AMINZ Mediation Training
AMINZ Mediation Skills Intensive (AMSI)
A fan-favourite on our education calendar, the AMINZ Mediation Skills Intensive (AMSI) is a five-day intensive course with some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading practitioners and educators. Designed to build critical, transferable skills for managing conflict, this course offers an immersive learning experience that you can apply in both professional and personal contexts.
What to Expect
AMSI attracts participants from a wide range of professions — including law, management, human resources, government, non-profit organisations, and the community sector. This diversity enriches discussion, fosters collaboration, and deepens understanding of how mediation works across different contexts. Over five days, you will:
Understand the nature of conflict and how anger changes our thinking and our responses.
Develop effective conflict management strategies and practical skills for navigating people-related challenges.
Explore negotiation styles and learn how to work effectively with each, understanding the process of negotiation and its close relationship with mediation.
Learn the mediation framework and the key pre-mediation and formative stages of the process.
Apply your learning through realistic role plays and guided practice sessions with leaders in the dispute resolution field.
Ready to Join Us? Register Today
Secure your spot early for our 2026 courses, available in person 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.
AMINZ Member Pricing
Early bird
$3,000
inc GST
Available until one month prior to the start date.
General
$3,200
inc GST
Non Member Pricing
Early bird
$3,300
inc GST
Available until one month prior to the start date.
General
$3,500
inc GST
Meet the Facilitator
Nicola Hartfield FAMINZ(Med) is a dispute resolution and workplace consultant, with over 30 years’ of experience in conflict management, family dispute resolution and mediation.
Previously a contract teacher for the Massey University Dispute Resolution Centre, Nicola regularly presents both nationally and internationally on dispute resolution, mediation skills, and workplace conflicts. She is very active in mediation and consultation across workplace, governance, management, and community contexts.
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 to 2020. In 2022 she received the AMINZ Te Tohu Ngākau Nui: Big Heart award for her contributions to the Institute.
What You’ll Learn
Here we break down what you can expect to learn over the five days.
Schedule:
Monday to Wednesday: 9am to 5pm.
Thursday: 8.30am to 4.30pm.
Friday: 9.30am to 3.30pm.
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We begin by exploring what sits at the heart of every mediation: human interaction and the ways people navigate conflict.
Day One introduces the key principles that shape effective mediation practice, including the role of mediation within the broader dispute resolution framework, the distinctions between conflict and dispute, and the influence of human behaviour and needs.
We also consider the place of tikanga in mediation in Aotearoa New Zealand, the role and attributes of a mediator, and the early stages of the mediation process from nomination through to the intake meeting.
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On Day Two, we build on the foundations established in Day One and explore the structure and flow of the mediation process in more depth.
Participants learn how to develop clear and purposeful mediator and party openings, set effective agendas, and facilitate meaningful communication between parties. The day also focuses on exploring interests, identifying common ground, and generating options that support constructive outcomes.
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Day Three focuses on bringing the mediation process to a successful close, including crafting agreements and facilitating the final stages of the session.
In the afternoon, participants engage in practical exercises within small groups, taking on roles as both mediator and party.
Experienced coaches provide guidance, demonstrations, and feedback to help refine your skills and build confidence in real-world application.
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Day Four offers the chance to apply your mediation skills in realistic scenarios, working through all stages of a mediation and addressing challenges as they arise.
Participants rotate through roles as both mediator and party across three separate mediation rounds, providing multiple opportunities to practise and refine skills. Experienced coaches observe and offer guidance, ensuring constructive feedback throughout the day.
The day concludes with a debrief session to review progress, reflect on learning, and acknowledge the effort and growth achieved.
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The final day of the course is dedicated to consolidating your learning and recognising the progress you’ve made throughout the week.
You’ll explore advanced strategies for managing high-emotional situations, navigating challenging moments, and applying your skills in digital mediation environments.
This day is also an opportunity to reflect on your growth, celebrate your achievements, and leave the course feeling confident, empowered, and ready to put your mediation skills into practice across a range of real-world scenarios.
FAQs
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There are a range of pathways into mediation, depending on your background, interests, and the area you wish to practise in. In New Zealand, there is no single mandatory qualification required to work as a mediator. However, undertaking formal training is strongly recommended to build the skills, knowledge, and practical understanding needed to mediate effectively.
AMINZ is a membership organisation and offers recognition through Associate Membership. This provides reassurance to employers, clients, and the wider community that members are committed to professional standards and are supported by a clear code of ethics and complaints process.
Some specialist areas do have additional requirements. For example, accredited Farm Debt Mediators and Family Dispute Resolution practitioners must complete specific approved training and meet legislative requirements.
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On completion of the programme, you will receive a certificate and 10 CPD points.
In New Zealand, there is no official compulsory qualification for practising as a mediator.
AMINZ offers credentialing through our Associate membership. Find out more about membership here.
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We prefer payment at the time of booking however we understand flexibility may be needed. We’re happy to arrange regular payments leading up to the course, with full payment completed no later than two weeks prior to the start date.
Your fee includes refreshments and catering throughout the event. A comprehensive workbook with key content and notes. All necessary materials and resources for the sessions.
All registrations must be paid in full two weeks before the start date of any course. See our Event Cancellation Policy here.
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To access members pricing you must be a fully paid, financial member at the time of booking.
You can find out more about membership here.
Please note that all membership applications go through a review and approval process. Approval can take up to six weeks depending on where in the membership cycle you apply.
Member benefits, including member registration rates, are not available until membership has been approved and the applicable subscription fee has been paid.
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AMSI is designed for participants at all levels of mediation experience. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or already have experience in the field, the programme provides practical insights and skills to enhance your mediation practice.
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There is no compulsory pre-course reading. However, we will provide a link to our course information hub, which we recommend reviewing before the programme.
During the week, there will be light evening reading to help you prepare for the scenarios and practice sessions, ensuring you get the most out of your learning experience.
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Yes. All participants receive a comprehensive workbook containing key content, session notes, and exercises.
If you are attending online, we will post your workbook to ensure you have all the materials you need.
Additional materials and resources are provided as needed during the programme.
Have further questions not covered here?
For course dates and locations, please check our upcoming courses.