FAQs
I will come anywhere in New Zealand to run a mediation.
Where do you work?
Yes, I will run mediations for no charge for any not-for-profit, sports club or association.
Do you do any “pro bono” mediations?
The costs are dependent on the nature of the dispute, the number of the parties and the pre-work required. However, all rates are negotiable and can be either a fixed fee or hourly rate.
The costs are usually shared amongst the parties.
Any fixed fee covers the moment I am engaged until ‘resolution’, or the parties choose to end the mediation process.
How much does it cost?
Absolutely. I prefer to use Microsoft Teams for any online mediation due to its functionality. For any pre-work consultations; I can also use Skype, Facebook messenger or other platforms.
Will you run an online mediation?
What are the terms and conditions that apply?
The main conditions for mediation are that you come voluntarily and act in ‘good faith’. As well, all matters discussed are subject to ‘privilege’ and confidentiality.
All the terms are clearly outlined in the ‘Agreement to Mediate’ which is signed when I am engaged to act. The terms comply with the current legal requirements and allow the parties to speak freely.
I can provide more context on privilege and confidentiality but also encourage the parties to seek independent legal advice if they have specific concerns.
A copy of my standard Agreement to Mediate can be sent on request.
Do you charge for costs over and above the mediation fee?
For any work in the Whanganui-Manawatu, Hawkes Bay and Wellington regions there is no charge for travel, if required.
There may be a charge for a space to hold the mediation or accommodation for multi-day mediations.
Any additional costs are usually shared amongst the parties.
It can depend on the nature of the dispute, the amount of work that is undertaken leading up to mediation the number of parties and if there are any contractual or statutory ‘rules’ that apply to the allocated time to run a mediation.
Many commercial mediations are resolved in a day and some even meditations take half a day.
You will be guided at time, so you know how to plan for the day.
How long does mediation take?
No. The decision to reach an agreement belongs to the parties.
If an agreement cannot be reached on the day, there are different options. There may be a second day set down to reconvene the mediation.
If there is no further time allocated for the mediation to continue then the parties may continue to negotiate after the mediation and reach a settlement. The parties may decide to litigate or arbitrate (this may be set out in a contract). Finally, the parties may file the dispute with an independent decision maker, such as an ombudsman scheme.