The Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ) has confirmed the election results for two positions on its ruling Council.

Nicole Smith, an arbitration practitioner based in Tauranga, with a strong interest in international dispute resolution, was elected for the first time to the seven-member board that oversees the country’s peak dispute resolution body.

Sophie East has been re-elected for another term. She is a Harvard-educated litigation partner with Bell Gully.

The two women, who were elected by AMINZ members, join existing Council members Mark Colthart, Royden Hindle, Nicola Hartfield and Mark Kelly, along with the Council’s serving president, John Walton.