About Us
The Home of Dispute Resolution Professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand
AMINZ is a membership organisation dedicated to upholding, certifying and promoting the highest standards in dispute resolution. We aim to empower people and organisations to resolve disputes positively and effectively, enhancing access to justice and supporting stronger, more connected communities. Everything we do is driven by a commitment to excellence, integrity, and collegiality.
AMINZ was incorporated in 1996, following the merger of the Arbitrators’ Institute of New Zealand (originally formed in 1987 as a branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators), the Institute of Employment Arbitrators and Mediators, and the Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand.
Our Roles
Advocacy
We are the leading proponent in Aotearoa New Zealand for explaining and advocating dispute resolution.
We work with government, business and community groups on policy to examine the likely impact of proposed changes and options for the use of best practice dispute resolution. AMINZ is the voice of dispute resolution in the media.
Appointment of DR Professionals
We operate various lists of dispute resolution professionals.
Some are formed under agreement with organisations like Federated Farmers, and others by Statute, such as the Family Dispute Resolution List.
The lists give the public confidence to select an appropriate person. AMINZ makes appointments of dispute resolution professionals from these lists.
Education and Events
We provide education and training to existing and intending professionals working in DR, including our popular AMINZ mediation training course (AMSI).
We offer the AMINZ Fellowship Programme in Mediation and Arbitration, the Institute’s Highest Distinction. Our events include the highly anticipated and comprehensive annual DR Conference. We also offer bespoke training for outside organisations.
Mentoring
We offer a Mentoring Programme open to all members.
The Programme provides a platform and network infrastructure for aspiring, new and seasoned dispute practitioners to connect, share, learn and develop.
Network and Collegiality
We provide the dispute resolution network, both real and online, by which members stay in touch, with regular Network Meetings open to members and non-members, across the country.
We also draw on an extensive international network for the benefit of its membership.
Professional Standards
AMINZ members are subject to a Code of Ethics and professional standards.
These standards require them at all times to act with integrity and in a manner that inspires confidence, respect and trust. We have a programme of continuing professional development that members on our lists must comply with. Our professional qualifications are recognised internationally.
Scholarships
We offer two AMINZ scholarships designed to provide future leaders in the profession with support, encouragement, and professional development opportunities.
There is one determinative scholarship (focussed on arbitration), and one consensual scholarship (focussed on mediation).
Young AMINZ
Young AMINZ is a free network for students and early-career dispute resolution practitioners.
Young AMINZ offers mentoring, low-cost webinars, networking, and events to help newer professionals connect, learn, and grow within the field. Separate from a full AMINZ membership, Young AMINZ members are encouraged to attend our AMINZ events.
Our Members
Our diverse community brings together dispute resolution professionals including arbitrators, mediators, adjudicators, conciliators, facilitators, investigators, expert witnesses, and others from both the public and private sectors with a shared interest in dispute resolution.
Our members deal domestic and international disputes ranging from non-monetary disputes to disputes worth billions of dollars. Our members are involved in a wide range of areas – commercial, rural, family, neighbourhood, maritime, sports, employment, environmental, Māori, environmental and more.
Our Team
Our strength lies in our people. Our dedicated and diverse team is driven by a shared passion for excellence and commitment to our members. We're here to help, and drive excellence in the world of dispute resolution.
AMINZ is a proud member of Te Uru Tāngata | Centre for Workplace Inclusion, previously Diversity Works New Zealand.
Te Uru Tāngata is the national body for workplace diversity, equity and inclusion.
AMINZ is a proud supporter of The Good Registry.
Giving Good Gift Card’s so recipient's can have the joy of giving to causes they care about. The Good Registry have 65 NZ charities to choose from.
The Gender Diversity Pledge
AMINZ is committed to improving the profile and representation of women in arbitration, mediation, adjudication and all other forms of dispute resolution in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In particular, we consider that women should be appointed as dispute resolution professionals on an equal opportunity basis. To achieve this, we will take the steps reasonably available to us – and we will encourage other participants in the dispute resolution field to do likewise – to ensure that, wherever possible.
Further Information
Please note that AMINZ does not engage or employ dispute resolution professionals, nor does it offer legal advice.
You may wish to contact one of the organisations listed below for these services.