IOA to Offer In-Person Foundations in New Zealand

For the first time ever, the International Ombuds Association's signature training course will be offered in Aotearoa. This offers a unique opportunity to take this training in person. The program is set for October 5-7, 2025, at Lincoln University (Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki) on New Zealand's South Island (Te Waipounamu). Registration is now open.

About the Course

This flagship course is primarily designed for new and aspiring organizational ombuds and those interested in learning more about the profession. The course covers the fundamentals of the organizational ombuds role based on the principles of confidentiality, impartiality, independence, and informality.

This fundamental three-day in-person or four-day virtual experience is packed with information on how to work with visitors, how to act as a change agent within an organization, and how to practice some of the key ombuds skills necessary for success. The course is taught by an experienced and highly committed faculty of ombuds who will share best practices around running an effective office as well as evaluating and communicating the effectiveness of that office.

Instructors: Donna Louden, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; and Jennifer Mahony, Boston Children's Hospital.

Registration is $950 USD for IOA members (estimated $1,600 NZD or $1,490 AUD). The course fee does not include travel expenses or the cost of accommodations. (IOA Foundations.)

Related posts: IOA's New Virtual Foundations Course is Already Selling Out; IOA Offers In-Person Foundations Training in Europe; IOA Foundations In-Person Training Offered at 2025 Conference.

Update 5/21/25: The initial version of this post incorrectly stated that one of the instructors would be Wayne Francis Marriott. I regret the mistake.