Course Information and Resources
Welcome to the resource hub for our Mediation Skills Programme! These materials are referenced throughout the course and provide a solid foundation for your learning journey. We recommend exploring them before the programme begins to help you engage with the course content more effectively.
Whether you're preparing for your first session or brushing up on key concepts, these resources are designed to support your growth as a mediator.
Event Information
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Auckland | 24 - 28 February 2025
Venue and timetable information
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Hamilton | 7 - 11 April 2025
Venue and timetable information
Setting the Scene: Opening with a Karakia and Waiata
We begin each Mediation Skills Intensive with a karakia and a waiata. This opening is not religious but a meaningful way to set the tone for the week ahead. Rooted in tikanga Māori, these practices are about connection and creating a safe, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.
The karakia focuses our intentions, grounding us as we start the journey together. The waiata fosters unity, weaving a sense of shared purpose and mutual support among the group. These traditions help establish a foundation of respect and collaboration, essential for the deep learning and growth we will share throughout the course.
Karakia for opening - Whakataka te hau
Whakataka te hau ki te uru
Whakataka te hau ki te tonga
Kia mākinakina ki uta
Kia mātaratara ki tai
E hī ake ana te atakura
He tio, he huka, he hau hū
Tīhei mauri ora!
Cease the winds from the west
Cease the winds from the south
Let the breeze blow over the land
Let the breeze blow over the ocean
Let the red-tipped dawn come with a sharpened air.
A touch of frost, a promise of a glorious day.
Karakia for closing - He Karakia Whakakapi
Kia whakairia te tapu
Kia wātea ai te ara
Kia turuki whakataha ai
Kia turuki whakataha ai
Haumi e. Hui e. Tāiki e!
Restrictions are moved aside
So the pathways is clear
To return to everyday activities
Waiata - Te Aroha
Te aroha
Te whakapono
Me te rangimarie
Tatou Tatou e
Love, hope, peace, for us all
Resources
Code of Ethics
All AMINZ members are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct by adhering to the AMINZ Code of Ethics. This comprehensive Code includes 13 Ethical Statements, each supported by detailed Commentary and Guidance sections.
The Code of Ethics is a key resource throughout the programme and is the basis of the Ethics Presentation by Michelle Urquhart.
Mediation Protocol
The objective of mediation is to enable the parties to resolve the dispute fairly and promptly by agreement without legal proceedings. This protocol is intended to form part of the contract between the parties and the mediator.
Guide to Mediation
This guide outlines the mediation process and provides useful terms when discussing mediation or during the course of a mediation.
He Poutama
Te Aka Matua o te Ture | Law Commission has produced a detailed Study Paper that examines tikanga Māori and its place in Aotearoa New Zealand’s legal landscape.
This report is referenced in the Tikanga in Mediation presentation with Baden Vertongen.
Evidence Act 2006
Explore the significance of the Evidence Act 2006, particularly its provisions on Privacy, Privilege, and Confidentiality in mediation.
Note Sections 57, 65 and 69.
The Act is referenced in the Legal Aspects presentation and we recommend familiarising yourself with the mentioned sections.
Recommended Textbooks
Mediation: Skills and Strategies
1st Edition
Laurence Boulle, Virginia Goldblatt, Phillip Green
Dignity
Donna Hicks
Getting To Yes
Roger William Fisher Ury
Mediating Dangerously:
The Frontiers of Conflict Resolution
Kenneth Cloke
The above texts are available at The Nile or Lexis Nexis
Nonviolent Communication:
A Language of Life
Deepak Chopra, Marshall Rosenberg
Videos
The Danger of a Single Story
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Our lives, our cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories. Novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice -- and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.
The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage
Susan David
Psychologist Susan David shares how the way we deal with our emotions shapes everything that matters: our actions, careers, relationships, health and happiness. In this deeply moving, humorous and potentially life-changing talk, she challenges a culture that prizes positivity over emotional truth and discusses the powerful strategies of emotional agility. A talk to share.
