AMINZ Membership

Be Part of Something Bigger with AMINZ

As an AMINZ member, you become part of a respected community of professionals at the forefront of dispute resolution. Your membership gives you access to exclusive learning resources, industry insights, and valuable networking opportunities that support your ongoing professional development. Staying connected with AMINZ helps you keep pace with emerging trends, best practice, and developments across the dispute resolution landscape.

Who Can Become a Member?

AMINZ membership provides a supportive platform to connect, learn, and thrive. Join us in shaping the future of dispute resolution in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.

Are you a seasoned mediator, family dispute resolver, arbitrator, adjudicator, conflict coach, conciliator, facilitator, or an expert in another area? Are you an expert in a specialised field where dispute resolution is a common occurrence? Perhaps you're a legal professional or a manager adept at assisting individuals in navigating disputes.

Whatever your role or expertise, we invite you to become a part of the largest and most esteemed association of dispute resolvers in Aotearoa. Join us in advancing the standards and impact of dispute resolution in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Explore Member Benefits

  • Professional Development

    Stay current with our flexible, year-round e-Learning Programme included as part of your AMINZ membership. Access live sessions, practical resources, and a growing on-demand library through the Member Portal, with most sessions available at no additional cost.

  • Expertise Recognition

    An AMINZ membership is an acknowledgment of your expertise and credentials. You’ll have opportunities to enhance and sustain your proficiency in the dynamic field of dispute resolution.

    Associates and Fellows can use AAMINZ and FAMINZ, respectively, after their names.

  • Profile Advantage

    Enjoy the advantage of featuring your profile on the AMINZ Member List, offering visibility and access to opportunities for appointments prominently displayed on our website.

  • Member Exclusives

    You’ll receive exclusive access and discounted rates for AMINZ education programmes, courses and events, as well as discounted meeting room hire for your professional meetings and activities.

  • Specialised Panels and Lists

    As an AMINZ member you can apply for inclusion in specialised Panels and Lists for Appointment to Dispute Resolution Referrals.

  • Member Network

    Enjoy the enriching experience of networking with like-minded professionals, creating valuable connections, and actively participating in the dynamic exchange of knowledge and experiences.

  • International Opportunities

    All AMINZ Associates and Fellows enjoy the advantage of expanding their professional network and expertise on a global scale through reciprocal membership privileges with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). This exclusive benefit opens doors to a world of opportunities, fostering collaboration and enriching your experience in the field of dispute resolution.

  • Distinguished Affiliation

    Exclusive 25% Discount for Members of Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa and Pacific Lawyers Association.

  • Business Perks

    Unlock commercial benefits, including corporate Koru Club Membership, and reduced professional indemnity insurance rates.

  • Enhanced Exposure

    Unlock marketing opportunities and boost your profile by associating with Aotearoa New Zealand's leading dispute resolution organisation

  • Industry Updates

    You’ll be kept updated on matters of interest to dispute resolution professionals via regular emails and our monthly newsletter.

Membership Types

We offer a range of membership options, each with its own set of requirements tailored to different levels of experience and professional goals. Whether you’re just starting out in dispute resolution or are a seasoned professional, there’s a membership tier to match your needs.

Student

If you have an interest in dispute resolution and are currently studying full-time, Student membership is for you.

Student Membership is perfect for those currently in full-time study and have an interest in mediation and dispute resolution.

Annual fee

$0

No membership application fee.

A Student member is a person who is engaged in full time tertiary study. A copy of a valid student ID needs to be provided.

Affiliate

Affiliate Membership could be the perfect fit if you’re curious about the field but still gaining experience.

If you have sufficient working knowledge or training in dispute resolution processes and can show that you are a fit and proper person, you will likely already have met these requirements.

Annual fee

$235.00

Member application fee $57.50.

View the requirements

Associate

If you have substantial knowledge of dispute resolution processes gained through experience and/or training, Associate Membership is your gateway to professional distinction.

To qualify as an Associate, you must demonstrate that you are a fit and proper person, with proven experience in dispute resolution.

Annual fee

$620.00

Member application fee is $115.00.

View the requirements

Fellow

A Fellow of the Institute is recognised as having the training, experience, and personal qualities required to demonstrate competence as an arbitrator or mediator. Fellow Membership is awarded on successful completion of the AMINZ Fellowship programme, or by waiver granted on application to Council.

Annual fee

$799.00

Member application fee is $218.50.

View the requirements

Apply for membership

Membership Requirements

All applicants for membership shall satisfy the requirements of the classifications of membership as outlined in the Arbitrator’s and Mediator’s Institute of New Zealand By-Laws.

You can view detailed requirements under the headings below or access the AMINZ By-Laws here.

  • An Affiliate member is a person who wishes to be associated with the Institute and receive the information and correspondence disseminated to members. This classification is for a person interested in the practice of dispute resolution processes but who is not qualified for entry to any other membership classification.

  • An Associate Member is a person who satisfies the Council that they have sufficient knowledge of dispute resolution processes through experience and/or training to fulfil the requirements for admission as an Associate Member.

    The requirements for admission as an Associate Member are set out in Schedule 1 (A) of the AMINZ By-Laws. How candidates may demonstrate that they have met the requirements for admission as an Associate Member include those set out in Schedule 1 (B) of the AMINZ By-Laws.

