Mediation Training

Looking for an unparalleled learning opportunity?

Look no further than the AMINZ Mediation Skills Intensive programme.

This 5-day intensive course brings together groups of participants with some of the profession’s leading practitioners and educators in memorable sessions devoted to the practical and theoretical alike.

A fan-favourite on the education calendar, attendees gain critical transferrable skills to implement in both your mediation practice and day-to-cay conflict resolution (be it professional or personal).

The course focuses on the stages of the mediation process, identifying and working with an array of negotiation styles, methods of facilitating problem-solving, and explores how unconscious bias impacts everyone’s daily lives.

But, it’s not all sitting and listening to lectures. It’s an interactive environment where participants take part in practical exercises and role-plays where they can put their new knowledge and skills into practice.

Five day immersive experience

Embark on a transformative journey spanning 5 days, where each day unfolds with captivating and interactive sessions.

Your Path to Professional Recognition

Acquire the essential skills and knowledge required for Associate credentialing with AMINZ.

Invest in your development

AMINZ members enjoy a special rate of $3000-$3200, while non-members can join at $3300-$3500.

Learn your way

Experience the flexibility of our program, offering a blend of in-person and online sessions accessible throughout Aotearoa.

Grow your connections

The program provides abundant networking opportunities, connecting you with prominent professionals in the field in professional and social settings.

Upcoming Courses

Secure your spot early for our highly sought-after sessions! Our Mediation Skills Intensive is limited to 18 spaces, and the Online session to 12, so registering early ensures you don't miss out. Take advantage of discounted rates by registering now!

Gain sought-after skills

Negotiation styles

Uncover various negotiation styles and how to work effectively with each of them. You’ll get to understand the process of negotiation and the fundamental nexus between negotiation and mediation.

Mediation process

Get to know the framework of mediation and dive into the pre-mediation/formative components of the mediation process. Get to know what shouldn’t be meditated, protocols, preparation…the works.

Problem solving

Learn the ins and outs of facilitating problem solving. Utilise these skills in real-life role plays throughout the course, and take this critical transferrable skill into other areas of your professional and personal life.

Unconscious bias

Learn how unconscious bias impact everyone’s day-to-day lives, including your own. Use this knowledge to enhance your mediation practice.

Mediation techniques

Learning directly from highly-experienced mediators, get to know the latest mediation techniques. You’ll put your knowledge and skills to the test by apply your learning in practical exercises and role-plays.

Interpersonal dynamics

Become familiar with people-related challenges, and develop strategies and skills for working through these.

An unmatched professional development experience.

Who’s it for?

Our mediation training program is designed to empower individuals from a wide range of professional backgrounds who are interested in enhancing their skill set and adding mediation to their repertoire. Whether you work in the legal field, management, human resources, government, non-profit organizations, or community sectors, this program is ideal for you.

Previous attendees of our program have included professionals from diverse backgrounds, including lawyers, managers, HR personnel, industrial relations experts, healthcare practitioners, educators, counsellors, coaches, conciliators, and community engagement professionals. This diversity of participants enriches the learning experience and encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration.

No matter your profession or industry, if you are passionate about developing your conflict resolution skills and incorporating mediation into your professional practice, our program is the ideal choice for you. Join us and take the first step towards becoming a skilled mediator in your field.

Unlock exclusive savings with our member pricing or secure your spot at a discounted rate with our early bird pricing for non-members, available until one month before the event.

AMINZ Member: $3000 - $3200
Non Member: $3300 - $3500

To access members pricing you must be a fully paid, financial member at the time of booking.

Programme

What exactly can you expect to learn over the 5-days? Let’s break it down.

Schedule:

Monday to Wednesday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Thursday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Friday: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

  • At the heart of every mediation lies the essence of human interaction.

    Join us on Day One as we delve into crucial aspects, including:

    • Grasping the essence of mediation and its place within the dispute resolution spectrum

    • Navigating the nuances between dispute and conflict, understanding their distinctions and parallels

    • Examining our responses to disputes, delving into core concerns and the hierarchy of needs

    • Exploring the intersection of Tikanga and mediation

    • Unveiling the pivotal role and essential attributes of a mediator

    • Understanding the dynamics of parties and participants involved in a mediation

    • Illuminating the nomination process

    • Engaging in the intricacies of the intake or individual mediation meeting

  • Delve deeper into the art of mediation on Day 2. Learn how to master the intricacies of the mediation framework, and craft impactful mediator and party openings.

    Discover the key to effective communication by honing your skills in setting agendas, exploring interests, and the effective use of option generation.

  • Seamlessly conclude the mediation framework by crafting agreements and bringing the mediation to a close.

    In the afternoon session, engage in hands-on practice within small groups, where you'll have the chance to play dual roles as both mediator and party. Our experienced coaches will guide you through each stage, offering demonstrations and valuable guidance to enhance your skills.

  • The day will see you actively put your mediation skills into practice. Engage in a comprehensive mediation that spans all phases, allowing you to navigate and overcome various process difficulties.

    Throughout the day, each participant will take on diverse roles in three distinct mediation rounds, gaining hands-on experience and refining their expertise.

    The program concludes with a thorough debrief, providing closure, recognition, and valuable constructive feedback for continuous improvement.

  • Shift focus to essential aspects that extend beyond the core mediation process.

    Delve into strategic insights on handling high-emotional situations, navigating through tough moments, and how to take things digital with online mediation processes.

    This exploration aims to equip participants with a holistic understanding, ensuring proficiency in diverse facets of the mediation landscape as the course draws to an end.

Meet the Programme Director

Nicola Hartfield FAMINZ(Med) is a dispute resolution and workplace consultant, with over 30 years’ of professional experience. Having started her professional career as a health-based social worker, Nicola has extensive experience in conflict management, family dispute resolution and mediation.

Nicola completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution followed by achieving Fellowship with both AMINZ and Resolution Institute. She was awarded the 2014 Ann Edge Memorial Prize for excellence in mediation. Nicola was elected as an AMINZ Councillor in 2014, and held the AMINZ Vice-Presidency from 2018-2020.

She was a contract teacher for the Massey University Dispute Resolution Centre and presents both nationally and internationally on various aspects of dispute resolution, mediation skills and workplace conflicts. Nicola was a recipient of the AMINZ Te Tohu Ngākau Nui: Big Heart awards in 2022 for her contribution to the Institute over the years.

While Nicola is well-known for her work in the family dispute resolution space, she is also very active in mediation and consultation for workplace, governance, management and community areas. She was a contract teacher for the Massey University Dispute Resolution Centre and presents both nationally and internationally on various aspects of dispute resolution, mediation skills and workplace conflicts.

FAQs

Cost?

Unlock exclusive savings with our member pricing or secure your spot at a discounted rate with our early bird pricing for non-members, available until one month before the event.

AMINZ Member Early Bird: $3000
Non-Member Early Bird: $3300
AMINZ Member: $3200
Non-Member: $3500

Qualifications?

In New Zealand, there is no official compulsory qualification for practising as a mediator.

AMINZ offer credentialling by way of our Associate membership, which recognises you in the industry as having sufficient knowledge and expertise to practise dispute resolution. AMSI is a great pathway towards credentialing by the Institute.

Completion of the programme qualifies for 10 CPD points.

Prior Knowledge?

AMSI is the ideal platform for individuals at all levels of experience in mediation. Whether you're just starting your journey or have been in the field for a while, our program caters to everyone, providing valuable insights and skills to enhance your mediation expertise

Our Partners

This programme is made possible thanks to the generous support of our partners

“The course made complete sense in building a foundation of knowledge and skills”

- AMSI Alumnus

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