Central Otago Family Law and Mediation Conference 2026
The Central Otago Family Law and Mediation Conference 2026 is an international gathering designed for family law professionals, mediators, and parenting coordinators. Organized by Brisbane Family Dispute Resolution Pty Ltd, the conference will take place from August 12 to 15, 2026, in the picturesque town of Wānaka, New Zealand. This event aims to provide attendees with valuable insights and updates in the field of family law and mediation.
The conference will cover a range of pertinent topics, including trauma-informed practice in family law, innovations in family law and mediation, and updates on recent case law and legislative amendments. Sessions are scheduled on August 13 and 14 from 1 pm to 5 pm, allowing participants to engage in professional development while also enjoying the local area. The final session will be held on the morning of August 15, 2026.
In addition to the educational sessions, the conference offers ample networking opportunities. Registration includes two dinners, a welcome event on August 12, and closing drinks, fostering connections among professionals from various countries. The 2025 conference attracted delegates from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA, highlighting its international appeal.
This conference is ideal for family lawyers, mediators, and parenting coordinators seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills. Attendees will benefit from expert-led sessions, practical workshops, and the chance to discuss emerging trends and challenges in family law and mediation.
Speakers(5)
Anna Black
Barrister and Mediator
Anna is a leading barrister and accredited mediator recognized on the Doyle’s list. She specializes in family law, including de facto relationships, parenting matters, property disputes, spouse maintenance, and contravention applications. Admitted in 2009, Anna has expertise in complex financial matters and cases relating to children and families, including child welfare, risk, and family violence. She is affiliated with the Queensland Bar Association, Law Council of Australia's Family Law Section, Child Protection Practitioners’ Association of Queensland, and Family Law Practitioners’ Association of Queensland. Anna holds a professional membership with AIFLAM and has trained as a clinical social worker and family therapist.
Anne-Marie Cade
Mediator, Divorce Coach, and Parenting Coordinator
Anne-Marie is an award-winning lawyer and mediator who holds a Master of Family Dispute Resolution and Negotiation. She is a Nationally Accredited Mediator, a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, a Certified Divorce Coach, and a Parenting Coordinator. Anne-Marie was awarded a Churchill fellowship by the Winston Churchill Trust in Australia to research Best Practice in Parenting Coordination, completing her research in seven countries around the world and has written a report on her findings.
Clare Dart
Barrister, Mediator, and Arbitrator
Clare has practiced predominantly in family law, child protection, and domestic violence law for over 25 years, with experience in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Swaziland. She completed a Master of Laws in Human Rights in 2006. In addition to practicing as a barrister, Clare sits as a part-time legal member on the Mental Health Review Tribunal (Qld), is a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, a Nationally Accredited Mediator, and an arbitrator. She is also an adjunct lecturer for the College of Law’s Master of Applied Law (Family Law) program. Clare has been a board member of the Family Law Practitioners' Association of Queensland for 13 years and has volunteered at the Women’s Legal Service since 2009.
Jennifer Hetherington
Lawyer, Mediator, Parenting Coordinator, and Conference Director
Jennifer is a family lawyer in Australia and a Mediator, FDR Practitioner, Collaborative Practitioner, and Parenting Coordinator in both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Born in New Zealand, Jennifer has spent most of her 28-year career in Australia but now divides her time across the Tasman. She is an Accredited Family Law Specialist, holds a Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution Practice, is AMDRAS, and is a past recipient of Sole Practitioner of the Year at the Australian Law Awards and the Women in Law Awards. The 2026 conference will be the third conference Jennifer has convened.
Leanne Bamford
Social Worker, Child Consultant, and Family Report Writer
Leanne is a Social Worker who has worked in the family law space since 2003, first as a Family Consultant with the Family Court of Australia, and then as a private practitioner, mainly as a Family Report Writer. She is trained in collaborative practice and parenting coordination. Throughout her career, Leanne has had a keen interest in trauma and has played roles in critical incident debriefing, including the aftermath of the Port Arthur massacre and the debriefing of flight crew and medical teams from the Royal Australian Air Force who responded to the Bali Bombings. Leanne frequently acts as the Child Consultant (Child Inclusion/Voice of Child) in Family Dispute Resolution mediations.
Event Details
- Date
- August 12-15, 2026
- 4 days
- Location
- 🇳🇿 W01naka, New Zealand
- Lake Wānaka Community Hub
- Pricing
- $660 - $990
- Audience
- Family lawyers, mediators, parenting coordinators
- CLE Credits
- Up to 7 CPD hours, including core areas based on Queensland Law Society requirements
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