This qualification will give you the skills and knowledge to assist with all stages of construction management under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.

You will gain the confidence to effectively plan and organise with sound financial management that meets the requirements of New Zealand legislation, Codes of Practice, and New Zealand and Australian Standards.  

Study with Limited-Time Zero- Fees Offer 

Take the next step towards your qualification with up to two zero-fees courses * 
For a limited time, Open Polytechnic is offering up to two zero-fee courses to learners who submit a new enrolment application for courses within our Construction or Architectural Technology programmes starting from August to December 2026.

What is the offer?  

Up to two zero fees courses 
Available for courses starting from August to December 2026
Available to learners who submit a new enrolment application during the offer period. Closing dates for applications are published on the webpages linked below. 
Eligibility, and terms and conditions apply. 

Study and completing your qualification: 

You can study these programmes full or part –time and over the next 6 years and you must complete all the required courses to graduate with your diploma. 
Whether you're starting your qualification or continuing your studies, there's never been a better time to get moving towards your career goals. 

How to apply for a new enrolment with this limited time 2026 zero fees offer 

Choose the programme below that you are interested in studying, and apply to enrol in one or two courses that start in or before December 2026. 
Complete the online application before the closing date (e.g. December applications must be submitted on or before midnight 8th December 2026), and on the ‘payment method’ page, enter the following information.  
Contract ID:  2026 zero fees offer 
Contract Name:  2026 zero fees offer  

Our teams will review your application and ensure you meet the Entry requirements for this programme and the eligibility criteria for this offer. If you are, the 100% fee waiver will be applied. 
By using the offer code to enrol, you agree to the eligibility criteria and terms and conditions of this offer Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. 
 
* Eligibility Criteria, Terms and Conditions specific to this limited-time 2026 Zero Fees offer for NZ2416/NZ2420 here

What you will learn 

When you achieve this qualification you will be able to: 

• Apply knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders to administer and manage a construction contract
• Operate within the legislative and regulatory frameworks as they apply to the New Zealand building and construction industry
• Evaluate and select materials and finishes for building projects, giving consideration to environmental impacts of the design and construction techniques to be used
• Apply knowledge of structure and structural principles to manage construction for foundations, substructure, the building envelope, and the interior for small, medium and large buildings, and fire protection systems for medium and large building. 
• Plan and monitor construction contracts including evaluation of tender submissions, measurement for and preparation of schedules of quantities, management of variations and expenditure control during construction
• Analyse, select and administer construction contracts including the preparation of a tender submission from trade sections and other financial components, and value building works up to and including final account statements
• Communicate effectively with parties to a construction contract using organisational principles, digital technologies and industry best practice
• Create technical sketches to communicate information relevant to the construction projects
• Apply leadership principles to manage construction site teams and support physical and mental well-being of a diverse construction site workforce. 

You will also be able to manage construction site:

• Logistics, resource allocation and construction activity for small, medium and large construction programmes
• Establishment and provision of site services for short and long duration construction projects.  

Career opportunities 

If you complete this diploma, you'll have the skills and knowledge to work in roles such as a construction site manager, construction management assistant, or construction project management assistant.