IPMHA Health Coach Training for Aotearoa - New Zealand
What practical skills will new health coaches gain from the training?
- Confidence and clarity about their role and scope of practice as a Health Coach in primary care.
- Foundational coaching skills, including staying on the patient’s agenda, motivational interviewing, active listening, health education, and supporting accountability.
- Evidence-based lifestyle medicine knowledge across the four key pillars: Food, Movement, Sleep, and Connection.
- Knowledge of the key drivers of chronic disease, common medications, referral pathways and how to communicate these simply and clearly.
- Mental health tools from acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and positive psychology.
PREKURE CEO Dr Louise Schofield Explains in this 1-minute video
We tracked confidence levels before and after the training across several core competencies. The shift in “Before vs. Now” data tells a compelling story of professional growth, transforming health coaches from “unsure” to “confident.”
Explore the curriculum. Download the Prospectus
Is IPMHA Health Coach Training Right for Your Organisation?
This training programme is fully funded by Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for a funded place, the trainee must:
- Be employed as a Health Coach funded by an IPMHA contract.
- Be newly employed in the role (or have not previously received national training).
Trainees are also required to complete enrolment with AcademyEX for the NZQA-approved Health Coach Preparation Micro-credential (Level 4, 24 credits). Enrolment instructions are sent directly to your Health Coach once their place is confirmed.
Our curriculum prepares Health Coaches to be patient-ready after 30 hours, with scaffolded learning that provides active training and support for health coaches for the first 6 months of their role. Plus begin training from day one of employment.
Key Programme Details
Comprehensive, Competency-Based Training for the IPMHA Workforce
This six-month programme delivers a hybrid learning experience combining live interactive workshops, weekly coaching practice sessions, and self-paced online theory.
New Health Coaches are supported for the full six months through weekly mentoring, practice sessions, and ‘ask the expert’ sessions. Attendance is flexible, Health Coaches should use this support when they have availability in their work schedules.
The IPMHA Health Coach Training Includes:
Compulsory Requirements
Self-Paced Online Learning Courses The knowledge of how to work as safe, effective, and culturally responsive Health Coaches within IPMHA teams. Trainees can begin at any time.
2-Day Intensive Coaching Skills Workshop Live, online interactive foundations workshop covering core coaching frameworks, demonstrations, case-based scenarios, and guided reflection. Cohort-based learning, runs every 6 weeks.
Additional Learning Opportunities
Watch Dr Louise Schofield Explain the IPMHA Programme in this 1 Minute Video
Why train with us?
| Feature | PREKURE & Collaborative Aotearoa |
|---|---|
| START LEARNING FROM DAY ONE | New Health Coaches can begin their training from the first day of employment. We teach the reality of the role within IPMHA services, not just theory. Our curriculum prepares Health Coaches to be patient-ready after 30 hours, with scaffolded learning that provides active training and support for health coaches for the first 6 months of their role |
| BEHAVIOUR CHANGE | We equip coaches with deep knowledge and practical skills in behaviour change to effectively support lasting change and self-management. |
| CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE | Te Ao Māori knowledge and approaches, and culturally diverse, evidence-informed coaching frameworks are embedded into learning and practice. |
| RIGOROUS STANDARDS | NZQA-approved Level 4 Health Coach Preparation Micro-credential (24 credits), awarded by our accredited education partner AcademyEX. PREKURE's training is also endorsed for CME by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, so you can trust your workforce meets the highest professional standards. University-level quality, accessible to all. |
| A HUB-AND-SPOKE-MODEL | We combine the scalability of digital learning with the power of kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) connection, partnering with 12 Regional Leads to provide in-person mentorship and assessment. |
"A Practice Game Changer"
“PREKURE Health Coach training has been a primary care practice game changer for us at the Fono. Combining the most up to date evidence-based lifestyle change methods, with the flexibility to deliver in culturally relevant ways has resulted in meaningful and measurable patient and family outcomes. Our Health Coach staff have been enabled with skills and tools to empower families and communities to make informed choices and navigate a wellness journey based on their own values and goals”.
— Renee Richards-Berry, Manager LagiOla Healthy Minds
FAQ'S
How does PREKURE & Collaborative Aotearoa support the Government’s goal of reducing pressure on the healthcare system?
Our evidence-based programs equip coaches to tackle the root causes of diabetes, heart disease, obesity and mental health issues. Coaches help people adopt sustainable lifestyle changes – a powerful, cost-effective solution for preventing and managing chronic conditions.
Does PREKURE & Collaborative Aotearoa's training address the rising burden of chronic disease in NZ?
PREKURE Coaches handle the “lifestyle” side of healthcare – supporting patients with behaviour change, nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress. This allows GPs to focus on diagnosis and clinical care, while coaches provide ongoing patient support and continuity of care.
How do Health Coaches help free up GPs and clinicians?
Yes. PREKURE’s training is designed to empower Māori, Pasifika, and rural workforces with practical, culturally grounded tools that create real change in their communities.
We work in close partnership with iwi, Māori and Pasifika health providers, Whānau Ora agencies, and rural organisations to co-design programmes that reflect each community’s values, tikanga, and lived realities. Our IPHMA Health Coach training embeds kaupapa Māori, Pacific models of care, and lived experience into every layer of the training.
The training is accessible, flexible, and delivered in a blended format (online + live sessions), making it suitable for busy frontline kaimahi, community workers and support staff, regardless of geography or prior academic background.
Trained coaches are equipped to:
Walk alongside whānau as trusted partners, not just health professionals
Deliver culturally safe lifestyle and mental health support
Help prevent and reverse chronic conditions like diabetes and depression in high-needs communities
Strengthen the community workforce while lightening the load on clinics and hospitals
Will this training be relevant for Māori, Pasifika or rural workforces?
What happens if I have already completed PREKURE training. Do I still need to do the PREKURE IPMHA training when I start work as an IPMHA Health Coach?
- Confidence and clarity about their role and scope of practice as a Health Coach in primary care.
- Foundational coaching skills, including staying on the patient’s agenda, motivational interviewing, active listening, health education, and supporting accountability.
- Evidence-based lifestyle medicine knowledge across the four key pillars: Food, Movement, Sleep, and Connection.
- Knowledge of the key drivers of chronic disease, common medications, referral pathways and how to communicate these simply and clearly.
- Mental health tools from acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and positive psychology.
What practical skills will my staff gain from PREKURE training?
Why does my Health Coach need to enrol with AcademyEX?
AcademyEX is the accredited education provider responsible for the NZQA-approved Health Coach Preparation Micro-credential. Enrolment with AcademyEX is required so your health coach’s learning, workplace practice and assessment through the PREKURE programme can be recorded and quality assured against the approved micro-credential requirements.
Does enrolling guarantee my Health Coach will receive the micro-credential?
No. To be awarded the micro-credential, the health coach must complete the required learning, workplace practice and assessment components to the required standard.
Who awards the micro-credential?
The Health Coach Preparation Micro-credential is awarded by AcademyEX once all approved requirements have been successfully completed.
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