Inside Arbitration Day: Fast Five with Dr Anna Kirk

We speak with AMINZ Vice President Dr Anna Kirk about AMINZ Arbitration Day 2025, coming up on Friday 13 June. (Learn more and register here.)

Kia ora Anna, can you take us through the sessions for this year’s Arbitration Day?

We have some fantastic sessions and speakers this year: a thought-provoking session on recent updates to the UK Act; practical sessions on procedure and the "dos and don'ts" of arbitration from the perspective of those using arbitration, which we hope will provide useful insights to arbitrators; and always popular is our update on recent case law to ensure that our arbitrators have not missed any interesting developments. Royden Hindle and I will also be unveiling the results of our Second Arbitration Survey. I believe it will be an engaging and stimulating day for all attendees.

Fantastic. Who would you say Arbitration is for?

This day is for anyone with an interest in arbitration. There is something for everyone, including counsel, arbitrators, experts, and those simply wanting to understand more about the process and how to use it. It is a packed programme with so much to offer. We are sure all who attend will enjoy! 

How do you think Arbitration Day enhances an arbitrator’s skillset?

No matter how experienced an arbitrator is, there will always be situations that we have not encountered or developments in law we may have missed. Discussion and debate about new and interesting topics are key to the vitality of our profession. Coming together at Arbitration Day offers a chance for all of these things - learning, discussion and collegiality. I find the conversations over coffee are sometimes just as important as the intellectual content! We are so lucky to have a fabulous venue provided by Russell McVeagh this year. We are incredibly grateful for their support to make this a valuable learning experience for all.

What sessions are you most looking forward to?

It’s hard to choose a single session, as every session looks so interesting. With my AMINZ hat on, I am looking forward to the session on the new UK legislation and what we might learn from it.  Our Arbitration Act is 30 years old next year, it will be interesting to reflect on whether any major updates are warranted in light of the UK experience. We want to ensure we continue to have state-of-the-art legislation in New Zealand. This is so important as most of our domestic arbitration takes place under the Act alone, without the application of institutional rules.  

You’ve mentioned the coffee conversations – will there be an opportunity for participants to network?

Of course – networking is so important for our community. There are plenty of breaks and an opportunity at the end to stay for a drink and chat.

To learn more and register to join us for Arbitration Day on Friday 13 June, click here.