First-of-its-kind qualification pathway launched

Local Government New Zealand and Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington subsidiary, Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional, have launched a new University-accredited qualification pathway, designed specifically for local government elected members, where their complex work will be formally recognised.

This micro-credential pathway is a first for tertiary education in New Zealand, where courses developed and delivered by a sector association, in this case Local Government New Zealand, are accredited by a university and provide credit towards formal post-graduate qualifications.

“These micro-credentials have been designed specifically for elected members to build upon their existing capability and real-world experience in the sector,” Jeremy Baker, Chief Executive of Wellington Uni-Professional says.

“We expect micro-credentials and qualification pathways to become more visible within public and private sectors in the future, and we congratulate LGNZ for committing to their members and their future careers.”

Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional has long offered professional development courses for the workforce, and this initiative marks a new step in making university-level learning more accessible to working professionals. Jeremy Baker says Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional looks forward to partnering with more organisations to create formal, university-accredited pathways that recognise the real skills and experience their people bring.

LGNZ President Rehette Stoltz says the pathway is a practical way to upskill and invest in their elected members. “It strengthens decision-making skills, governance responsibilities, and financial literacy. It also provides elected members with the opportunity to gain qualifications that will aid their leadership careers in the future.”

With 147 young elected members currently serving on councils around New Zealand, many are building substantial governance experience at the early stages of their careers. Invercargill City Councillor and LGNZ Young Elected Members Network Chair Alex Crackett says the micro-credentials are particularly beneficial for young elected members.

“Many young elected members put their studies or career progression on hold to take up a role in local government, or delay further study and career opportunities while they serve on council. After years of hard work serving their communities, they often have no formal qualification to show for that experience, which can make it challenging if they later decide to move on from the local government sector.”

“Being able to formally demonstrate the many skills that are required as an elected member is hugely valuable to someone at the early stages of their career.”

Elected members can study towards a Certified Local Governance Practitioner, with the opportunity to progress to the Certified Local Governance Advanced Practitioner. The six micro-credentials that make up the qualification pathway recognise the complexity of the role of an elected member and span three core topics: governance and leadership, finance and risk, and communication and engagement.

More information about the qualification can be found here. Councils can register their interest now here.

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About Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional:

Kāpuhipuhi Wellington Uni-Professional is a subsidiary of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, offering professional development and continuing education for working professionals. We connect the workforce to university-level learning, helping individuals and organisations build capability and achieve formal qualifications that recognise their skills and experience.

About LGNZ:

LGNZ champions, connects and supports local government. We represent the national interest of councils across New Zealand to deliver more of what matters in their communities. LGNZ is involved in policy, reforms, programmes, and advocacy as well as providing advice, consultancy and training to councils and their staff.