Pilot scheme addresses civil dispute mediations

The High Court in Auckland will be introducing a pilot scheme that will see private mediators undertake court-ordered mediation in some civil disputes.

Mediation is currently carried out by associate judges but Justice Minister Simon Power says they are spending large amounts of time mediating, rather than concentrating on cases that require judicial attention.

He says freeing up judicial time for other matters should lead to faster resolution of disputes and will be cheaper for the parties involved and the court.

A panel of between 12 and 15 mediators will be established.

They will be experienced legal practitioners who will also be qualified and experienced in mediation.

The pilot scheme will begin in November.

- NEWSTALK ZB