    View the requirements here.

    If you're interested in becoming an Associate Member but don't yet meet the requirements, the AMINZ Associate Programme provides a pathway to Associate Membership. Learn more here.

  • A Fellow of the Institute is a person who satisfies the Council that, by virtue of their training and experience and their personal qualities, has the competence to act as an arbitrator or as a mediator, as the case may be.

    Unless waived by the Council in accordance with Schedule 3 of the AMINZ By-Laws, the only means by which a candidate can demonstrate that they have attained the necessary standard to be classified as a Fellow is by passing the AMINZ Fellowship testing programme.

    Learn more about becoming a Fellow here.

Application Process

Once you submit your application, it will progress through a series of review steps to ensure it is assessed thoroughly.

Please note that an application fee applies to all membership applications.

  • An individual applies for membership or admission to a Panel or List via the AMINZ Application Form. Applications can be made at any point in the year.

  • Assessors are assigned to applications for Associates, Fellows, and Panels and Lists. Our assessors review the application and will arrange a time to meet with you via phone to discuss your knowledge and experience.

    The assessor will also contact your two referees.

    Once the assessment is complete, the assessor will make their recommendation to the Membership Committee.

  • The Membership Committee will make a recommendation to the AMINZ Council for approval or non-approval for each applicant (this includes Student and Affiliate applications who are not subject to step two)

  • Based on the prospective members' reports from the Membership Committee, the AMINZ Council will finalise each approval or non-approval. All applications are reviewed and subject to approval from Council.

    Council reviews membership applications regularly. Inclusion in the current membership round is determined by when they apply within the membership cycle.

  • After our council approves your membership application, keep an eye on your inbox! You'll soon receive a confirmation email, officially welcoming you to the vibrant AMINZ community.

    Depending on when in the cycle an individual applies will depend on whether they are included in the current membership round

Ready to Join?

Take the next step in your professional journey by applying today.

Or, if you have questions please get in touch with our team.

Apply now

Membership FAQs

  • It depends on your experience: 

    • Student – You’re in full-time study and interested in dispute resolution  

    • Affiliate – You have an interest or some knowledge, but limited experience  

    • Associate (AAMINZ) – You have proven experience and/or training in dispute resolution  

    • Fellow – You are a current Associate member who wishes to apply as Fellow via Examination. Fellow membership is also available by way of reciprocity with CiArb or by waiver granted on application to Council. 

  • We encourage you to get in touch before applying to help you understand your eligibility and suggest the right pathway.

    Please email institute@aminz.org.nz or call 04 499 9384.

  • There are a range of pathways into mediation, depending on your background, interests, and the area you wish to practise in. In New Zealand, there is no single mandatory qualification required to work as a mediator. However, undertaking formal training is strongly recommended to build the skills, knowledge, and practical understanding needed to mediate effectively. 

    AMINZ is a membership organisation and offers recognition through Associate Membership. This provides reassurance to employers, clients, and the wider community that members are committed to professional standards and are supported by a clear code of ethics and complaints process. 

    Some specialist areas do have additional requirements. For example, accredited Farm Debt Mediators and Family Dispute Resolution practitioners must complete specific approved training and meet legislative requirements. 

  • Yes. If you’re still building your experience or training in dispute resolution, there are a few ways to get started and work towards Associate membership.

    Many people start as an Affiliate member while gaining practical experience, completing training and connecting with others in the dispute resolution community.

    You can also explore the Associate Programme, which helps you develop the knowledge and skills needed for Associate membership.

    AMINZ membership supports your professional development at every stage, and you can progress through the membership levels as your experience grows.

  • Membership fees are as follows:

    • Affiliate:
      $57.50 one off application fee

      $235.00 annual subscription

    • Associate:
      $115.00 one off application fee

      $620.00 annual subscription

    • Fellow:
      $200.00 one off application fee

      $799.00 annual subscription

    Annual subscriptions run from 1 April to 31 March each year, in line with the New Zealand financial year. All prices include GST.

    Please note that additional fees apply for membership of AMINZ Panels.

  • You can apply online at any time using the AMINZ application form. 

    Once submitted, your application is reviewed by assessors (for Associate and Fellow levels), then recommended to the Membership Committee and approved by Council. 

  • Most applications will require: 

    • Details of your experience and/or training in dispute resolution 

    • Two referees (for Associate and Fellow) 

    • Student ID (if applying for Student Membership) 

    • Supporting documents (e.g. CV, qualifications if relevant) 

    If you are applying for Associate membership or Fellowship by Examination an assessor will contact you, to discuss your experience. 

  • Timeframes vary depending on: 

    • When you apply within the membership cycle  

    • The time needed for assessment and referee checks  

    The AMINZ membership committee reviews applications regularly, and you’ll receive confirmation once a decision is made. 

    Please note that membership is not approved instantly. Access to member benefits, including the member portal, member pricing, and member-only resources, will only become available once your membership has been formally approved and your subscription has been paid in full. 

  • Yes. Many members start as Affiliate or Associate and progress to higher levels as their experience grows. 

  • In most cases, yes. Fellow Membership is awarded on successful completion of the AMINZ Fellowship Programme. 

    However, in some circumstances, an application for waiver may be made by a Council member in line with the AMINZ Bylaws 6.E and Schedule 3