Who is this micro-credential for?

Experienced clinical and non-clinical leaders in Health New Zealand People who have already completed the Level 7 Health Leadership Micro-credential Health leaders wanting to make sense of complexity, turn strategy into action and lead across boundaries

Why should I take part?

This programme will help you strengthen your leadership in complex health system environments. You’ll build practical capability to make sense of complexity, turn strategy into action and lead across boundaries, while applying your learning to a real challenge from your own context.

What is a micro-credential?

A micro-credential certifies achievement of a specific and coherent set of skills and/or knowledge. Micro-credentials are created through strong evidence of need by industry, employers, iwi and/or the community. Think of them like a ‘crash course’ on the future – bringing you up to speed on what matters today but also what’s critical for a thriving future. They are designed to be done alongside your busy work and personal life, so you don’t have to take time off to study. Our Micro-credentials give you a recognised NZQA qualification. Delivered through a combination of self-directed learning and weekly live online sessions, you’ll practice and apply the knowledge and skills you learn through two practical assessments. Between 7 and 15 weeks, all micro-credentials have a set price and we run regular intakes at set times of the year.

What qualification will I receive?

On successful completion, you’ll receive the Leading through Complexity in the Health Sector micro-credential at NZQA Level 8, worth 8 credits.

What sort of assessment will I complete?

This micro-credential has one summative assessment: a Strategy-to-Action Leadership Plan based on a real or realistic complex leadership challenge from your professional context. You’ll use systems thinking and adaptive leadership to make sense of the challenge, then develop and justify a practical leadership approach that considers strategy, relationships, culture, ethics and evidence. You can complete the assessment individually or, with facilitator approval, as part of a small group. You can submit either a written report or a recorded presentation, and you do not need to implement your proposed approach during the course.

How is this different from the Level 7 Health Leadership Micro-Credential?

Health Leadership (Level 7) is designed for current and emerging leaders, building strong foundations in leadership practice within the health sector. Leading through Complexity (Level 8) is the next step for people already in formal leadership roles who have completed the Level 7 programme. It builds on that foundation with a stronger focus on systems thinking, leading across boundaries and shared accountability, and turning strategy into action in complex health system environments.

Can I do this course with colleagues?

Absolutely. We encourage you to consider doing the course alongside colleagues, where logistics and approval allows. There are opportunities to work collaboratively on a project of interest for the assessment. Learning is always better together!

How much time will I need to commit?

Across the 10-week programme, you’ll attend six 2-hour live online sessions, held in Weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. Outside the live sessions, allow around 1–2 hours each week for preparation and approximately 4 hours to apply the learning in your own context and reflect on your practice. Much of this apply-and-reflect time happens through your existing work rather than as additional study, and will also support development of your assessment.

I’m not sure I can fit this in. What should I do?

Talk with your manager about how this can be supported. They can help prioritise the time needed so you can make the most of this development opportunity.

Will I be in a specific cohort?

Cohorts are mixed, so you’ll learn alongside colleagues from different backgrounds and roles. You’re also welcome to form study groups if you wish.

What support is available if I need it?

Support is available from academyEX, the Health New Zealand Leadership Development team, and your manager. Please make sure you reach out for help at any stage.

This micro-credential is fully funded for employees of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. At this stage it is not available for any other learners.

What are the entry requirements?

Leading through Complexity in the Health Sector has been developed specifically for Health New Zealand and is available to people currently employed by Health NZ, who are working in a leadership role, and who have successfully completed the Level 7 Health Leadership micro-credential . Additionally, to be eligible to enrol in this Level 8 micro-credential, learners/ākonga must have: A Level 7 qualification or an equivalent level qualification in a relevant field OR At least 2 years’ professional experience in a relevant leadership role within the health sector . Where you don’t hold a formal Level 7 qualification, academyEX can assess relevant professional experience as part of the equivalence process.

To register, you’ll need to be currently employed in a health sector leadership role and meet the qualification or experience requirements. We’ll let you know if we need any additional evidence of equivalence or English language competence. This micro-credential is available for onshore delivery only.

You’ll be able to register by clicking Register now button on this page. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and have your manager’s approval before registering. You will be directed through this button to academyEX to complete the onboarding process.

Why do I need my manager’s approval?

Your manager’s support ensures you have protected time for learning and feedback as you apply new skills in your role.

What if my manager doesn’t approve?

We encourage you to discuss any concerns and explore solutions together. If it’s still unresolved, please get in touch with the Health NZ Leadership and Talent team for further guidance.

What recognition will I get?

You’ll receive a digital badge and your learning record will be updated. This credential can be shared in any professional context.

How is the programme delivered?

You’ll take part in six interactive two-hour online workshops in Weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, supported by flexible online learning, reflection and practical activities between sessions. Live workshops are built around discussion, peer learning and the real challenges leaders are navigating across the health system. You’ll apply your learning to a real or realistic challenge from your own professional context.