Preparation for Mediation
Simon Dadley-Moore, David Robinson and Samantha de Coning
Sometimes, previous history, behaviours and emotions can get in the way of finding a solution during a mediation. Preparation For Mediation (PFM) is a mixture of support work and coaching to help people get ready for this experience. It is proven to increase the likelihood of parties reaching agreement in mediation and is used across Fair Way’s family and commercial services.
The walk from ‘no’ to ‘yes’
William Ury
"Getting to Yes," offers an elegant, simple (but not easy) way to create agreement in even the most difficult situations from family conflict to, perhaps,
the Middle East.
It's Not About The Nail
Jason Headley
"Don't try to fix it. I just need you to listen." Every man has heard these words. And they are the law of the land. No matter what.
Framing and Reframing in Negotiation
Bernie Mayer
Bernie Mayer explains key communication tools for use in negotiation and conflict interactions: framing an issue and reframing messages.
Upcoming events.
We encourage you to keep an eye out for our upcoming events. Our calendar is filled with enriching experiences tailored to various interests and professional development needs. Whether you're interested in furthering your skills in mediation or exploring other areas of interest, all are welcome to join our diverse community of learners and practitioners.
Further Readings
R.A.I.N: A FOUR-STEP PROCESS FOR USING MINDFULNESS IN DIFFICULT TIMES
Melli O’Brien, Educator and Coach
IS MED/ARB AN OXYMORON?
Royden Hindle
The Natural Mediator
by Robert Benjamin
Tikanga Māori: Living by Māori Values (Revised ed.)
Hirini Moko Mead
Unitarism, pluralism, radicalism ... and the rest?
Conor Cradden
Changing the Quality of Conflict Interaction: The Principles and Practice of Transformative Mediation
Robert A. Baruch Bush, Sally Ganong Pope and Susan David
We Can Work It Out: Resolving Conflicts Peacefully and Powerfully
Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph.D.
The Art of the Simple in Mediation
by Greg Rooney
Other Links
Ellis v R [2022] NZSC 114
3 common myths of coaching (and what’s true instead)
Suzi McAlpine
Crying in Conflict
Samantha Hardy
Negotiation & Mediation Training Services
Nina Meierding
Types of Memberships
Becoming a member of AMINZ connects you with a diverse community of dispute resolution and conflict management professionals across New Zealand. Membership offers opportunities to grow your expertise, stay informed with the latest industry insights, and engage with others who share a passion for excellence in arbitration, mediation, and related fields.
Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced practitioner, AMINZ membership provides valuable resources, professional development opportunities, and a platform to contribute to the advancement of the profession. Read more below or explore membership here
Student
If you have an interest in dispute resolution and are currently studying full-time, a Student membership is for you.
Becoming a student member is perfect for those currently in full-time study and have an interest in mediation, conflict resolution and disputes.
Annual fee
$0
Membership application fee $0
Affiliate
Curious about the field but still gaining experience? Affiliate membership could be the perfect fit.
If you have sufficient working knowledge or training in dispute resolution processes, and can show that you are a fit and proper person, you will likely already have met these!
Annual fee
$229.00
Membership application fee $57.50
Associate
If you possess substantial knowledge of dispute resolution processes gained through experience and/or training, Associate membership is your gateway to professional distinction.
To qualify as an Associate, applicants must demonstrate that they are a fit and proper person, with proven experience in dispute resolution.
Annual fee
$605.00
The member application fee is $115.00
Fellow
A Fellow of the Institute is recognized as having the training, experience, and personal qualities required to demonstrate competence as an arbitrator or mediator.
To achieve Fellowship, candidates must successfully complete the AMINZ Fellowship testing programme, unless an exemption is granted by the Council.
Annual fee
$886.00
The member application fee is $218.50
DISCLAIMER
These materials are intended to provide an outline of procedures for arbitration or mediation or adjudication, as the case may be, and are not intended to be, and do not attempt to be, comprehensive, nor to be a substitute for legal advice. All parties must rely exclusively on their own skill, knowledge and judgment when making use of this document and in any doubt about the law and practice of any particular dispute resolution process parties should obtain independent advice or assistance. Neither the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand Inc. nor any other contributor assumes liability to anyone for any loss or damage caused by any error or omission whether such error or omission is the result or negligence or any other cause. Any and all such liability is disclaimed