Skip to content
Wintec
close up of group of people sitting in circle

About us

He hapori rapu i te taumata o te mātauranga, me te rangahau. A community of inter-professional learning and research.

If you are committed to improving people’s lives and a vocation where you can make a difference, the opportunities offered by the Centre for Health and Social Practice are endless. As part of this centre, you will be part of a community that is dedicated to social care, health, well-being and protection.

The programmes we offer lead to hands-on careers and our teaching reflects this. You will have access to real-world simulated learning and the latest technology, with opportunities for interprofessional education to learn from other professions and improve all-round care. Our experienced and registered tutors genuinely care about your success and will guide you on your way.

We know the needs of our stakeholders are always changing, so we deliver fit-for-purpose programmes that are responsive to changes in the health and social practice sectors. We value inclusion, diversity, and the achievement of potential in all of our staff and students. We are committed to social justice, and our treaty partnership between Tangata Whenua and Tauiwi underpins everything we do.

Study with us

Now is the time to turn your passion for people into a career.

In the world of health and social practice you will be challenged, inspired, and rewarded – sometimes all at once. We will give you the skills and knowledge to change the world. Be the graduate everyone is looking for.

Pathways

Click on the images below to see a larger version.

Postgraduate nursing

Health and social practice pathway diagram

Postgraduate nursing

Postgraduate nursing pathway diagram
Please check the entry criteria for each programme to see which course is the best level for you to begin with. The entry criteria information can be found on each of the programme pages here online. You can also contact us directly to discuss the appropriate level for you at info@wintec.ac.nz.

Subject areas

Courses

Foundation/pathway programmes

Te Ara Pūtake New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 4)

One semester
Level 4
$3,890*
Hamilton City Campus
Jul 2025
This programme is for those who want to begin study but need to build confidence or brush up on skills. Students will choose from four pathways that align with their career goals and gain essential academic knowledge, capabilities, and skills needed to succeed at higher levels of study.

Health and wellbeing

New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4)

One year
Level 4
$2,723*
Hamilton City Campus, Online delivery, +1
Jul 2025
This programme gives students the strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to work alongside individuals, families and whānau accessing social and community services. Note: This qualification is not associated with professional registration or a clinical scope of practice.

Nursing

Enrolled Nursing (Nēhi Whakauru) (Level 5)

18 months
Level 5
$8,508* first year
Hamilton City Campus, Tokoroa
Jul 2025 - Hamilton
This programme is for those who want to work in clinical settings as an enrolled nurse and a valued member of the health team. Students will gain knowledge in nursing, social science, and the structure and function of the human body. They will learn skills in simulated learning environments which can then be applied on placements in clinical practice. A range of clinical courses in different health care settings will prepare students to practice in areas including rehabilitation, acute care and mental health. After completing this programme students will be able to apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand to sit an exam to be registered as an Enrolled Nurse; this means they'll be able to practise under the direction of a Registered Nurse.

Bachelor of Nursing (Level 7)

Three years
Level 7
$8,508* per year
Hamilton City Campus
Jul 2025
This programme is for those who want to become a registered nurse with the knowledge and skills to practise in a variety of healthcare settings. After completing this programme students will sit a Nursing Council of New Zealand registration exam to become a registered nurse.

Midwifery

Bachelor of Midwifery

Four years
Level 7
$9,224* per year
Gisborne, Hamilton City Campus, +4
Feb 2026
This programme is for those who want to learn to confidently nurture and care for women through pregnancy, childbirth, and up to the first six weeks following birth. Students will gain a wide range of knowledge and skills to work autonomously, be responsible for the wellbeing of women and babies, and support families safely and appropriately. On completion of the programme, students will be required to sit the National Midwifery Examination to become registered midwives.

Social work

Bachelor of Social Work

Four years
Level 7
$7,780* per year
Feb 2026
This programme is for those passionate about social justice who want to support and empower individuals, families, whānau, and communities. Students will gain the skills to provide advice and support. They will learn how to advocate for both individuals and groups, empower and help them realise their full potential, and function independently.