At the end of Week 10, you’ll submit a Strategy-to-Action Leadership Plan as either a written report or recorded presentation. You do not need to implement the plan during the course.

Do I have to attend all the workshops?

Health NZ expects attendance at at least 90% of the sessions. We’ll offer different times and dates to help fit your schedule.

Will workshops be recorded?

The main facilitated content will be recorded, but breakout discussions won’t be recorded to maintain confidentiality.

Can I study and work full time at the same time?

Yes, almost all academyEX learners work full time while studying part time. The workload for micro-credentials has been developed to fit in around full time work or family commitments. The assessment is designed to be practical and linked to personal aspirations and projects.

Can I use my protected time for this?

Yes - if your employment agreement includes protected time away from work, you can use it to attend workshops and complete your learning.

Can I study fully online or do I need to be able to travel to Auckland for classes?

Micro-credentials are delivered entirely online. Each micro-credential has regular online facilitated classes and self-directed study, that includes viewing videos, completing quizzes and reading relevant papers.

Do I have to sit an exam?

There are no exams. You’ll complete a summative assessment, and once you pass, you’ll receive your microcredential.

Can I choose my cohort start date?

Yes. Available cohort dates are available in the Fees & Start dates section on this page and you will select your preferred start date as you register.

When are the next intakes?

All open intakes for this micro-credential are available in the Fees & Start dates section on this page.

When do registrations close?

Registrations close 2 weeks before the start date of the intake you are registering for. Each intake has a limited number of places and registrations may close early once full. Registrations may be accepted on a case-by-case basis after the registration close date at the discretion of academyEX. Please contact us if registrations for a specific intake are closed and you would like to register.

Can I change my cohort start date after registering?

Please contact academyEX if you wish to change the intake you are enrolled in - you can adjust your cohort at any time up until 7 days after the start date, and in exceptional circumstances, changes after the first week of the programme might be possible.

MICRO-CREDENTIAL

Leading through Complexity in the Health Sector

Take your health leadership further. Designed in collaboration with Health New Zealand for experienced clinical and non-clinical leaders, this micro-credential strengthens your capability to make sense of complex system challenges, turn strategy into action, and lead across boundaries - while keeping equity, cultural safety and wellbeing at the centre.

Course duration

Complete in 10 weeks

Flexible study

100% online, expertly facilitated

Accredited

NZQA accredited, Level 8 (8 Credits)

LEARNING OUTCOMES

What you’ll learn

As an experienced leader in Health New Zealand, this micro-credential will help you translate strategic intent into practical leadership action within a complex and evolving health system.

Develop the systems thinking, adaptive leadership and change capability needed to work effectively with uncertainty and complexity. Through applied health sector scenarios, facilitated online sessions and a real workplace challenge, you’ll explore shared accountability, improvement under pressure and innovation within system constraints, and develop a contextually responsive leadership approach grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, equity and wellbeing.

Make sense of complexity

Use systems thinking and adaptive leadership to understand complex challenges in your context. Explore interdependencies, competing priorities, constraints and leverage points to build a clearer picture of how the wider system is shaping the challenge

Turn Strategy into action

Translate strategic priorities into practical action in your own context. Make informed decisions about priorities and trade-offs, bring people together, and lead improvement and innovation while keeping equity and wellbeing at the centre.

Lead across boundaries

Strengthen your ability to lead where responsibility and decision-making are shared across teams, professions and system levels. Build alignment, trust and clarity, influence without relying solely on authority, and work productively with resistance and different perspectives.

This course is ideal for:

Experienced clinical and non-clinical leaders in Health New Zealand
People who have already completed the Level 7 Health Leadership Micro-credential
Health leaders wanting to make sense of complexity, turn strategy into action and lead across boundaries

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

What you need to register

Completed L7 Health Leadership?
Use the same work email and your documents should carry over automatically at enrolment.

Approval from manager

You'll need approval from your manager before registering for this course.

Proof of identity

You will need to provide a copy of your passport or birth certificate to confirm your personal details.

Qualifications & work experience

You may need to provide proof of study or work (e.g. transcript, certificate, or CV). If you’ve worked at HNZ for over 2 years, this won’t be required.

HOW TO APPLY

Application and admissions

Step-by-step process to apply for this course:

Regisiter online

If you're an employee of Health New Zealand, you can register directly on this page. Make sure to upload all required documentation so we can process your application quickly.

Enrolment confirmed

Once your documents and registration have been reviewed and approved, your enrolment will be confirmed. We’ll be in touch with onboarding details ahead of the course start.

Welcome to the whānau!

You're all set to begin your learning journey and join a community of like-minded, lifelong learners.

FEES & START DATES

Let’s get started!

Domestic Student Fees:

This micro-credential is fully funded for employees of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.

International Student Fees:

Not available.

Available course start dates and session times:

29 Jan 2027 - Part Time - Friday - 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Additional intakes will be available throughout the 2027 calendar year.

Registrations close 2 weeks before the start date.
Spots are limited - complete your application early to secure your place.

MICRO-CREDENTIAL