New Zealand Law Society - Nicole Smith elected as President of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of NZ

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

Following member elections in June, the Institute is thrilled to have Nicole move into this role officially from August.

The Arbitrators’ and Meditators’ Institute of NZ (AMINZ), which offers a range of services including training and credentialing, 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.

Nicole Smith

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. 

Outgoing President Mark Kelly summed it up: “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 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.