AMINZ Associate Programme

Build your knowledge, strengthen your practice, and take the next step towards AMINZ Associate Membership through a flexible learning pathway, delivered in partnership with The College of Law.

Who’s it for?

This programme is designed for those with a basic understanding of the New Zealand constitutional framework and dispute resolution principles who want to build on their knowledge and strengthen their understanding of the wider dispute resolution landscape.

It is particularly suited to people working, or looking to work, in dispute resolution who may not yet have the formal qualifications or experience required for their chosen pathway.

The programme also provides a pathway to AMINZ Associate Membership. Completing the programme will give you the knowledge and understanding needed to meet the relevant Associate membership requirements.

Why undertake the programme?

Enhance your practice

Identify and fill any crucial knowledge gaps, and get the understanding and experience you need to work at the top of your game.

Progress at your own pace

Based primarily online, you will benefit from the convenience and effective learning opportunities in a programme created and backed by New Zealand’s leading dispute resolution practitioners.

Pathway to Membership

Gain recognition as a key player in
New Zealand’s leading body for dispute resolution professionals and access to all Associate Member benefits.

What’s involved?

The programme consists of four semesters. Semesters One, Two and Three are delivered entirely online and at your own pace, with 10 modules in each semester. Semester Four is an in-person AMINZ Skills Intensive focused on developing practical skills in either mediation or arbitration, depending on your chosen area of interest.

Depending on your previous experience and relevant qualifications, you may not be required to complete all four semesters. If you are unsure which semesters you need to complete, we will work with you to develop an education pathway plan that reflects your experience and goals.

If you are completing the full programme, you do not need to complete Semesters One to Three before attending Semester Four. AMINZ Skills Intensives are offered at various times throughout the year, so you can choose a practical course at a time and location that suits you.

What topics are covered?

    • Sources of development of the constitution

    • Rule of Law

    • Treaty of Waitangi

    • Introduction to Māori Land Law

    • Courts

    • Judicial Review

    • Bill of Rights

    • Official Information, Human Rights and Privacy

    • Statutory interpretation

    • Business structures

    • Basics of Contract Law

    • Introduction to Contract Legislation

    • Invalid contracts and mistake

    • Contractual Remedies and Frustration of Contracts

    • New Zealand Land Transfer System

    • Easements and Covenants

    • Leases, licenses, cross leases & unit titles

    • Basics of the Law of Negligence

    • Negligent misstatement and economic loss

    • Government liability in building cases

    • ADR in context, and negotiation

    • Facilitation and mediation

    • Online Dispute Resolution, conciliation, and ethics

    • Legal and ethical issues of mediation

    • Introduction to determinative processes

    • Arbitration 1 – History and overview

    • Arbitration 2 – Establishing the process

    • Arbitration 3 – Process from preliminary meeting to hearing

    • Arbitration 4 – The award, appeals and enforcement

    • Adjudications under the Construction Contracts Act 2002

  • Practical Learning for Dispute Resolution

    Semester Four offers a hands-on learning experience tailored to participants’ interests in dispute resolution. Participants will choose between the Arbitration Skills Intensive or the Mediation Skills Intensive, two immersive executive programmes designed to build essential skills in New Zealand's dispute resolution landscape. These courses are offered on various dates throughout the year, providing flexibility to suit individual schedules.

    • Arbitration Skills Intensive
      This three-day programme brings together leading arbitration practitioners to deliver engaging workshops and practical sessions. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the arbitral process, equipping them to navigate arbitration with confidence and effectiveness.
      Note this programme is currently running once per year.

    • Mediation Skills Intensive
      Spanning five days, this intensive programme delves into the mediation process, exploring negotiation styles, facilitation techniques, and problem-solving methods. Participants will apply their learning through interactive exercises, building practical skills to excel in mediation contexts.

    Both courses offer a unique opportunity to develop expertise through guided practice and insights from experienced professionals.

What are the costs?

The AMINZ Associate Programme is made up of four semesters. You only pay for the semesters you are required to complete, based on your previous experience and qualifications.

Not sure which semesters you need to complete? We'll work with you to confirm your education pathway before you enrol.

Semesters One, Two and Three

Each online semester costs $2,875 incl. GST, payable in advance. Each semester includes 10 online modules, with up to six months to complete the semester.

Semester Four

Semester Four is completed through an AMINZ Skills Intensive. The cost depends on whether you choose Mediation or Arbitration, and on the particular course and delivery format.

Mediation Skills Intensive
Non-member pricing: $3,300–$3,500 incl. GST. Learn more.

Arbitration Skills Intensive
Non-member pricing: $2,375–$2,613 incl. GST. Learn more.

What are the details?

The date of enrolment is the date on which your registration form has been processed and payment has been received.

You have a maximum of six months from your date of enrolment to complete each online semester.

Each of Semesters One, Two and Three consists of 10 individual modules, with each module taking approximately four hours to complete. The pass mark for each module is 60%, and passing each module and semester is a prerequisite for completing the course.

There are no scheduled lessons for the online semesters, allowing you to complete the learning at a pace that suits you.

Semester Four is an interactive, multi-day practical training course.

Apply now!

Please complete this form and we will be in touch.

If you would like to discuss further or have any questions please contact Natalie at adminmanager@aminz.org.nz
or call us on 04 499 9384

The AMINZ Associate Programme is delivered in partnership with the College of Law New Zealand.