A highlight at AMINZ Conference, our Awards Dinner brings together delegates, speakers, and distinguished guests, for an evening that honours excellence, contribution, and leadership across our sector. Held at Peppers Clearwater Resort, we celebrated our newest Fellows and awarded two special members with Te Tohu Ngākau Nui | The Big Heart Award, and Honorary Life Membership, respectively.

Back to the Future!

Guests arriving to the dinner were welcomed with iconic props from the film, and 1980s-themed items, in keeping with our Conference theme and playful tribute to the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future.

Celebrating our Fellows

We celebrated our newest Fellows, announced at the end of last year, Bill Gambrill and Janine Stewart (in absentia) who successfully achieved Fellowship in Arbitration, the Institute’s highest credential.

Bill and Janine completed our comprehensive year-long Fellowship programme, reflecting their commitment to the highest professional standards.

Bill Gambrill with AMINZ Vice President Dr Anna Kirk.

Te Tohu Ngākau Nui | The Big Heart Award: Peter Martin ONZM

Council member Kate Wiseman introducing Peter Martin ONZM.

The Big Heart Award recognises the generosity of time, energy, and expertise shared by an individual to the Institute.

Earlier this year Peter was appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, in recognition of his outstanding contributions through over 50 years of volunteer governance roles, and particularly in service to the Pasifika and LGBTQ+ communities.

In her speech, Kate Wiseman shared:

“Peter has been a huge support to me in running the Auckland Network Meetings. He is also one of two members of the AMINZ CPD committee, which our members present will know is very important. Peter has very generously and as usual without any fanfare provided a substantial donation towards the conference. His generosity has helped some of our local Christchurch members attend our Conference launch event. Peter is a living example of our AMINZ values at work – excellence, integrity, and collegiality.”

Peter Martin ONZM with AMINZ President Malcolm Wallace and Kate Wiseman.

Honorary Life Membership: John Larmer

An AMINZ member for over 30 years, John served as President of AMINZ from 1996 to 1998, was appointed as a Fellow (Arbitration) in 1994, and has been a member on the AMINZ Panel of Arbitrators since 1996, focusing on agribusiness, valuation and property disputes.

In his tribute to John, Ranald Gordon shared:

“It is a highlight and privilege for me to present John with his life membership award. This admirably recognises years of service to the Valuation. Property and Dispute Resolution industry. I'm personally going to miss John’s wise counsel, support, and pragmatic advice on all matters rural. Best wishes John, for a well earned retirement, from your peers and colleagues who hold you in high respect. You can now step back from your hill country, high risk four-wheel-drive escapades!”