Enrolments have opened for Te Haeata, the New Zealand Certificate in Business Events Level 4, marking the arrival of the country’s first nationally-recognised qualification for the sector.
Announced by minister for tourism and hospitality, Louise Upston, at the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Annual Conference, the programme was developed to meet industry demand for a structured, practical workforce development pathway.
The qualification is a collaborative effort between BEIA, ServiceIQ, Grow Tourism, and various industry leaders to ensure the curriculum aligns with the specific needs of the conference, incentive, and exhibition sectors.
The programme combines on-the-job learning with flexible online delivery, allowing participants to build specialised skills while remaining active in the workforce.
Under New Zealand Qualifications Authority’s oversight, ServiceIQ will manage programme delivery, assessment, and certification, while BEIA’s education programme manager, Claire Steele, will lead industry engagement to ensure the course remains relevant to evolving sector needs.
BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins, described the programme as a vital investment in the industry’s future, noting that it addresses critical workforce priorities such as skills shortages and succession planning.
“Te Haeata provides a structured pathway for people entering or progressing within the business events sector to grow their knowledge and understanding, while helping employers develop the skills and capability required to support industry growth.”
