AMINZ Mediation Training

Learn from the best with the AMINZ Mediation Skills Intensive (AMSI)

A fan-favourite on our education calendar, the AMINZ Mediation Skills Intensive (AMSI) is a 5-day intensive course with some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading practitioners and educators, that delivers critical transferrable skills for day-to-day conflict resolution. You will:

  • Develop conflict management strategies and skills for working through people-related challenges.

  • Uncover negotiation styles and how to work effectively with each of them, understanding the process of negotiation and the fundamental nexus between negotiation and mediation.

  • Learn the framework of mediation and dive into the pre-mediation/formative components of the mediation process.

  • Apply these new skills in real-life role plays throughout the course.

  • Learn how unconscious bias impacts everyone’s day-to-day lives, including your own, and how to use this understanding to enhance your mediation practice .

Begin your pathway to professional recognition

AMSI is a great pathway towards credentialing by the Institute. Completion of the programme qualifies for 10 CPD points and participants receive a certificate of completion.

Invest in your development with competitive prices

AMINZ members receive a discounted rate and non-members can join at a competitive price. Scroll down to see our programme pricing.

Attend in-person or online

AMSI is offered throughout the year both in-person and online. Scroll down to see our upcoming courses and to register.

Build your professional network

Connect with experienced professionals and like-minded peers to build lasting relationships.

Who can attend?

The AMINZ Mediation Skills Intensive is designed for people from a wide range of professional backgrounds including law, management, human resources, government, non-profit organisations, or community sectors. Previous attendees have included professionals from diverse backgrounds which has helped to enrich the learning experience and encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration.

No matter your profession or industry, if you are passionate about developing your conflict resolution skills and incorporating mediation into your professional practice, our program is the ideal choice for you. Join us and take the first step towards becoming a skilled mediator in your field.

We offer member pricing or you secure your spot at a discounted rate with our early bird pricing for non-members, available until one month before the event start date. See our pricing below.

  • "Fantastic course, probably the very best intensive course I have ever done in my career. Brilliant facilitator and coaches and a lovely bunch of people and some new found friends."

    Angela O’Leary – Hamilton Deputy Mayor

  • "Very proud to be part of the first Hamilton cohort! Amazing facilitator and lead in Nicola Hartfield, brillant coaches and a fantastic and supportive cohort to learn and experiment alongside 👏🏼. Delivered beyond expectations!"

    Lee-Ann Jordan – Principal

  • "Fantastic facilitation and training by Nicola Hartfield. Really looking forward to gaining further experience in this space."

    Daryl Anderson – Operations Director

  • “The course made complete sense in building a foundation of knowledge and skills.”

    AMSI Participant, 2024

Meet the Facilitator

Nicola Hartfield FAMINZ(Med) is a dispute resolution and workplace consultant, with over 30 years’ of professional experience. Having started her professional career as a health-based social worker, Nicola has extensive experience in conflict management, family dispute resolution and mediation.

Nicola completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution followed by achieving Fellowship with both AMINZ and Resolution Institute. She was awarded the 2014 Ann Edge Memorial Prize for excellence in mediation. Nicola was elected as an AMINZ Councillor in 2014, and held the AMINZ Vice-Presidency from 2018-2020.

She was a contract teacher for the Massey University Dispute Resolution Centre and presents both nationally and internationally on various aspects of dispute resolution, mediation skills and workplace conflicts. Nicola was a recipient of the AMINZ Te Tohu Ngākau Nui: Big Heart awards in 2022 for her contribution to the Institute over the years.

While Nicola is well-known for her work in the family dispute resolution space, she is also very active in mediation and consultation for workplace, governance, management and community areas. She was a contract teacher for the Massey University Dispute Resolution Centre and presents both nationally and internationally on various aspects of dispute resolution, mediation skills and workplace conflicts.

Pricing

AMINZ Member Pricing

Early bird

$3000
inc GST

Available until one month prior to the start date.

General

$3200
inc GST

Available until two weeks prior to the start date.

Non Member Pricing

Early bird

$3300
inc GST

Available until one month prior to the start date.

