Restorative Practice is increasingly recognised for its ability to resolve harms (or conflicts) that other resolution approaches cannot. It prioritises people’s needs in repairing the harm done, restoring dignity, and preventing further harm.

The Resolution Institute Restorative Practice Accreditation course is designed to meet the Restorative Practice Competency Framework for New Zealand. It supports the learning and understanding of the practical application of the core and fundamental competencies of restorative practice in relation to the learning objectives and assessment standards detailed within the framework and highlighted below. This ensures that practitioners can successfully apply restorative principles across diverse contexts (e.g., education, healthcare, marae, workplaces).

Who is this training for?

The focus of this course is to provide practitioners with extended practical learning opportunities that support the successful facilitation of Restorative Practice hui's throughout New Zealand. Practitioners will be required to identify the principles and articulate their foundational knowledge of restorative practices, dispute resolution, or mediation as part of their learning.

Therefore, it is recommended that attendees have demonstrable prior learning or knowledge by having either:

• extensive experience in mediation and/or restorative justice methods, or
• completed the Victoria University of Wellington Restorative Foundation: Principles and Applications of Restorative Practice Micro-credential.

Please be aware the course involves some pre-course learning elements sent out a month prior. During the training days, a small amount of self-directed learning is required in the evening. The training days are full-time; we recommend not attempting to be available for other work commitments during those days in order to make the most of the learning opportunity.

You will learn?

• Apply restorative values
• Tailor processes to cultural and contextual needs
• Uphold ethical and safety standards
• Successfully facilitate a Restorative Practice hui 

Assessment

At the conclusion of the course, attendees will be invited to sit a Competency Assessment. This assessment will include the following areas:

• Te Reo Maori: Pronunciation and understanding
• Documentation Management: 3 Cases with planning and formal case reflections
• Observation Assessment: Live recorded hui facilitation with post-hui self-reflection
• Assessed Professional Conversation: Judgement, competence, and self-development

The fee for this assessment is not included in the course fee's.

About our trainers

Haley Farrer (JD)

Haley is a restorative practitioner and mediator and the Managing Director of Aspen Restorative Consulting. She brings a background in law and psychology and moved to New Zealand in 2015 as a Fulbright Fellow.

She worked for several years with the Diana Unwin Chair for Restorative Justice (now Te Ngapara) at Victoria University of Wellington. She has been teaching restorative justice and restorative facilitation for over a decade and brings extensive practical experience in supporting organisations and individuals to apply restorative approaches in both preventative and responsive contexts.

Sarah Roth Shank (PhD)

Sarah is a restorative justice practitioner whose PhD research explored expanding restorative justice in institutions while maintaining community involvement. Since 2017, she's been Aspen's Senior Consultant, leading education and training development.

Previously, Sarah was Admissions Director at Eastern Mennonite University's Centre for Justice and Peacebuilding, helping establish North America's first Restorative Justice Masters. She's trained in victim outreach, conferencing, and circle processes.

Do you offer early bird rates?

Are there discounted rates for group bookings?

What are the Terms and Conditions?

Do you provide in-house courses?