DIPLOMA IN TRUSTS AND ESTATES NEW ZEALAND
About the STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates
This qualification is a STEP-approved programme of study, and is not accredited by NZQA. This course has particular relevance to people whose working life touches on, or who are involved with trusts and estates:
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General practitioner lawyers and legal executives
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Accountants
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Insurance and investment advisors
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Trust specialists and trustee company employees
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Law and business Students STEP membership
Each advanced certificate provides you with credits towards Full STEP membership.
For further details, see STEP’s qualifications and membership framework
Course overview
The STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates is a practical and hands-on course designed and delivered by leading New Zealand trust and estate practitioners.
Entry requirements
If you have at least one year’s experience and a relevant qualification (see link to list), you can join as an Affiliate Member and will then be able to enrol on to the STEP NZ Diploma. Complete the four Advanced Certificates to obtain the STEP Diploma and progress to Full Membership of STEP
NB: Upon completion of the STEP Diploma, in order to upgrade to Full (TEP) Membership, you will also need a minimum of two years’ current professional experience at mid to senior level, including significant involvement at a specialist level with one or more of the following: planning, creation, management of and accounting for trusts and estates, executorship administration and related taxes.
More detail on STEP’s Qualifications and Membership Framework is available here
Course details
Delivery mode: Online and distance learning
Student learning time: 110 hours comprising 12 hours approximately of remote class contact and 98 hours independent study (5 -7 hours independent study per week)
Assessment structure: 100% examination
Advanced certificates
Each advanced certificate takes 14 weeks to complete and ends with a take-home exam. You can complete the four certificates in any order.
1. Creation of Trusts certificate
The certificate covers:
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The trust concept (including fundamental trust concepts), the three certainties, the transfer of assets into trusts and applicable statutory and case law requirements.
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The background and historical use and development of discretionary and fixed trusts in New Zealand including their use to avoid estate duty and income tax, the specific issues this gave rise to with the legal drafting of trusts, consideration of some of the diverse legislation that has promoted, shaped and limited trusts and beneficial interests, and an overview of the conceptual changes the Trusts Act 2019 will bring to New Zealand trusts.
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A consideration of the ways in which trusts may be rendered ineffective or “attacked” under both legislation such as the Property (Relationships) Act, Property Law Act 2007 and Insolvency Act 2006 and under case law.
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The trust instrument (an examination of typical clauses in a modern discretionary family trust deed).
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A brief introduction to other trusts (charitable trusts, superannuation schemes and unit trusts, Maori trusts, resulting and constructive trusts).
2. Administration of Trusts certificate
The certificate examines trustees’ duties and liabilities, including making distributions, investing and delegating, and exercising trust powers improperly, and gives practical guidance on the discharge of those duties and liabilities.
3. Administration of Estates certificate
The administration of estates certificate assists executors and administrators in the core aspects of estate administration, including obtaining probate or letters of administration, addressing cross-border issues, dealing with creditors, potential claimants and beneficiaries, the transmission of assets and dealing with insolvent estates.
4. Taxation and Accounting for Trusts and Estates certificate
The taxation and accounting certificate provides an understanding of what is required to prepare and understand financial statements and relevant tax issues, including the application of the settlor regime, cross-border issues and tax avoidance.
APPLICATIONS OPEN
Advanced Certificate 3: The Administration of Estates
Start date: Saturday 7th March 2026
Weekend Workshop 1: Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th March 2026
Weekend Workshop 2: Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th May 2026
Examination dates: Released Friday 22nd May (4pm), Due Friday 5th June 2026 (4pm)
Applications close Monday 2nd March 2026- APPLY NOW
Cost and how to apply
2025 Advanced Certificate cost $2,400 plus GST.
Contact
Please contact Megan Llewellyn at STEP Education NZ directly if you have questions or would like to enrol in any of these certificates:
Email: megan@allsortedlifestyle.co.nz
Phone: +64 21 189 5546