CAB – Navigating conflict? Mediation can help

At Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), we regularly receive enquiries from employees, families, neighbours, and community members who are unsure how to navigate conflict or resolve disputes. When conversations become difficult and agreement feels out of reach, mediation offers a constructive and respectful way forward.

What is mediation? It’s a practical option for resolving disagreements when two people or organisations can’t agree and the issue isn’t suitable for the Disputes Tribunal. It involves the parties meeting, either in person or by phone, with the support of an independent, trained mediator.

The mediator doesn’t take sides or make decisions. Instead, they guide the discussion, help clarify the issues, encourage open communication, and support the parties to explore solutions that work for everyone. Mediation focuses on cooperation, mutual understanding, and reaching an agreement together.

Citizens Advice Bureau North Shore (CABNS) offers a free Relationships Mediation and Dispute Resolution Clinic, available by appointment. An accredited mediator and coach provides support with relationship and communication issues, property and post-separation disputes, employment matters, and general disputes such as noisy neighbours, landlord-tenant issues, or parent-school concerns. Please note that some matters are excluded, including domestic violence, abuse, substance addiction, counselling or therapy needs, and criminal cases.

For many people, mediation offers a positive, low-stress way to resolve conflict and move forward constructively.

Visit CAB Hibiscus Coast at the Ōrewa Community Centre, 40 Ōrewa Square, Monday to Friday 9.30am-3pm, or attend our weekly outreach at Whangaparāoa Library, Wednesdays 10am-12pm. Call: 09 426 5338 (leave a message if we’re unavailable) Email: hibiscuscoast@cab.org.nz Info: www.cab.org.nz