Marking a Milestone Together: AMINZ’s 30 Year Celebrations

The past week and a half has been a very special time as we came together across the country to mark AMINZ’s 30th anniversary.

What has stood out at every celebration is that this milestone has been about people – acknowledging those who have shaped the Institute over three decades, and those who will carry it forward into the future.

AMINZ President Malcolm Wallace and AMINZ Council Member and Network Convenor Ann Skelton.

We began on Tuesday 17 February at Wynn Williams in Ōtautahi Christchurch, where AMINZ President Malcolm Wallace reflected on the Institute’s journey. It was wonderful to see so many of you there despite the challenging weather.

Malcolm also opened our Tāmaki Auckland breakfast on Thursday, with past presidents John Larmer, Ranald Gordon, David Carden, Royden Hindle, Mark Kelly, and Nicole Smith sharing personal reflections from their time leading AMINZ.

John, Ranald, and David provided insights into a time when AMINZ looked very different from the organisation we know today. Royden shared the highs and lows – the challenges in the first years of Covid but also what he was able to achieve as Director of Professional Studies. Mark reflected on the support, dedication, and quality of the Institute’s leadership. Nicole honoured Ann Edge, the Institute’s first female president, and spoke about integrity being at the heart of the Institute.

Current Vice President Dr Anna Kirk highlighted the importance of diversity: “We want to celebrate diversity and tell our communities that we are here to help with their disputes.”

Past Executive Directors Deborah Hart and Penny Mudford shared memories from their time with AMINZ. “My proudest moment was representing all of you,” said Deborah.

Current Executive Director Monique Pearson acknowledged the significant legacy they leave behind: “We’re at the intersection of honouring what has been built and looking ahead to what comes next.”

Past Presidents John Larmer and Mark Kelly, current Vice President Dr Anna Kirk, Past Presidents Nicole Smith and Royden Hindle.

At our online event the following day, members joined from across Aotearoa New Zealand as well as Australia, Tonga, and China. We heard from Malcolm, Anna, and members of Council before opening the floor to two questions: What has AMINZ represented to you over the past 30 years? And what should it stand for in the next 30?

Many of the responses echoed our core values of excellence, integrity, collegiality and the strong professional community that underpins our work. There was also a clear desire for AMINZ to continue leading, evolving, and strengthening its impact in the years ahead.

Online celebration with members in Aotearoa and abroad.

Wednesday’s event at Meredith Connell in Pōneke Wellington was the perfect end to our extended week of celebrations.

We were delighted to hear from AMINZ Founding President Phillip Green, Past President Roger Pitchforth, and Arbitrator Colin Orchiston, who shared valuable insights into AMINZ’s history and development.

Grant Morris (Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington) contributed his thoughtful academic perspective on the evolution of mediation in Aotearoa, Tanya Lavan covered collaborative practice joining the AMINZ fold, and Sophie Smallbone described her aspirations for how AMINZ can support young practitioners. And we were thrilled that long-standing member Bruce Cottrill did the honours and cut the anniversary cake!

We would like to thank our Network Convenors, Ann Skelton, Kate Wiseman, Emmolina May, and Pauline Courtney, for their time, energy, and commitment in making these events possible.

We would also like to acknowledge our team: Administration Manager Natalie Marriott who has been with AMINZ for almost four and half years, Events Manager Emma Pitcaithly who has been running our events for over three years, and newer team members Maree Galland who has been providing executive support for almost two years and Marketing Manager Sophie Lindsay who is close to celebrating a year with us.

And a very special thank you to Monique Pearson, who recently celebrated two years with AMINZ. As one member shared at the online event: “I think we can all agree that Monique taking the hot seat has been a significant moment for AMINZ. Monique seems like the perfect individual to take the Institute forward for the next few years.”

There is strong momentum as we move into the Year of the Fire Horse, and the future is bright for AMINZ – with our diverse membership of dispute resolution professionals, our bespoke education offerings, exciting events (including Conference on 7 August), and the growing recognition of dispute resolution across the justice system.

We are very much looking forward to 2026, and beyond, as the home for all dispute resolution professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Thank you for your continued support of AMINZ.