Transition of AMINZ Professional Studies Leadership
The Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand, Te Mana Kaiwhakatau, Takawaenga o Aotearoa (AMINZ), is marking a significant milestone with the upcoming transition in our Professional Studies leadership.
Royden Hindle to step down as the AMINZ Director of Professional Studies
After more than a decade of exceptional service, Royden Hindle has announced he will step down as Director of Professional Studies at the end of this year.
While retiring from this role, his significant contributions to dispute resolution, and AMINZ, will leave an enduring legacy and continue to resonate through his ongoing practice.
Royden has been a central figure at AMINZ since the 1990s, achieving Fellowship in 2001 and serving as Vice President from 2015 to 2018 and President from 2018 to 2020.
In his time as Director of Professional Studies, Royden has overseen the admission of over 30 Fellows and led initiatives such as the Associate Programme in partnership with the College of Law, setting up the EQC mediation service, and fostering key collaborations with AUT University. His tireless efforts and unwavering commitment have helped shape AMINZ’s high professional standards and its reputation for delivering excellence.
But Royden’s impact goes beyond his professional accomplishments. His warmth, generosity, and approachable nature have left a lasting impression on colleagues and peers. Reflecting on his career, Royden highlighted the Fellowship Assessment Programme as a particular source of pride and emphasised the value of personal connections within the AMINZ community. “It has been a privilege to play a part in the admission of so many exceptional mediators and arbitrators to Fellowship” he shared.
While retiring from this post, Royden remains committed to dispute resolution outside the courts, and to AMINZ, noting that AMINZ will always be his professional home. “What I truly treasure are the countless offline conversations and exchanges with colleagues. Being a neutral in dispute resolution can feel isolating, but the connections I’ve made through AMINZ have always countered that. Those conversations, whether about a recent case, a new development in the law, or just to keep in touch, have always kept me connected and motivated.”
On behalf of AMINZ, we extend our deepest gratitude to Royden for his exceptional service, leadership, and the kindness he has shared. He leaves an indelible mark on AMINZ and the wider dispute resolution community.
Appointment of Paul Sills
AMINZ warmly welcomes Paul Sills as our new Director of Professional Studies. Originally from Aotearoa New Zealand and now based in the UK, Paul is an independent arbitrator, commercial mediator and visiting lecturer at the University of Westminster.
With over 30 years of experience in dispute resolution, a strong connection to the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CiArb), and a long-standing relationship with AMINZ, Paul is ideally positioned to build on the strong foundation laid by Royden Hindle in the Director role.
Paul’s involvement with AMINZ began in 2014 when he first spoke at an Institute conference. Since then, he has contributed to various AMINZ events and served as Deputy Director of Professional Studies under Royden. In this role, Paul learned invaluable lessons from Royden, particularly about calmness, patience, and the importance of a deep understanding of both subject matter and pedagogy.
Reflecting on his appointment, Paul is eager to combine his passion for teaching with his professional expertise, ensuring that AMINZ members remain at the forefront of dispute resolution practices globally. Paul is committed to strengthening AMINZ’s academic offerings, enhancing and innovating our education programmes. “New Zealand’s dispute resolution community is world-class, and AMINZ’s academic programmes reflect that. My goal is to ensure we continue to innovate and lead globally.”
Paul will be supported by two Deputy Directors in New Zealand, ensuring strong local leadership alongside his international perspective. AMINZ is confident that under Paul’s leadership, the Institute will continue its legacy of excellence, integrity, and collaboration, further strengthening AMINZ’s position as a global leader in dispute resolution education and practice.
Media Release: 17 December 2024 – Transition of AMINZ Professional Studies Leadership 2