Counselling

Paetahi Tumu Kōrero Bachelor of Counselling

Three years
Level 7
$8,508* per year
Feb 2026
This programme is designed to meet the professional membership requirements of New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), Te Whāriki Tautoko, NZ Christian Counsellors Association, and the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association Aotearoa New Zealand (dapaanz).

Physiotherapy

Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Four years
Level 7
$8,508* per year
Hamilton City Campus
Feb 2026
Physiotherapists help restore movement, function and quality of life to people of all ages affected by injury, disability or health conditions. This programme has been designed for those who are engaged with their community and have a commitment and interest in Māori and/or Pacific health. Students will gain the skills, knowledge and qualifications to practice as a physiotherapist in Aotearoa.

Occupational therapy

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Three years
Level 7
$8,508* per year
Hamilton City Campus
Jul 2025
Students in this programme will learn to assess and treat people who, because of illness, injury or circumstance, are limited in their ability to undertake daily activities.

Postgraduate and master's for health and social practice

Postgraduate Certificate in Health and Social Practice

Six months
Level 8
Fees dependent on modules selected
Hamilton City Campus, Tauranga
Start date dependent on modules selected
This programme is designed to extend and deepen professional knowledge and skills in the fields of health and social practice which include: occupational therapy, nursing, midwifery, social work, counselling and human services.

Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Supervision

One year
Level 8
Fees dependent on modules selected
Hamilton City Campus
Feb 2026
This programme is designed to extend and deepen professional knowledge and skills in the fields of health and social practice which include: occupational therapy, nursing, midwifery, social work, counselling and human services.

Postgraduate Diploma in Health and Social Practice

One year
Level 8
Fee dependent on modules selected
Hamilton City Campus
Jul 2025
This programme is designed to extend and deepen an individual’s professional practice and apply an advanced body of knowledge in a range of fields of health and social practice which include, but is not limited to: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, midwifery, social work, counselling and human services.

Postgraduate and master's for nursing

Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing

Two years
Level 8
Fee dependent on modules selected
Hamilton City Campus
Jul 2025
This programme provides Registered Nurses with the opportunity to extend their clinical knowledge and skills in a specific area of practise. It consists of four modules: two core modules and two practise modules covering a range of advanced speciality practice areas.

Master of Nursing Science (Pre-registration)

Two years
Level 9
$8,508* per year
Hamilton City Campus - block courses & online
Feb 2026
This programme allows 'graduate entry' students a direct and expedient route to a nursing career. On successful completion graduates will be awarded a Master of Nursing Science (Pre-registration) and be eligible to apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) to sit the State Final Examination and gain registration in the registered nurse scope of practice.

Short courses/professional programmes

Introduction to Supervision (Level 7)

12 weeks
Level 7
$973*
Hamilton City Campus
The Introduction to Supervision (in Health and Social Practice) programme explores the nature of supervision, the core processes within supervision and the professional and organisational context of supervision. It will prepare students to be able to establish a supervisory relationship. Students will develop the skills and knowledge to apply a model of supervision which structures the stages of a supervision session.

Introduction to Massage I

Wintec Rotokauri Campus
Massage is one of the oldest therapeutic practices, dating back at least 5000 years. If you’d like to be trained in the essentials of this ancient craft, this weekend course is the place to start.

Introduction to Massage II

Hamilton Rotokauri Campus
Think sports or recreational massage could be for you? If you’ve completed Massage I or similar approved course, this is your next course to begin building your career.

Mental Health First Aid Training

Wintec Hamilton City Campus
While most people know something about common first aid, many acknowledge they have a lack of knowledge about how to support someone who is experiencing poor mental health. With one in five New Zealanders experiencing mental illness at some point in their lives, developing capability and knowledge to address this is an important part of supporting your workforce.

