After more than a decade, Bankside member and renowned arbitrator Royden Hindle is stepping down from his role as Director of Professional Studies at Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ), the largest professional body of dispute resolution practitioners in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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Royden’s significant contributions to AMINZ span over 30 years, including achieving Fellowship in 2001, serving as Vice President in 2015, and President from 2018 to 2020. In 2021, he was honoured with an Honorary Life Membership of AMINZ.

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As Director of Professional Studies, Royden has managed The AMINZ Fellowship Programme, which examines candidates at an advanced level to assess their ability to serve as arbitrators or mediators, and oversaw the admission of more than 30 Fellows. He led the Associate Programme in partnership with the College of Law, set up the independent nationwide mediation service for EQC customers, launched in 2012, and has been instrumental in fostering key collaborations with AUT University.

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In a media statement, AMINZ thanked Royden for his unwavering commitment to shaping the institute’s high professional standards and enhancing its reputation for excellence, but also for his warmth, generosity, and approachable nature, which have left a lasting impression on colleagues and peers.

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“What I truly treasure are the countless offline conversations and exchanges with colleagues”, shares Royden. “Being a neutral in dispute resolution can feel isolating, but the connections I’ve made through AMINZ have always countered that. Those conversations, whether about a recent case, a new development in the law, or just to keep in touch, have always kept me connected and motivated.”

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Royden hands over his leadership position to former Deputy Director Paul Sills, based in London.