ACFE Christchurch Event: PEACE Interviewing Training

Why this training?

The course will be delivered by Chris Mantell, an experienced PEACE trainer, and focuses on the PEACE framework — a structured and widely used approach to interviewing in investigative contexts.

The training is highly practical, with a strong emphasis on applying techniques in realistic scenarios. While particularly relevant for investigations, the skills are equally applicable to a range of professional situations, including but not limited to:

• Interviews and information‑gathering discussions
• Stakeholder engagement
• Difficult or sensitive conversations
• Workshops and structured meetings

A key strength of this course is its practical, hands‑on approach, with real‑world scenarios and application — not just theory.

Course objectives

• Engage and Explain: Building rapport and explaining processes
• Interview structure: Setting out the interview structure, explaining the benefits and highlighting the actions that result in deviation from the structure
• Questions: Types of questions and outcomes of various questions, emphasis on the benefits of asking the right questions
• Planning: A method of planning for an interview emphasis on the benefits of a well-planned interview
• Note taking: A note taking method that is methodical, simple and assists with thoroughness and accuracy
• Memory: The basic mechanics of the memory, how that effects interviewing and how an interviewer can use this knowledge to assist interviewing
• Non-verbal communication: What people are saying which their body language.

 Learning Outcomes

 The learning outcomes are based on embedding the basics of interviewing and communicating in a formal context:

• Confidence in following the PEACE interview structure: An understanding of building rapport in all mediums of communication and the reasons for clear explanations
• The skills to obtain the complete, accurate and reliable information from interviewees
• The ability to prepare a comprehensive plan for an interview
• An understanding of how to use CWP note taking method and appreciation of the importance of good notes
• Greater confidence and flexibility to deal with the unexpected issues in an interview
• Avoidance of mistakes and call backs to interviewees
• A greater level of professionalism and conducting interviews that are consistent with the principals of good conduct

Key training details

• Format: Two‑day, in‑person training
• Locations: Auckland and Christchurch (Deloitte offices)
• Timing:
• • Auckland: 27-28 October 2026
  • Christchurch: 5-6 November 2026
• Trainer: Chris Mantell
• Cost: $690 per member, representing member contribution (with the balance subsidised by ACFE NZ)
• Certification: This training will provide approximately 14 CPE credits (subject to final instructional hours), which may be claimed towards ACFE continuing professional education requirements.