Inside AMINZ Conference 2026: Fast Five with Dr Anna Kirk

AMINZ Vice President Dr Anna Kirk answers our fast five questions about this year’s Conference, sharing the inspiration behind the theme, how the programme reflects the changing needs of dispute resolution professionals, what attendees can expect, and why this year’s event is one not to miss. 

Kia ora Anna. Let’s start with what inspired this year’s theme, “Doing Things Differently”? 

As we celebrate AMINZ’s 30th anniversary, it felt like the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead. Dispute resolution is changing fast in response to technology, globalisation, cultural complexity, and shifting client expectations. The theme is about embracing that change. It reflects our commitment to constantly improving what we do, learning from each other, and designing processes that genuinely work for the people who use ADR. It’s a celebration of 30 years, but it’s also a statement about how we want to approach the next 30. 

How has the Conference evolved over recent years to reflect the changing needs and expectations of dispute resolution professionals? 

The AMINZ Conference has always been a highlight of our calendar, and it continues to evolve alongside the profession. 

This is our second one‑day, single‑stream conference. Bringing everyone into the same room creates a shared experience: we all hear the same provocations, engage with the same ideas, and build on them together. We’re increasingly focused on the realities of contemporary practice and designing dispute resolution processes that are genuinely user‑centred. Our speakers, both international and local, are there to challenge us to rethink how we work, and to help us meet the needs of parties with clarity, purpose, and compassion. 

Who should attend?

Anyone involved in dispute resolution. Whether you’re a mediator, arbitrator, adjudicator, collaborative professional or academic, or you’re just beginning your dispute resolution journey, this conference is designed for you. 

The one‑day, whole‑of‑room format means everyone hears the same content and can engage in the same conversations. It’s a rare chance to bring together the full breadth of our dispute resolution community to learn from one another in a very intentional way. 

Conference is also a fantastic opportunity to enjoy each other’s company. So come along and be stretched, inspired, and connected with thoughtful professionals who care about doing things differently. 

Great! What can attendees expect from this year’s Conference?

You can expect to be challenged, stimulated and well looked after. 

We have an excellent line-up of speakers from New Zealand and overseas who will explore what it really means to “do things differently” in practice. We’ll be looking at how evolving technology is reshaping our work, how global and cultural dynamics affect conflict, and how we can design and adapt our processes to better meet user needs. 

There will be practical insights you can take straight back into your practice, alongside bigger picture conversations about where dispute resolution is heading. 

What are you most looking forward to when we all come together in August? 

The collective energy in the room. Every AMINZ Conference leaves me feeling inspired, and I’m expecting this year to be no different – if anything, even more so, given the 30‑year milestone. I’m looking forward to that sense of shared purpose and curiosity, to the generosity with which people share their experiences, and to the conversations that continue long after the formal sessions end. 

Thank you for sharing your insights, Anna. We look forward to seeing you there!  

Join us on Friday 7 August at the New Zealand International Convention Centre as we celebrate 30 years of AMINZ and explore what it means to keep doing things differently. We look forward to welcoming you.