AMINZ
2025 CONFERENCE

28-29 August 2025 | Christchurch | Peppers Clearwater 

Here’s your snapshot of what’s happening across the conference. For everything else you might need, from venue details to health and safety, you can find it all on our General Information page.

Wednesday 27 August

  • All AMINZ members are warmly invited to attend the 2025 Annual General Meeting.

    This is an opportunity to hear from the AMINZ Council and our Executive Director, reflect on the year that’s been, and look ahead to the future of our community.

  • Join us after the AGM for an informal evening with refreshments to celebrate the Annual Conference being held in Christchurch. A great chance to connect with fellow members and welcome out-of-town attendees.

Thursday 28 August

  • Pick up your lanyard, say hello, and grab a coffee before the day begins.

  • Please gather in the main room by 9.20 am. Join us for a mihi whakatau to open the conference. We’ll be singing a waiata (details to come). Learn more about the mihi whakatau and what to expect here.

  • 9.45 am | Keynote Speaker
    Toby Manhire

    10.45 am | Morning break

    11.15 am | The changing face of dispute resolution

    Hon Paul Heath KC,  Malcolm Wallace, Anna Fuiava and Lucy Brittain.

    12.15 pm |

    Judge Aidan Warren, Tyson Hullena, Renika Sciliano and Jane Borthwick.

    1.20 pm | Lunch break

    2.30 pm | AI and Innovations in ADR: Debate and Dialogue

    Greg Simms  

    3.30 pm |  Adapting to Instability: Structural Shifts in International Dispute Resolution and New Zealand’s Role

    DrAnna Kirk, Robert Kirkness, Dr Penny Ridings and Jo McKeagg

    4.30 pm | End of day

  • Celebrate and recognise excellence in our community at the Awards Dinner. Enjoy a relaxed evening of great food, conversation, and connection.

    Arrival from 7pm.

    Learn more

Friday 29 August

  • Breakfast for AMINZ Fellows to connect, network, and start the day with conversation in the Members’ Library at Peppers Clearwater.

  • 9.30am | Dispute Resolution – Lessons from the Past, Opportunities for the Future

    Mark Kelly and Rebecca Saunders

    10.30am | Reviving anti-suit injunctions: Stepping back to move forward

    Lydia Sharpe | AMINZ Determinative Scholar

    10.50am | Morning Break

    11.20am | Tax and Settlement Agreements: A Practical Overview

    Celia Brownlee | aMINZ Consensual Scholar

    11.40am | The Psychology of Conflict: Bias, Brains and Belonging

    Suran Dickson | Keynote Speaker

    12.45-2pm | Lunch Break

    2-3.15pm | Concurrent Sessions

    The Role of Arbitrator in the Evolving Legal Landscape of ESG Disputes 
    Kaikainui Room

    Nicole Smith, Nicola Swan and Daniel Kalderimis KC   

    Practical Implications of Integrating AI into Everyday Practice  
    Willow Creek

    Michael Heron KC, Andrew Wierda, Oscar McGuire and Pauline Courtney   

    3.30pm | Great Scott! Has ADR kept up with the speed of change?

    Malcolm Wallace and Mark Kelly

    4pm | End of day

Conference Countdown

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