Introducing the two rising stars ready to take on Aotearoa’s dispute resolution sector
2023 AMINZ Scholarship Recipients Announced
Two up-and-coming leaders making their mark across Aotearoa’s dispute resolution sector have been named the 2023 recipients of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ) Scholarships.
Anna Fuiava has received the 2023 AMINZ Determinative Scholarship, an award focused on arbitration, and Isabelle Kwek has been named the 2023 AMINZ Consensual Scholarship winner, focused on mediation.
Established in 2021 in line with the Institute’s commitment to growing diversity and leadership throughout the sector, the scholarships provide learning opportunities, mentorship and leadership development for two rising stars each year.
By tapping into the Institute’s network nation-wide, the scholars take part in observation days with senior dispute resolution practitioners, gain a senior AMINZ member as a mentor, and participate in the collegial AMINZ Conference with a speaking slot on a dispute resolution topic of their choice.
Not only do the scholars walk away from the year with new learnings and experiences within the world of dispute resolution, but so too does the Institute. The recipients will conclude their scholarship year with a report to AMINZ Council on their recommendations on how the Institute can further foster diversity amongst the sector.
Their voices will play an important role in ensuring the up-and-coming generation of practitioners are heard, and that access to justice continues to grow across Aotearoa.
Introducing our scholars
Anna Fuiava: Determinative Scholar 2023
Currently an Associate leading the civil litigation team at Denham Bramwell, Anna undertakes a broad range of work in the areas of property, trusts, estates, insolvency and employment. Having always been interested in dispute resolution, she has recently ventured into the world of arbitration conducting her first arbitration in 2023.
Holding a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts conjoint degree, her career trajectory has seen her also work in the arts sector and raise two children before returning to the law to pursue the next phase of her career.
She now finds herself at a turning point, ready to actively seek mentorship to take her to the next level of practice and make her mark on ADR in Aotearoa. She is passionate about growing her skills in dispute resolution particularly in regards to arbitration observation opportunities. With the vast majority of litigation being settled before a hearing she knows that this experience would be invaluable, particularly with the increase in the use of arbitration as an alternative to the court system.
In her first arbitration this year, she appeared in a three-day arbitration before an AMINZ appointed arbitrator. It cemented her determination to further develop her skills in this area, noting how it was very interesting to experience the way the process could be tailored to the parties needs and focussed acutely on the issues.
As a Chinese New Zealand Lawyer, she is acutely aware of how important it is to have a diverse group of practitioners at the forefront of the law.
On being awarded her scholarship Anna said, “I am thrilled to be the recipient of the determinative scholarship for 2023. I am looking forward to the opportunities to observe and learn from experienced practitioners, and grow in my skills and knowledge about arbitration.”
“I am also keen to be able to report back to my firm and my clients about my learnings from the year. Thank you for AMINZ for this fantastic initiative!”
Isabelle Kwek: Consensual Scholar 2023
A passionate advocate for dispute resolution from the get-go, Isabelle’s interest in mediation started at the University of Auckland and during her participation as the first New Zealand team to win the Paris International Chamber of Commerce Commercial Mediation Competition.
Now an Associate at insurance law firm Wotton + Kearney, Isabelle’s appreciation for what the mediation process offers to parties continues to grow. She has seen first-hand how the flexibility and sensitivity of mediation is especially advantageous in insurance disputes particularly in situations with competing interests and deeply personal and emotional investments.
Not only is she determined to master her mediation skills further but Isabelle is also an advocate for enhancing diversity throughout ADR. Her professional identity is influenced by her own unique experiences as a young, female lawyer and first-generation immigrant.
She notes that these characteristics have allowed her to uniquely empathise with parties and approach problems with creativity from different angles. She hopes to draw on her experiences when working with AMINZ to promote and share knowledge on mediation across diverse professional groups.
"I am immensely grateful for this opportunity to learn from the AMINZ community and gain invaluable real-world mediation experience. I look forward to working with AMINZ in its mission to promote greater diversity so that our profession can meet the unique needs of Aotearoa’s diverse population," says Isabelle.
The AMINZ Diversity Committee selected Anna and Isabelle from 24 applications, the highest number of submissions to date. The calibre of candidates was second-to-none. Their compelling applications demonstrated that there is a fantastic pool of young professionals passionate about dispute resolution and the positive impacts it can have on access to justice for New Zealanders.
“The Institute is thrilled to name Anna and Isabelle as our newest scholars for the year ahead,” says AMINZ President Nicole Smith.
“No doubt they will both bring their unique perspectives to the sector, and I’m looking forward to witnessing their growth throughout their scholarship year and beyond”
“A big thank you also to all who put their names forward. We are delighted to see the talent and passion for dispute resolution coming through the ranks. New Zealand’s dispute resolution future is looking bright knowing that these up-and-coming leaders are at the helm.”
General Manager Rachael Douglas says, “I am absolutely delighted for our two new scholars! Both Anna and Isabelle are well-deserving recipients of the awards, and I am impressed with their achievements to date. I’m looking forward to working alongside them this year.”
Anna and Isabelle will hold their respective scholarships for the coming 12 months.
