Nicole Smith elected as President of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of NZ

Dispute resolution is on the rise. As its profile in Aotearoa continues to grow, so too does the home of dispute resolution practitioners; the Arbitrators’ and Meditators’ Institute of NZ (AMINZ).

At the helm to steer the Institute into the future is newly elected AMINZ President, Nicole Smith. Following member elections in June, the Institute is thrilled to have Nicole move into this role officially from August.

AMINZ, which offers a range of services including training and credentialling, networking, and advocacy for the sector, is governed by a seven-member elected Council. Nicole has been on the Council since 2017 and Vice-President since 2020.

Currently practising as a barrister sole out of Mauao Chambers in Tauranga, Nicole is a specialist in all aspects of arbitration and an experienced dispute resolution lawyer. She sits as an arbitrator and adjudicator on New Zealand and international disputes and chairs the Investigating Panel of the NZ Registered Architects Board.

Many within Aotearoa’s dispute resolution and legal communities know of Nicole’s tireless commitment to the sector. Outgoing President Mark Kelly summed it up perfectly.

“Nicole epitomises that spirit of volunteerism with which AMINZ has been so blessed. She puts in countless unseen hours and cares deeply for AMINZ. I look forward to watching her lead AMINZ as its next President.”

Christchurch-based barrister, arbitrator and mediator, Malcolm Wallace will take over the Vice-Presidency, having been a Councillor since 2020. The Institute is also pleased to have newly elected Ann Skelton and Kate Wiseman, alongside re-elected Kate Hesson, join current Councillors Dr Anna Kirk and Barry Jordan.

Together, the Institute will be led by a fantastic mix of practitioners who are committed to ensuring New Zealand’s dispute resolution landscape continues to thrive.

The new Council will officially convene at the AMINZ AGM in early August.