Developed through a partnership between Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), ServiceIQ, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and Grow Tourism, the qualification is nationally recognised and brings together online learning modules with workplace assessments. It can take up to a year to complete.
The qualification was launched in late 2025 and started taking enrolments earlier this year.
The enrolled staff from the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) include those working in event operations, event planning and sales and marketing.
Team members undertaking the Level 4 certificate will be visited at the convention centre every six weeks by ServiceIQ, who delivers the course.
NZICC general manager, Prue Daly said the enrolments were “a commitment to building capability from within our team, creating career pathways and strengthening the future workforce of New Zealand’s business events industry”.
“For NZICC, this is about creating opportunities for our people to grow, progress and build long-term careers in business events,” she said.
“The future success of our industry depends on the skills, knowledge and capability of our people. Te Haeata gives our team the opportunity to develop professionally while continuing to contribute to the business every day.
“By including employees from event operations, sales and marketing and event planning, NZICC is investing in capability across the entire event journey, from winning business and planning events through to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
“We’re proud to be investing in our people and hope to see others across the sector…join us in building the skills, knowledge and capability that will ensure this industry remains world-class.”
The NZICC opened in February this year, recruiting hundreds of staff in the lead-up to hosting its first events.
“NZICC’s commitment to its people and the industry reflects a shared commitment to building the capability needed to support the sector’s future growth,” said BEIA chief executive, Lisa Hopkins.
“This isn’t just about attracting talent into the industry: it’s about nurturing, developing and creating opportunities for the incredible people who are already part of it.”
