AMINZ Scholarships | korahipi

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About the AMINZ Scholarships

AMINZ is committed to fostering growth and leadership across all aspects of the dispute resolution sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In 2021, we created two AMINZ Scholarships to support this aim. These scholarships are designed to provide future leaders in the profession with support, encouragement and professional development opportunities to enable them to thrive in their chosen field.

Each year, two scholarship are awarded by the AMINZ Scholarship Committee. There is one determinative scholarship (focussed on arbitration), and one consensual scholarship (focussed on mediation). The scholarships are announced 1 April and the Awards will be held by the successful scholars until 31 March the following year.

Why apply for the AMINZ Scholarship?

AMINZ Scholarships represent more than financial support, they are an investment in your professional growth and are designed to offer tailored learning experiences.

As a scholarship recipient, you gain access to a network of industry experts, mentors, and fellow rising stars in dispute resolution. As part of the award a highly experienced AMINZ senior member to act as your dedicated mentor.

Witness dispute resolution processes firsthand, gaining invaluable insights and honing your skills with a minimum of six days of observation alongside senior practitioners.

Each scholar also receives a speaking opportunity at the Annual AMINZ Conference. Share your insights and contribute to the discussion within the dispute resolution sector.

Enjoy a two-year AMINZ Affiliate membership, providing you with access to a network of industry professionals, resources, and exclusive events to further enhance your professional development.

Focus on your development without the burden of financial constraints. Receive financial support of up to $2,500 towards expense reimbursements for costs incurred during your scholarship period.

Conclude your scholarship year by presenting a comprehensive report to the AMINZ Council. Share your thoughts on how AMINZ can better promote diversity, both within the institute and in the broader landscape of dispute resolution.

2025 Scholarship Sponsor

AMINZ is delighted to announce that the College of Law is sponsoring the 2025 AMINZ Scholarships, expanding education opportunities in dispute resolution. This partnership provides aspiring professionals with access to exceptional training, development, and networking to help them excel in arbitration and mediation.

Learn more

Eligibility and Application

It’s pretty easy! To be eligible for an Award you must ordinarily reside in Aotearoa New Zealand.
You do not currently have to be an AMINZ member to apply.

An application requires a statement of no more than 500 words, CV and referee details.

Scholars are subject in all respects to the AMINZ Scholarship Rules

If you have any questions, contact us at institute@aminz.org.nz

Applications for 2025 have now closed.

Applications Closed

Scholarship Rules

Important dates for 2025

Sunday 2 March 2025 at 5 pm

Tuesday 1 April 2025

Thursday 28 - Friday 29 August 2025
Christchurch

Applications Close:

Scholarship Recipients Announced:

AMINZ Conference:

Details about the Award

Find out about what each scholar receives as part of their Award.

Scholars are allocated a senior AMINZ member as a dispute resolution mentor, for the year of their AMINZ Scholarship
Scholars receive observation opportunities, with one or more senior dispute resolution practitioners, of a determinative or consensual process, according to which AMINZ Scholarship they have. That is, sitting in on an arbitration/s or mediation/s.
Scholars are allocated a speaking slot at the annual AMINZ Conference in the year of their AMINZ Scholarship, on any dispute resolution topic of their choice (subject to Conference Committee approval)
The learnings aren’t just one-way! Scholars provide a 1500 word report to the AMINZ Council, at the conclusion of the year of their AMINZ Scholarship, on how they think AMINZ might better promote diversity, within itself, and in dispute resolution
Scholars receive free AMINZ membership at affiliate level for two years (or a discount on membership fees to that level if they are already a member)
Receive support of up to $2500 (including GST, if any), by way of reimbursement for costs incurred, in the year of their AMINZ Scholarship, for:
(i) Travel to, accommodation at, and attendance at the AMINZ Conference; and
(ii) Such expenses as may be associated with attendance at other AMINZ educational or networking events

2025 AMINZ Scholars

We are delighted to announce this year’s recipients of the 2025 AMINZ Scholarships: Lydia Sharpe (Determinative Scholar – focussed on arbitration) and Celia Brownlee (Consensual Scholar – focussed on mediation).

Lydia and Celia represent rising leaders, who are shaping the future of Aotearoa New Zealand’s dispute resolution sector. “The AMINZ Scholarships are an important part of AMINZ’s commitment to growing diversity in dispute resolution, and developing the stars of the future,” says AMINZ Committee Chair, Mark Kelly. “We had some fantastic applications this year, and some really difficult decisions to make. The Scholars who have been selected are amazing young practitioners who I am sure will go far.” Read more about the scholars here.

“I am incredibly grateful to be the recipient of the AMINZ Determinative Scholarship for 2025. I am particularly looking forward to progressing my skills in arbitration through working with a mentor, and forging new connections within the AMINZ community.”
Lydia Sharpe Determinative Scholar 2025

“I am excited and incredibly grateful for the opportunities the AMINZ scholarship provides to learn from and become immersed in the AMINZ community, gain ‘real-world’ insight into mediation practice and to be able to contribute to the New Zealand ADR profession.”
Celia Brownlee Consensual Scholar 2025

Spotlight on Past Scholars