About Us
The Home of Dispute Resolution Professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand
AMINZ is a membership organisation dedicated to upholding, certifying and promoting the highest standards in dispute resolution. We aim to empower people and organisations to resolve disputes positively and effectively, enhancing access to justice and supporting stronger, more connected communities. Everything we do is driven by a commitment to excellence, integrity, and collegiality.
AMINZ was incorporated in 1996, following the merger of the Arbitrators’ Institute of New Zealand (originally formed in 1987 as a branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators), the Institute of Employment Arbitrators and Mediators, and the Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand.
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We are the leading proponent in Aotearoa New Zealand for explaining and advocating dispute resolution. AMINZ is referenced in over 40 pieces of legislation to appoint dispute resolvers.
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We operate various lists of dispute resolution professionals. Some are formed under agreement with organisations like Federated Farmers, and others by Statute, such as the Family Dispute Resolution List.
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We provide education and training to existing and intending professionals working in dispute resolution, including our popular AMINZ mediation training course (AMSI) and the AMINZ Fellowship Programme in Mediation and Arbitration, the Institute’s Highest Distinction. Our events include the highly anticipated and comprehensive annual Conference. We also offer bespoke training for outside organisations. See our full list of events.
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We offer a Mentoring Programme open to all members. The Programme provides a platform and network infrastructure for aspiring, new and seasoned dispute practitioners to connect, share, learn and develop.
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We provide the dispute resolution network, both real and online, by which members stay in touch, with regular Network Meetings open to members and non-members, across the country. We also draw on an extensive international network for the benefit of its membership.
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AMINZ members are subject to a Code of Ethics and professional standards. These standards require them at all times to act with integrity and in a manner that inspires confidence, respect and trust. We have a programme of continuing professional development that members on our lists must comply with. Our professional qualifications are recognised internationally.
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We offer two AMINZ scholarships designed to provide future leaders in the profession with support, encouragement, and professional development opportunities. There is one determinative scholarship (focussed on arbitration), and one consensual scholarship (focussed on mediation).
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Young AMINZ is a free network for students and early-career dispute resolution practitioners. Young AMINZ offers mentoring, low-cost webinars, networking, and events to help newer professionals connect, learn, and grow within the field. Separate from a full AMINZ membership, Young AMINZ members are encouraged to attend our AMINZ events.
Our Roles
Our Members
Our diverse community brings together dispute resolution professionals including arbitrators, mediators, adjudicators, conciliators, facilitators, investigators, expert witnesses, and others from both the public and private sectors with a shared interest in dispute resolution.
Our members deal domestic and international disputes ranging from non-monetary disputes to disputes worth billions of dollars. Our members are involved in a wide range of areas – commercial, rural, family, neighbourhood, maritime, sports, employment, environmental, Māori, environmental and more.
Governance
The Council oversees the Institute’s governance, including monitoring, accountability and reporting, as well as responsibilities as an employer and property owner. It focuses on AMINZ’s long-term strength and sustainability, and Council Members also contribute as subject matter experts and volunteers.
Our Team
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Monique Pearson – Executive Director
Monique provides the strategic and operational leadership of AMINZ and is responsible for guiding the Institute’s overall direction, performance and long-term sustainability. Working closely with Council, she leads organisational strategy, stakeholder engagement, governance alignment and the delivery of AMINZ’s professional and educational objectives across the dispute resolution sector. Monique also oversees the Institute’s education and training portfolio alongside the Professional Studies Team. You can get in touch with Monique at executivedirector@aminz.org.nz -
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Maree Galland – Virtual Executive Assistant
Maree is our part-time Virtual Executive Assistant, providing invaluable support to our Executive Director and assisting the wider team with general administration and events coordination. With her expertise in streamlining processes and managing day-to-day tasks, she keeps everything organised and running smoothly. Contact Maree at ea@aminz.org.nz. -
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Natalie Marriott – Administration Manager
Natalie is the Administration Manager and your go-to for all things AMINZ membership-related. She administers the day-to-day membership processes, including applications, renewals, records and related administration, helping ensure everything runs smoothly and accurately. You can get in touch with Natalie at adminmanager@aminz.org.nz. -
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Lisa Mills - Engagement Manager
Lisa is our Engagement Manager and responsible for the Institute’s events, sponsorship, and relationship portfolio. She oversees the planning and delivery of a range of initiatives that support member engagement and align with AMINZ’s strategic direction. Contact Lisa at engagement@aminz.org.nz. -
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Emma Pitcaithly – Programme Manager
Emma is our Programme Manager and responsible for the coordination and delivery of the Institute's education and training programmes. She oversees the planning, administration and ongoing development of courses, helping ensure a high-quality learning experience for participants. Email Emma at education@aminz.org.nz -
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Sophie Lindsay – Marketing Manager
Sophie manages AMINZ’s marketing, digital communications, community-focussed projects, content writing, and PR initiatives. For all your marketing queries, email Sophie at marketing@aminz.org.nz.
AMINZ is a proud member of Te Uru Tāngata | Centre for Workplace Inclusion, previously Diversity Works New Zealand.
Te Uru Tāngata is the national body for workplace diversity, equity and inclusion.
AMINZ is proud to support The Good Registry.
Giving Good Gift Card’s so recipient's can have the joy of giving to causes they care about. The Good Registry have 65 NZ charities to choose from.
The Gender Diversity Pledge
AMINZ is committed to improving the profile and representation of women in arbitration, mediation, adjudication and all other forms of dispute resolution in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In particular, we consider that women should be appointed as dispute resolution professionals on an equal opportunity basis. To achieve this, we will take the steps reasonably available to us – and we will encourage other participants in the dispute resolution field to do likewise – to ensure that, wherever possible.
Further Information
Please note that AMINZ does not engage or employ dispute resolution professionals, nor does it offer legal advice. You may wish to contact one of the organisations listed below for these services.