Midwifery Emergency Refresher

Wintec Hamilton City Campus
It is an annual recertification requirement of the Midwifery Council that all practicing midwives must keep up with the latest knowledge, developments and theories when it comes to birthing emergency procedures.

Preceptorship of Nurses in Practice

Wintec Hamilton City Campus
Registered nurses who undertake this course will develop new skills in providing clinical practice instructions to, and evaluation of, students and newcomers to the nursing workplace, strengthening their broad portfolio of nursing skills, as well as boosting their thinking about nursing.

Our facilities

The Centre for Health and Social Practice facilities are designed for students to get the most out of their learning. The latest technology is made available to put theoretical knowledge into practice. Students can expect environments such as a simulated ward with computerised patient models who assume real health issues. We value diversity and inclusion; facilities are designed to encourage interprofessional learning between health and social care, with opportunities for interaction between staff and students.

Get involved

Be part of our community and see how we can work together.

The Centre for Health and Social Practice maintains close relationships with the industry and professional bodies that graduates register with. Our staff are experienced in their fields and are continuously active in health and social practice research. Our students are taught with a focus on the practical elements of healthcare and are encouraged to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world learning environments. Each year students will gain credit for undertaking placements, internships, or volunteer work in their field. 

Placements

Our teaching approach focuses on the practical side of learning, and we understand the benefits of real-world work environments for our learners. We deliver work-integrated learning programmes, meaning that we facilitate learning by connecting and integrating experiences across educational and workplace contexts, in which feedback from clients/patients and registered professionals is integral to your academic experience. 

Ākonga (learners) in the Centre for Health and Social Practice spend time across their programmes in work placements for credit. The amount of time spent on placement varies according to qualification and year; first-year ākonga will spend approximately a quarter of the year doing work placement, while third-year ākonga will spend most of their time on placement. Our pathways require ākonga to meet certain requirements throughout their programme. 

Placement expectations

Placement scheduling, localities, and attendance 

We will endeavour to provide placements within the Midlands region; however, this is dependent on supply and learning needs, and therefore you should expect that travel will be required for at least one placement during your programme. Given the nature of the professions concerned, you should be prepared to undertake shift work. You are expected to attend all aspects of placement regardless of time, day or place. You will be responsible for all costs associated with placement; for example, food, travel and accommodation.

It should be noted that each accrediting body has a minimum number of hours required for the completion of a qualification or specific module. In addition to achieving the minimum number of hours required, you must also meet the relevant competency. As your education provider, we must ensure that you have adequate time to reach competency, and this may mean you complete hours over and above the minimum required by the accrediting body.

Pre-placement orientations

Your individual programme will share placement orientation information with you. You are required to attend and complete all pre-placement orientation requirements before your placement can commence.

Attendance

You are required to attend all scheduled placement days/activities. If you are absent from placement, you must inform your module coordinator or other nominated person immediately, and ideally in advance of the relevant activity. If you are absent from placement for three days or more, you may be required to provide a medical certificate. Please refer to your Ākonga Handbook for further information.

Confidentiality and privacy

Your programme will include formal learning regarding confidentiality and privacy within your profession, and as an ākonga of Wintec. There are numerous pieces of legislation and policy that detail specific and strict requirements. You are expected to learn and apply this knowledge and adhere to all relevant legislative and policy requirements throughout your education.

Placement record keeping

You are expected to maintain complete and thorough placement records, including timesheets. Timesheet information will be entered into SONIA. It is essential that you complete your timesheets in a prompt manner and as required by your programme of study. If you have any questions, please contact the Clinical Experience Team by emailing chaspplacements@wintec.ac.nz. Please note that some programmes, such as the Bachelor of Midwifery, may require ākonga to complete a logbook or similar in addition to or in place of entering timesheet information in SONIA. It is your responsibility to check all requirements for your chosen programme of study.

