Mediation
Procedure in the Environment Court - Mediation
The Environment Court actively encourages parties, where appropriate, to pursue alternative dispute resolution.
A booklet about mediation of environmental disputes has been published by the Ministry for the Environment.
Most of the current Environment Commissioners are experienced in mediation and have taken courses in alternative dispute resolution. Experience in alternative dispute resolution is one of the criteria for eligibility for appointment as an Environment Commissioner.
All appeals, when lodged, are seen and assessed by an Environment Judge. Only rarely will the Judge conclude that an appeal is not suitable for mediation, and they will almost always be referred to a Commissioner for mediation to be arranged. The Court will advise the parties of that, and invite their co-operation in arranging mediation as soon as possible.
The procedures for mediation are largely set out in Section 3 of the Courts Consolidated Practice Note.
For further information on the Environment Court's mediation service, please contact the respective Mediation Case Manager for the applicable registry:
Auckland
Sarah Tallentire
Tel No. 09 916 9808
Email Sarah.Tallentire@justice.govt.nz
Wellington
Jennifer Gerritsen - on Secondment to 31 August 2011
Please Contact: Joseph Buckton or Rachell Staunton
Tel No. 04 918 8314 or 04 918 8317
Email Joseph.Buckton@justice.govt.nz or Rachell.Staunton@justice.govt.nz
Christchurch
Rachel Gerrand
Tel No. 03 962 4381
Email Rachel.Gerrand@justice.govt.nz
