MEDIA RELEASE: 26 February 2026
Leading work-based learning provider for the health and wellbeing sector, Careerforce, is proud to announce the launch of its new Micro-credential, Health of the Older Person – Kaiāwhina-led Non-complex Support Plan Review. This NZQA-recognised programme is designed to upskill experienced kaiāwhina (support workers, health assistants), enabling them to take on a more varied and valuable role in community-based care.
This 3-credit, 4-week programme equips care and support workers with the skills and knowledge needed to complete non-complex support plan reviews for people aged 65 and older or aged between 50-65 with age-related needs and living in the community. The learning uses key tools such as interRAI*, SMART goals, and the 5Ws, which support effective documentation of changes in care needs. This allows nurses to focus on more complex care, improving service delivery and reducing pressure on registered nursing staff.
“This programme was developed in response to a growing need in the Home and Community sector,” says Denise Williams, General Manager Product, Quality Assurance and Innovation at Careerforce. “By empowering care and support workers with additional skills, we can ensure more effective use of nursing expertise while also enhancing the career journeys of care and support workers. At the same time, it helps care and support workers feel more valued, skilled, and engaged in their roles.”
“Support workers are vital to the smooth operation of community-based care,” says Denise. “This Micro-credential helps them develop both professionally and personally, enhancing their ability to engage meaningfully with people and their whānau. It’s a win-win for both staff and the people they care for.”
Benefits for Workplaces and Support Workers
According to Careerforce, the new Micro-credential provides support workers with the opportunity to extend their capabilities, ensuring care plans remain accurate, person-centred, and responsive to the needs of the individuals they support.
Culturally Grounded and Holistic Care
The programme is guided by Māori world views. It incorporates Māori health frameworks such as Te Whare Tapa Whā, empowering support workers to build culturally grounded relationships with those they care for. By integrating these holistic approaches, learners will deepen their cultural competence, ensuring that care is responsive to the needs of individuals and their communities.
Who Should Enrol?
The Micro-credential is aimed at experienced support workers employed by community-based care providers, who use the interRAI assessment tool in their practice. It provides an opportunity for support workers to expand their skills and take on more responsibility, benefiting both their personal career growth and the wider community.
Careerforce acknowledges the contribution made by Te Whatu Ora towards the development of resources.
About interRAI
The interRAI assessment tool is an internationally recognised system used to comprehensively assess an individual’s health and social needs. It assists healthcare providers in developing person-centred care plans by accurately identifying a person’s strengths, needs, and preferences.
For more information about the Micro-credential, visit www.careerforce.org.nz.
For all media enquiries please contact Paul Williams, Senior Manager Marketing, Communications & Insights on 027 600 7395, or at [email protected].
Careerforce supports employers across New Zealand’s health and wellbeing sectors to run workplace training programmes, allowing staff to achieve nationally recognised qualifications on the job. For more information, please see: www.careerforce.org.nz
Susan Tattersall