AMINZ Associate Programme

Enhance your practice I Learn at your own pace I Pathway to AMINZ Associate Membership

Looking to build your knowledge and skillset? The AMINZ Associate programme may be the answer.

Professional education AMINZ

Who’s it for?

It is ideal for those who have basic understanding of the New Zealand constitutional framework and the principles of dispute resolution, but would like to enhance this further and fill in any gaps in their knowledge.

It is particularly useful for individuals who are working, or plan to work, within the New Zealand dispute resolution framework, but do not currently have the relevant qualifications or experience. 

It is also designed to provide a membership pathway for those wishing to become credentialed Associate members of AMINZ. Undertaking the programme will ensure you have the relevant knowledge and understanding of the dispute resolution landscape to meet our Associate membership requirements.

Why undertake the programme?

Enhance your practice

Identify and fill any crucial knowledge gaps, and get the understanding and experience you need to work at the top of your game.

Progress at your own pace

Based primarily online, you will benefit from the convenience and effective learning opportunities in a programme created and backed by New Zealand’s leading dispute resolution practitioners.

Pathway to Membership

Gain recognition as a key player in
New Zealand’s leading body for dispute resolution professionals and access to all Associate Member benefits.

What’s involved?

The programme consists of four semesters in total. The first three semesters are delivered entirely online and at your own pace, while the fourth semester is an in-person AMINZ Skills Intensive. Each of the first three semesters have 10 individual modules, and each module will take approximately 4 hours to complete. The pass mark for each module is set at 60%. For interactive, multi-day intensives focuses on developing practical skills in either mediation or arbitration, depending on the participant's chosen area of interest.

Depending on your previous experience and relevant qualifications, you may not be required to complete all four semesters. If you are unsure which semesters you are required to complete, we will work with you to ensure you have the necessary education pathway plan in place to get the most out of the programme.

For Semesters One, Two and Three, you will have a maximum of six months to complete each semester from the date your registration is processed. If you are intending to complete the whole programme, you do not need to have completed the first three semesters before attending an AMINZ Skills Intensive (Semester Four). The practical courses run at various times throughout the year, and we usually recommend that you sign up for a Semester Four practical course when there is a session taking place at a convenient time and location near you.

What topics are covered?

    • Sources of development of the constitution

    • Rule of Law

    • Treaty of Waitangi

    • Introduction to Māori Land Law

    • Courts

    • Judicial Review

    • Bill of Rights

    • Official Information, Human Rights and Privacy

    • Statutory interpretation

    • Business structures

    • Basics of Contract Law

    • Introduction to Contract Legislation

    • Invalid contracts and mistake

    • Contractual Remedies and Frustration of Contracts

    • New Zealand Land Transfer System

    • Easements and Covenants

    • Leases, licenses, cross leases & unit titles

    • Basics of the Law of Negligence

    • Negligent misstatement and economic loss

    • Government liability in building cases

    • ADR in context, and negotiation

    • Facilitation and mediation

    • Online Dispute Resolution, conciliation, and ethics

    • Legal and ethical issues of mediation

    • Introduction to determinative processes

    • Arbitration 1 – History and overview

    • Arbitration 2 – Establishing the process

    • Arbitration 3 – Process from preliminary meeting to hearing

    • Arbitration 4 – The award, appeals and enforcement

    • Adjudications under the Construction Contracts Act 2002

  • Practical Learning for Dispute Resolution

    Semester Four offers a hands-on learning experience tailored to participants’ interests in dispute resolution. Participants will choose between the Arbitration Skills Intensive or the Mediation Skills Intensive, two immersive executive programmes designed to build essential skills in New Zealand's dispute resolution landscape. These courses are offered on various dates throughout the year, providing flexibility to suit individual schedules.

    • Arbitration Skills Intensive
      This three-day programme brings together leading arbitration practitioners to deliver engaging workshops and practical sessions. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the arbitral process, equipping them to navigate arbitration with confidence and effectiveness.
      Note this programme is currently running once per year.

    • Mediation Skills Intensive
      Spanning five days, this intensive programme delves into the mediation process, exploring negotiation styles, facilitation techniques, and problem-solving methods. Participants will apply their learning through interactive exercises, building practical skills to excel in mediation contexts.

    Both courses offer a unique opportunity to develop expertise through guided practice and insights from experienced professionals.

What are the details?

The date of enrolment in a semester is the date on which the registration form has been processed and payment has been received.

A semester must be completed within six months from the date of enrolment.

Depending on your previous experience and relevant qualifications, you may not be required to complete all four semesters. If you are unsure which semesters you are required to complete, we will work with you to ensure you have the necessary education pathway plan in place to get the most out of the programme.

The programme is four semesters in total. Three semesters can be completed entirely online with no scheduled lessons, so you can complete the learning at a pace convenient to you. Each of the first three semesters have 10 individual modules. The fourth semester is an interactive multi-day training course with a follow up evaluation.

Each module will take approximately four hours to complete. Passing each module and each semester is a prerequisite for completion of the course. The pass mark for each module is set at 60%. Each online semester costs $2,875 (incl. GST) and is payable in advance.

What are the costs?

Semester One

Basics of the New Zealand Legal System

$2,875
inc GST

Online

Semester Two

Introduction to Legal Obligations

$2,875
inc GST

Online

Semester Three

Introduction to Dispute Resolution in New Zealand

$2,875
inc GST

Online

Semester Four

Mediation Skills Intensive

Non Member Pricing $3300-$3500 inc GST

In person or Online

Find out more

OR

Semester Four

Arbitration Skills Intensive

Non Member Pricing
$2375-$2613 inc GST

In person

Find out more

Apply now!

Please complete this form and we will be in touch.

If you would like to discuss further or have any questions please contact Natalie at adminmanager@aminz.org.nz or call us on 04 499 9384