General

$3500
inc GST

Available until two weeks prior to the start date.

To access members pricing you must be a fully paid, financial member at the time of booking. All registrations must be paid in full two weeks before the start date of any course. See our Event Cancellation Policy here.

We prefer payment at the time of booking; however, we understand flexibility may be needed. If you'd like, we’re happy to arrange regular payments leading up to the event or course. Please note that full payment must be completed no later than two weeks prior to the start date.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us.

Dates and locations

Secure your spot early for these highly-sought after programmes, available across the country and online. AMSI is limited to 18 spaces, and the Online session to 12, so registering early ensures you don't miss out. Take advantage of discounted rates by registering today.

Programme

What exactly can you expect to learn over the 5-days? Let’s break it down.

Schedule:
Monday to Wednesday: 9am to 5pm
Thursday: 8.30am to 4.30pm
Friday: 9.30am to 3.30pm

  • At the heart of every mediation lies the essence of human interaction.

    Join us on Day One as we delve into crucial aspects, including:

    • Grasping the essence of mediation and its place within the dispute resolution spectrum

    • Navigating the nuances between dispute and conflict, understanding their distinctions and parallels

    • Examining our responses to disputes, delving into core concerns and the hierarchy of needs

    • Exploring the intersection of Tikanga and mediation

    • Unveiling the pivotal role and essential attributes of a mediator

    • Understanding the dynamics of parties and participants involved in a mediation

    • Illuminating the nomination process

    • Engaging in the intricacies of the intake or individual mediation meeting

  • Delve deeper into the art of mediation on Day 2. Learn how to master the intricacies of the mediation framework, and craft impactful mediator and party openings.

    Discover the key to effective communication by honing your skills in setting agendas, exploring interests, and the effective use of option generation.

  • Seamlessly conclude the mediation framework by crafting agreements and bringing the mediation to a close.

    In the afternoon session, engage in hands-on practice within small groups, where you'll have the chance to play dual roles as both mediator and party. Our experienced coaches will guide you through each stage, offering demonstrations and valuable guidance to enhance your skills.

  • Today you’ll have the opportunity to practise your mediation skills in real scenarios. You’ll work through all stages of a mediation, tackling any challenges that come up along the way. You will mediate and also act as a party, all while being observed by experienced coaches who are there to support your learning and provide constructive feedback.

    Each participant will take on different roles in three separate mediation rounds, giving you plenty of chances to practise and improve your skills.

    At the end of the day, we’ll have a debrief to review your progress, provide helpful feedback, and acknowledge your efforts.

  • Shift focus to essential aspects that extend beyond the core mediation process.

    Delve into strategic insights on handling high-emotional situations, navigating through tough moments, and how to take things digital with online mediation processes.

    This exploration aims to equip participants with a holistic understanding, ensuring proficiency in diverse facets of the mediation landscape as the course draws to an end.

FAQs

  • In New Zealand, there is no official compulsory qualification for practising as a mediator. AMINZ offers credentialing through our Associate membership, which recognises your knowledge and expertise in dispute resolution. While AMSI is a great pathway towards obtaining this credential, you will still need to meet the other requirements for Associate level membership to be officially recognised by the Institute. Find out more about membership here. On completion of the programme, you will receive a certificate and 10 CPD points.

  • You can unlock exclusive savings with our member pricing or secure your spot at a discounted rate with our early bird pricing for non-members, available until one month before the event. (To access members pricing you must be a fully paid, financial member at the time of booking.)

    Your fee includes refreshments and lunch throughout the event. A comprehensive workbook with key content and notes. All necessary materials and resources for the sessions.

    Please note that while we prefer payment at the time of booking, we understand flexibility may be needed. Can can arrange regular payments leading up to the event or course if needed. Please note that full payment must be completed no later than two weeks prior to the start date.

  • AMSI is the ideal platform for individuals at all levels of experience in mediation. Whether you're just starting your journey or have been in the field for a while, AMSI caters to everyone, providing valuable insights and skills to enhance your mediation expertise.

The AMINZ Mediation Skills Intensive is made possible thanks to the generous support of our partners.

Have further questions not covered here?