Uniforms/dress code

Please note that some programmes, such as the Bachelor of Nursing and the Bachelor of Midwifery, have specific uniform requirements for placement. Please refer to your Ākonga Handbook for details. Tidy and professional attire is expected regardless of your programme of study. If you have any questions or concerns about attire, please contact your module coordinator as soon as possible. Any ākonga who report for placement in incomplete, unsatisfactory or unprofessional dress code may not be permitted to commence the placement until appropriately attired.

Professionalism and appropriate behaviour
At all times while on placement, it is expected that you will act with professionalism and integrity. This includes during interactions (in person and via phone/email) with placement providers, patients/clients, as well as Wintec staff members.

Please remember that mobile phones may not be used while on placement, with the exception of meal/break times. 

Challenges
We know that life challenges and other circumstances mean that readiness and ability to engage in required clinical/practicum placements may change over time. We can often accommodate and support your needs and provide you with extra learning and development opportunities as long as you proactively inform us of any issues arising that may impact your success. Significant unexpected events may make you eligible for special concessions. Please let us know promptly if something like this arises for you as there is a formal pathway you need to follow to apply for any such concession. Whānau and/or cultural advocates are an option for ākonga when applying for special consideration.

Clinical Passports

Prior to commencing placement, you must complete your Clinical Passport (also referred to as Checks). Your Clinical Passport includes but is not limited to the following requirements:
  • Police Vetting and Children’s Act (2014) safety check
  • Immunisation Status and Vaccination Declaration
  • Student Confidentiality Agreements(s)
  • Mask fit testing
  • Additional requirements as determined by your programme of study

Your Clinical Passport/Checks must be completed in SONIA, our new, easy-to-use placement tool. To access SONIA, click here

Police Vetting and Children’s Act (2014)

Before you can go on placement, you must ensure you complete an online Children’s Act (2014) Declaration as well as Police Vetting.

Immunisation Status and Vaccination Declaration
The Immunisation Status and Vaccination Declaration screens for immunity against Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Boostrix (Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis), TB, and MRSA.
  • This form must be completed by a registered healthcare professional (eg your general practitioner).
  • If your healthcare professional is unable to verify your immunity status for any or all of the required immunisations, you will need to undergo serology (blood) testing and supply the results for review.

  • You will be responsible for all costs associated with the health screening process.

Covid-19

The New Zealand Immunisation Schedule strongly recommends you are fully vaccinated against Covid-19; however, this is not compulsory. Your status must be declared on your Immunisation Status and Vaccination Declaration. If you decline to follow this advice, specific health and safety measures must be put in place to ensure your safety and the safety of those in your care. In the event of an outbreak, unvaccinated ākonga may need to be removed from placement and this may, at times, impact their learning pathways.

Mask fit testing
All ākonga taking part in a placement located at any Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand site will be required to complete Mask Fit Testing. This requirement must be completed on an annual basis. 

Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003)

As your education provider, we have obligations to ensure that you are able to act in accordance with the professional and safety expectations of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003). We must also be accountable to the professional practice expectations of the relevant registering body as we make decisions about your readiness to practice.

Your academic learning is designed to develop your personal, academic, and professional readiness to work in the health and social services. In addition to core skills, we will also teach and assess your awareness and personal and professional growth at levels appropriate to the relevant profession and to your stage of learning within your programme.

Upon enrolment and prior to each clinical/practicum placement, we must be able to attest to your
abilities in the following areas:
  • You will be expected to be able to interpret and relate to individual and whānau needs and have the capacity to learn when and how to use appropriate therapies, tools, techniques and skills.
  • You will be expected to be responsive to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and other cultural worldviews in your interactions with others.
  • Your professional communication (which includes privacy and social media guidelines and legislation) and engagement with your learning and with classroom learning will be used as an indicator of your readiness for success in a professional setting.
  • Your enrolment requires you to be of good character, to declare any criminal convictions or complaints about your practice, and to discuss any significant experience of trauma, including addiction, which can affect your learning or professional practice.
  • If you have any changes in your mental or physical health status at any time during your programme of study, you are expected to inform us. 

