Why Study "New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5), Leadership and Management Strand"

The New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5), Leadership and Management Strand at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology is a one-year business qualification designed for students who want to develop practical knowledge in business operations, leadership and management. The programme combines core business fundamentals with leadership-focused topics and can provide a pathway into further business study.

Key Benefits

• Level 5 New Zealand business qualification with 120 credits.
• Develops practical knowledge for operational-level leadership and management roles.
• Covers core areas such as business functions, business environments, accounting, communication, marketing and organisational management.
• Includes leadership, project management, change and innovation, business planning, and operations management.
• Can provide a pathway into the second year of the Bachelor of Applied Management at Toi Ohomai.
• Students may also be able to transfer 105 credits towards the Bachelor of Business at the University of Waikato, subject to the additional paper and university requirements.
• Toi Ohomai promotes a supportive business-learning environment with practical, career-focused education and industry connections.

Program Structure

The programme is normally completed in 1 year of full-time study, including holidays where applicable, and carries 120 credits. The current course page lists face-to-face study on campus at scheduled times, with part-time study also available.

Main topics include:

• Organisations in an Aotearoa New Zealand Context
• Business Functions
• Business Environments
• Change and Innovation
• Operations Management and Compliance
• Business Planning
• Introduction to Leadership
• Managing Projects
• Business fundamentals including accounting principles, financial performance, economic theory, commercial law, organisational management, communication and marketing.

Current campus and intake information:

• Rotorua – Mokoia Campus
• Tauranga – Windermere Campus
• 22 February 2027 intake – Rotorua and Tauranga
• 19 July 2027 intake – Rotorua and Tauranga
• Study mode: face-to-face/on-campus at set times
• Part-time study is available.
• The published timetable is generally Monday to Thursday, although exact times may change.

Discipline / Specialisation

The selected strand is Leadership and Management within the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 5).

The programme focuses particularly on:

• Leadership and management
• Business operations
• Project management
• Business planning
• Organisational management
• Change and innovation
• Compliance and business environments

The broader New Zealand Diploma in Business is offered with different strands, but this course is specifically the Leadership and Management Strand.

Programme Highlights

• Qualification: New Zealand Diploma in Business (Leadership and Management) (Level 5)
• Level of study: NZQF Level 5
• Duration: 1 year full-time
• Credits: 120
• Campuses: Mokoia Campus, Rotorua; Windermere Campus, Tauranga
• Delivery: Face-to-face/on-campus; part-time option available
• Next listed intakes: February and July 2027
• International tuition fee currently listed by Toi Ohomai's international-course information: NZD $23,400.
• The course page's 2027 domestic fee is still marked as subject to confirmation, so students should rely on the final Offer of Place for their applicable international tuition and other charges.
• The 2026–2027 student support levy is NZD $378 per 1 EFT for campus-based students, subject to the institution's applicable fee arrangements.
• Course fees may vary because of student levies, course-related costs or other applicable charges.
• Course-specific scholarships are not identified on the current course page; students can check Toi Ohomai's wider scholarship opportunities.
• The course can be used as a pathway towards the Bachelor of Applied Management at Toi Ohomai.

Career Outcomes

The qualification is designed to prepare graduates for operational-level business, leadership and management responsibilities. Current career opportunities listed by Toi Ohomai include:

• Office Manager
• Supervisor
• Team Leader
• Project Manager

The business knowledge gained can also support progression into further management or business studies.

Visa Requirements (International Students)

International students normally need a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa to study this programme when paying international tuition fees. Students need an offer of place from an approved education provider and must demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living costs, meet health and character requirements, have acceptable medical/travel insurance, and satisfy Immigration New Zealand's other visa requirements.

• For tertiary study of one year or more, Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence of NZD $20,000 per year for living costs when the student is self-funded.
• If the course is shorter than one year, the current requirement is NZD $1,667 per month.
• Students may use acceptable evidence such as bank statements, scholarships, qualifying education loans, fixed-term deposits or an acceptable sponsor/guarantor.
• Students must also have sufficient funds or arrangements for onward travel.
• Student visa holders may be permitted to work up to 25 hours per week during study and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on the conditions attached to their visa.
• International students must maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance for the relevant period of their study/visa.
• Students applying from India should note that Immigration New Zealand has specific sponsorship/financial-undertaking rules for applicants applying from South Asian countries.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current Toi Ohomai course page was updated on 4 September 2026. The latest published information shows Rotorua and Tauranga as available locations, with February and July 2027 intakes.

• Minimum age: applicants must be at least 16 years old when the course starts.
• Academic entry: NCEA Level 2 including 8 literacy credits at Level 2 or above, or an equivalent qualification; alternatively, an approved Level 3 or higher qualification with a relevant pathway may be accepted.
• Special admission may be considered where Toi Ohomai is satisfied that an applicant can successfully complete the programme; special admission may also apply to applicants over 20.
• International applicants must meet the English-language requirement: IELTS Academic 5.5 overall, with no individual band below 5.0, from a test taken within the preceding two years, or an accepted equivalent under NZQA requirements.
• An information meeting may be required/included as part of the enrolment process to ensure the programme is appropriate for the student's goals and experience.
• Toi Ohomai's international course list currently shows NZD $23,400 tuition for this qualification, with November 2026 shown as the next intake on that international list, while the individual course page currently displays February and July 2027 intakes. Prospective international students should therefore confirm the available intake and final tuition amount directly in their Offer of Place before making payment.