Applications for the February 2026 intake are now open! Learn more about the course here

• Do you want to use your own lived experience of mental health distress and/or addiction to support others? Do you want to be supported to learn, work, and thrive in health and community-based roles?
• Are you committed to fostering hope, and building resilience, self-determination, and autonomy in support of peers and whānau who are experiencing mental health distress?
• Do you wish to acquire a mental health qualification recognised across New Zealand?

If this sounds like you, then the Whitireia Polytechnic Level 4 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing – Peer Support plus scholarship opportunity will support you to achieve your goals!
We know that Mental Health Peer Support workers make a huge difference and are a growing part of the Mental Health and Addictions workforce.

Read below and click here to apply for a scholarship!

You must successfully enroll in the Level 4 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing at Whitireia Polytechnic before applying for the scholarship to cover your tuition fees.

What do I need to consider?

To be eligible, you will need:

• Your own lived experience of mental health distress and/or addiction
• To be enrolled (or in the process of enrolling) in the Peer Support course at Whitireia
• A paid or volunteer position in Peer Support of 8 hours per week (or working towards getting a placement)

Is this course right for me?
Click here to find out.

Will you be supported?

• You will learn together with tutors and students who have lived experience of mental health distress and/or addiction. This provides academic and personal peer support in the classroom and between students when learning at work.
• Whitireia provides support for financial advice, counseling, childcare facilities, and services for students who have a disability, illness, or health needs that may impact their studies.
• Many students are returning to learning. Whitireia Polytech offers a range of services to meet the needs of individual students. These include one-to-one and small group assistance, peer tutoring, workshops, and study skills sessions.

Will I receive a scholarship?

Te Whatu Ora will pay up to 15 students to complete the Whitireia Level 4 Certificate at no cost or part cost.

Priority is given to students who meet all course criteria and are Māori, Pacific, or Youth Peer Support workers (29 years or younger). All students accepted into the course will be automatically considered for a scholarship.

Please apply today! For any questions, more information, or any extra support, please contact hello@kites.org.nz or 04 389 9677.

Changing Minds supports this project. Thanks for your support!

https://www.changingminds.org.nz/