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Enrolments have opened for a new qualification aimed at strengthening capability across New Zealand’s business events sector.
Te Haeata – the New Zealand Certificate in Business Events (Level 4) has been developed to support workforce development and provide a nationally recognised pathway for people working in the industry.
The qualification was announced by Louise Upston at the Business Events Industry Aotearoa annual conference in November 2025.
BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins says the programme is designed to build skills and support long-term sector growth.
“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,” Lisa says.
Focus on workforce capability
The qualification has been developed in collaboration with ServiceIQ, Grow Tourism, and industry partners to ensure it aligns with employer needs across conferences, incentives, exhibitions and trade events.
The programme combines on-the-job learning with flexible online delivery, allowing participants to build practical skills while continuing to work.
Lisa says the qualification responds to key workforce challenges identified across the sector.
“The qualification addresses priorities including skills shortages, succession planning and the need for clearer career pathways within business events,” she says.
Supporting sector growth
The business events sector continues to play a significant role in New Zealand’s visitor economy, contributing both economic and knowledge value through conferences, incentives and trade events.
Lisa says developing workforce capability will be critical to sustaining that growth.
“As the sector continues to grow and deliver increasing economic and knowledge value to New Zealand, developing a skilled and capable workforce is essential,” she says.
“Te Haeata is developed for industry, by industry, and designed to support the next generation of business events professionals.”
Programme delivery, assessment and certification will be managed by ServiceIQ under NZQA oversight, with BEIA supporting industry engagement.
