AMINZ Scholarships

Championing Excellence
Developing Leaders
Creating Opportunities

AMINZ is committed to fostering growth and leadership across all aspects of the dispute resolution sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. We offer two scholarships in partnership with the College of Law, open to individuals with a genuine interest in dispute resolution who are committed to developing their knowledge, skills, and leadership in the field.

Supporting our Future Leaders

Our korahipi are designed to provide future leaders in the profession with support, encouragement and tailored professional development opportunities to enable them to thrive in their chosen field. There are two scholarships, one determinative scholarship (focussed on arbitration), and one consensual scholarship (focussed on mediation).

  • Scholarship recipients will:

    • Be mentored by a senior AMINZ member, receiving personalised guidance and support throughout their scholarship year.

    • Observe real dispute resolution processes for a minimum of six days alongside experienced professionals, gaining valuable practical insights.

    • Present at our Annual AMINZ Conference, sharing their reflections and contributing to discussions shaping the future of dispute resolution.

    • Enjoy a two-year AMINZ Affiliate Membership, with access to a nationwide network of professionals, resources, and exclusive events.

    • Receive financial support of up to $2,500, inc GST, to help cover costs incurred during your scholarship period.

    • Conclude their scholarship year with a reflective report to the AMINZ Council, offering their perspective on how AMINZ can further promote diversity and inclusion within the sector.

  • Applicants must be based in Aotearoa New Zealand and demonstrate:

    • A clear and genuine interest in dispute resolution.

    • Initiative, integrity and a willingness to contribute to the profession.

    • An interest in engaging with the AMINZ community and its values.

    You do not need to be an existing AMINZ member to apply. Applications are encouraged from people at all stages of their professional journey who share a passion for excellence in dispute resolution.

    • Applications Close: Sunday 1 March 2026 at 5 pm.

    • Scholarship Recipients Announced: Wednesday 1 April 2026.

    • AMINZ Conference: Friday 7 August 2026.

    • Scholarship Report to Council Due: March 2027.

  • To apply, download and complete the AMINZ Scholarship Application Form. Your application must include:

    • A personal statement (up to 500 words) outlining your interest in dispute resolution, your career goals, and how the scholarship will support your development.

    • A current CV with your education, professional experience, and any relevant achievements.

    • The names and contact details of three referees who can support your application.

    Please submit your completed application and all supporting documents to institute@aminz.org.nz.

    Applications close Sunday 1 March 2026, 5pm.

Announcing the 2026 AMINZ Scholars

We are delighted to introduce two emerging leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand’s dispute resolution sector: Oscar Read, recipient of the Determinative Scholarship, focused on arbitration, and Tyson Hullena, recipient of the Consensual Scholarship, focused on mediation.

Read more and meet the scholars.

"I am so grateful to be the 2026 AMINZ Consensual Scholar. The opportunity to watch and learn from Aotearoa New Zealand's best mediators is an incredible way to grow my mediation expertise and broaden my professional networks. I'm really looking forward to presenting at the AMINZ Conference and celebrating 30 years of AMINZ this year too."

Tyson Hullena
Consensual Scholar 2026

"I am excited to be awarded the AMINZ Determinative Scholarship, which presents an incredible opportunity to engage with and learn from a diverse range of legal and dispute resolution professionals within the body. I look forward to bringing the insights and knowledge gained back to my broader network, helping to advance the conversation around how we can best use arbitration to facilitate access to justice." 

Oscar Read
Determinative Scholar 2026

Further Information

Find out more about what the scholar receives, and needs to do.

  • Scholars are allocated a senior AMINZ member as a dispute resolution mentor, for the year of their AMINZ Scholarship.

  • Scholars receive observation opportunities (a minimum of six days’ observation) 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).

  • 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 $2,500 (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.

  • The learnings aren’t just one-way! Scholars provide a 1,500 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.

The 2026 AMINZ Scholarships have now been awarded.

Applications for the 2027 Scholarships will open in late 2026. If you’re interested in applying, we encourage you to check back here for updates or keep an eye on our communications for key dates and details.

Application Requirements

Applicants will be asked to provide:

  • A personal statement (up to 500 words) outlining your interest in dispute resolution, your career goals, and how the scholarship will support your development.

  • A current CV detailing your education, professional experience, and any relevant achievements.

  • The names and contact details of three referees who can support your application.

Spotlight on Past Scholars

AMINZ Scholarship Partner

We are thrilled to continue its partnership with the College of Law. This partnership supports the development of emerging dispute resolution professionals by providing access to high-quality training, professional development opportunities, and networking to help scholars excel in arbitration and mediation.