Certified Local Governance Advanced Practitioner
New Zealand’s first local government qualification.
Councils make tough decisions with high stakes, in a very visible environment. Elected members must assess and set direction on infrastructure, finance, risk and long-term planning but until now no formal qualification has recognised the complexity of your role.
In partnership with Victoria University of Wellington, we’re addressing this need through six NZQA-accredited micro-credentials, designed for elected members.
Why capability matters
Councils that invest in elected member capability are more likely to:
- Make good decisions under pressure
- Understand financial information and risk
- Engage communities and maintain public confidence
- Work through the issues at the council table
What the programme covers
Six micro-credentials across three subject areas:
- Governance & Leadership: Strategic thinking, roles and responsibilities, decision-making under pressure
- Finance & Risk: Financial oversight, long-term planning, identifying and managing risk
- Communication & Engagement: Community engagement, handling difficult conversations, maintaining trust
| Micro-credential |
NZQA level |
Credits | Duration | First intake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governance & Leadership | Level 7 | 5 | 18 weeks | September 2026 |
| Finance & Risk | Level 7 | 5 | 18 weeks | September 2026 |
|
Communication & Engagement |
Level 7 |
5 |
18 weeks |
2027 |
|
Governance & Leadership |
Level 8 |
5 |
18 weeks |
2027 |
|
Finance & Risk |
Level 8 |
5 |
18 weeks |
2027 |
|
Communication & Engagement |
Level 8 |
5 |
18 weeks |
2027 |
Complete three Level 7 micro-credentials to gain the Certified Local Governance Practitioner (CLGP).
Complete all six to gain the Certified Local Governance Advanced Practitioner (CLGAP) and 30 NZQA credits.
What’s a micro-credential?
A micro-credential is a short, focused course that gives you an officially recognised qualification. These courses are designed for elected members and use the work you already do in your role.
Designed to fit around the role
- Two hours per week
- Online delivery
- Approximately 18 weeks per course
- No undergraduate degree required
Who is it for?
The micro-credential courses are only available to local government elected members whose councils are members of LGNZ.
What your council gains
- More informed decision-making
- Stronger financial oversight
- Clearer roles and expectations
- A recognised signal of governance capability
What you gain
- A formal NZQA-accredited qualification
- Recognition for your role
- Greater confidence in governance, finance and engagement
- A pathway to further study
Programme timeline
The first intake begins 21 September 2026 with:
- Governance & Leadership (Level 7)
- Finance & Risk (Level 7)
Places are limited.
FAQs
- How much is each micro-credential?
$599 + GST each for LGNZ members. For non-members, please contact akona@lgnz.co.nz. - When do the courses begin?
The first intake is on 21 September 2026 with an online welcome and orientation to get you started. - How many NZQA credits for each micro-credential?
5 NZQA credits each. - How long does each course take?
Each course takes up to 18 weeks, with up to 50 hours total time estimated. - Do I need an undergraduate degree or any formal training to apply?
No. - Is the course on campus?
No. It will be held online. - Do I need to register for each micro-credential?
Yes. There are two level 7 courses available in 2026. The four other micro-credentials will be rolled out during 2027. - What diplomas or certificates could I put 30 credits towards?
Learners can put their 30 credits towards programmes at Victoria University, including but not limited to:
Graduate Certificate in Public Policy