News

Midwife says New Zealand has the best training in the world

Midwife Claire Eccleston trained at Wintec and says NZ has the best midwifery training in the world

Claire Eccleston is so passionate about home birthing that she moved her family from a small town in Australia to study as a midwife at Wintec in Hamilton, New Zealand. 

“New Zealand has one of the best maternity systems in the world in terms of respecting women’s sovereignty and choice,” she explains.

As a second-generation midwife (her mother was a midwife and breastfeeding councillor), she knew she always wanted to work with women.

With midwifery study not an option in Australia in 1999, she studied nursing and began assisting with home births in 2001. Following this she worked as a doula providing non-clinical support for women birthing at home and in the birth centre.

“I chose to specialise in home births after seeing the gentleness and whānau-orientated beauty that happens when women birth at home.”

“When I support a woman and her whānau to birth at home, the woman is in an environment where her body is comfortable which helps her birthing and relaxation hormones work. Birthing at home keeps the power and responsibility of the experience in the hands of the birthing person and whānau.”

After moving to New Zealand, Eccleston studied a Bachelor of Midwifery at Wintec and says she absolutely loved it.

“I am so passionate about midwifery that I was hungry for any knowledge and any experience I could get. I really liked the relaxed and kind atmosphere, as well as the small classes at Wintec. I had tried to study nursing to be a midwife in Australia but it was at a big university with hundreds of people in lecture halls and I didn’t learn anything.”

“The course was mostly practical and I enjoyed the emphasis given to supporting physiological birth. Now, when I teach around New Zealand I still notice the respect and understanding of physiological birth that Wintec graduates have compared to other midwifery schools.”

Based in Auckland, she specialises in home births and travels from one side of the city to the other to assist with home births and provide antenatal and postnatal care at her clients’ homes.

“I feel so honoured to be invited to share such a sacred space with women, babies and whānau. I love birth in all its messy beauty. I love seeing women’s power as their babies move though their bodies into the world.  I love witnessing when a baby is born into their papa’s hands and then placed onto mum’s chest. It’s an honour to be invited so deeply into people’s lives.”

Eccleston is also a Spinning Babies® practitioner and trainer which sees her travelling nationally and internationally delivering workshops on gentle bodywork techniques that aim to increase comfort in pregnancy and ease in birth.

From home she offers biodynamic craniosacral therapy sessions – a hands-on therapy similar to osteopathy which is particularly useful for pregnant women and mums and babies after birth.

Eccleston manages all of this on top of all the paperwork and computer work associated with being a practising midwife, is an educator with the New Zealand College of Midwives, presents internationally at conferences and is currently developing an online course for midwives.

And most importantly, she has three beautiful children which keep her busy making school lunches and dinners, helping with homework and playing Uno.

How does she fit it all in?

“The same as all working parents I guess! I do emails everywhere and anywhere. I think a lot and plan and dance with crazy rhythms to the best of my ability. I try to be super-efficient with time. I stop after dinner every night to help my youngest settle and go to sleep. I try to do a little bit of lots of things and remember to be centred and grounded.”

Find out more about studying midwifery at Wintec.

This year, 2020 is the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. This story is part of a series where nurses and midwives who have graduated from or worked with Wintec tell their stories.

Read more:
Experience is the best teacher for this nurse educator
Nursing began at 40 for this career changer and she isn’t looking back
The full circle: from student to midwifery mentor



Year of the Nurse and the Midwife 2020


Events

  • Pacific Pipeline Information Session

    Experience the Pacific Pipeline Information Session and join us to explore what study options fit your area of interest. We encourage you to bring your whānau and friends along with you.

Wintec is part of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology Learn More about Wintec Te Pūkenga.

Learn with purpose

Explore Te Pūkenga

Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa - New Zealand Government

Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa - New Zealand Government

Copyright © 2022 Wintec