengthened my practice, and enhanced my leadership in promoting the safety and wellbeing of tamariki Māori and their whānau. This learning has become an integral part of how I support, advocate for, and uplift the mana of our tamariki and whānau.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“Completing the Child Matters Diploma has been a meaningful and transformative learning experience for me, both professionally and personally. Throughout this course, I have been challenged to reflect deeply on my values, beliefs, and practice, while gaining practical tools to better protect and advocate for children.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“What I valued most about the Child Matters Diploma was how real, relevant, and practical the content was. The course did not feel theoretical for the sake of theory; instead, it was clearly designed for people working on the frontline with children and families.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“... I now hold the child at the centre of all decision-making, even when the situation is complex or emotionally challenging. This course reinforced that protecting children must always take priority.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“Tutors were approachable, respectful, and knowledgeable, creating a supportive learning environment where reflection and growth were encouraged. Communication was clear, and I felt supported both academically and personally throughout my learning journey.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“Overall, completing the Child Matters Diploma has significantly strengthened my professional practice, confidence, and commitment to child protection. The learning from this course will continue to guide my work and advocacy for children and families.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“I now understand that safeguarding children requires personal courage and active decision making. I act rather than waiting, I ask questions rather than assuming, and I advocate rather than staying silent.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“The learning consistently challenged me to move beyond surface understanding and to examine how my actions, decisions, and silence can either protect or place children at risk.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“I deeply valued the way the course integrated te ao Māori perspectives in a meaningful and respectful way. Learning about whakapapa, whānau systems, mana motuhake and collective responsibility strengthened my understanding of children within their wider context.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“Overall, what I valued most about this course was that it strengthened my confidence to act. It gave me the knowledge, language, and courage to take responsibility for child protection in my role, rather than assuming it sits with someone else.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“This programme is not only informative, but genuinely transformational.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
“I also valued the tutors’ sense of humor and warmth. This made difficult and sometimes heavy subject matter more manageable and helped create a respectful and positive learning atmosphere.”
Participant of NZ Diploma in Child Protection 2025
Graduates will be able to:
01
Implement evidence-based and child-centred practice to protect and advocate for the safety and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi in a range of environments and situations.
02
Apply advanced strategies to identify, prevent, and respond to child abuse and neglect, and promote the safety and wellbeing of tamariki, rangatahi, and their family or whānau.
03
Model best-practice in child protection in organisational and community settings to encourage consistent and safe responses to meet the needs of tamariki and rangatahi.
04
Engage with and support families and whānau from diverse cultural contexts in a child-centred way to promote the safety and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.
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