Employment Mediation Services for Workplace Disputes in New Zealand

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Employment mediation is one of the fastest and most effective ways to resolve workplace disputes in New Zealand. At Employment Equity Ltd, we provide confidential, private employment mediation designed to help employers and employees reach practical, legally sound agreements, without escalating to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA).

Whether the matter involves unjustified dismissal, redundancy, bullying, harassment, or contract disputes, our mediation process focuses on early resolution and sustainable outcomes.

First, which service do you need

There are two different things people mean when they talk about mediation, and it helps to be clear which one you need.

If you want someone in your corner, an advocate to represent you and argue your case at mediation, that is our core service at 0800 Dismissed, set out on our no win no fee service.

If instead you are looking to secure a skilled, neutral person to mediate a meeting between both parties and help everyone reach a resolution, this is the service for you.

What kind of help do you need?

Two different services

Someone in your corner

An advocate to argue your case

Our 0800 Dismissed service

See our no win no fee service

A neutral between both sides

A mediator to resolve the matter

This mediation service

You are in the right place

MBIE is taking about two months to schedule mediations. We can usually book yours within one to two weeks.

  • Most MBIE mediations relate to unjustified disadvantage or dismissal.
  • These matters often drift toward ERA investigations if not managed early.
  • Employment Equity Ltd offers an early and effective way to address workplace issues.
  • Faster scheduling reduces stress and stops problems from escalating.
  • Early and effective resolution helps avoid personal grievance claims.

At Employment Equity Ltd, we understand that workplace and employment disputes can be stressful, unproductive, and emotionally draining. They can also be costly, in both time and money, for employers and employees alike.

Mediation offers an alternative: a confidential, solution focused process designed to help everyone involved reach a fair agreement without the need for lengthy legal proceedings. It is a space for both sides to be heard, to rebuild understanding, and to find a practical resolution that helps people move forward.

Free MBIE mediation, or private mediation with Mike

Both are neutral mediation. The MBIE service is free, but the wait to get a booking is long. Private mediation with Mike is paid, and it happens with speed.

MBIE mediation Private mediation with Mike
Cost Free, funded by government Paid, agreed upfront
Time to get a booking Often around two months Usually one to two weeks
The mediator Whoever is assigned Experienced, you know who
Neutrality Neutral Neutral
Who pays Not applicable Split, or employer covers it

What is employment mediation?

Employment mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where an independent mediator helps both sides explore the issues and agree on a workable outcome. The mediator does not represent either party and does not take sides. Their role is to help the parties reach their own resolution.

It is commonly used to resolve:

  • Personal grievances such as unjustified dismissal or redundancy.
  • Harassment or bullying complaints.
  • Disputes about wages, leave, or entitlements.
  • Contractor versus employee classification issues.
  • Performance or disciplinary disagreements.
  • Any other workplace or employment related matter.

In New Zealand, mediation is recognised under the Employment Relations Act 2000 and is often the first step before escalation to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA). Mediation is about resolution, not blame. It allows people to communicate openly and safely while focusing on practical outcomes and restoring trust where possible.

What is Employment Mediation?

Employment mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where an independent mediator helps both sides explore issues and agree on a workable outcome.

It is commonly used to resolve:

  • Personal grievances such as unjustified dismissal or redundancy.
  • Harassment or bullying complaints.
  • Disputes about wages, leave, or entitlements.
  • Contractor versus employee classification issues.
  • Performance or disciplinary disagreements.
  • Any other workplace or employment-related matters.

In New Zealand, mediation is recognised under the Employment Relations Act 2000 and is often the first step before escalation to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA).

Mediation is about resolution, not blame. It allows people to communicate openly and safely while focusing on practical outcomes and restoring trust where possible.

Enquire about mediation

Complete the form below and Michael will be in touch to discuss timing and next steps. This applies whether you are an employer, an employee, or an advocate proposing a mediator to the other side.

Your full name
Email address(Required)
Phone number(Required)
Preferred mediation format(Required)

As a neutral mediator, Michael cannot act where he has previously advised or represented either party. This protects the independence of the mediation for both sides.

Why choose Employment Equity mediation services?

With years of experience in New Zealand’s employment law space, Employment Equity Ltd understands the realities of workplace conflict. Our focus is on fairness, clarity, and practical solutions that benefit all parties.

In this service Michael acts only as the neutral mediator. He is appointed by both parties and does not represent either side. His years of advocacy work mean he understands how both sides think, which makes him a sharper and fairer mediator, but in the room he is there for the resolution, not for one party.

Our Director, Michael Harrison, personally leads all mediations. He is an Associate Member of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand (AAMINZ), New Zealand’s largest dispute resolution organisation, and serves as a Board Member of the Employment Law Institute of New Zealand (ELINZ).

Michael holds qualifications including B Soc Sci, CPIR, B Bus Admin (Hons), MBA, and AAMINZ. His training and professional background provide both academic and practical expertise in dispute resolution.

Clients benefit from his extensive experience in employment relations, negotiation, human resources, and conflict management. Having represented clients in both MBIE mediations and the Employment Relations Authority (ERA), he brings a grounded understanding of both the legal and the human sides of conflict.

How the neutral mediation is set up

Each side has its own advocate, the employer on one side and the employee on the other. Both sides then appoint Mike as the single neutral mediator between them. From there he runs the meeting, moves things along, and helps both sides reach a resolution they can accept, without the long wait of the free service.

Employer side

With their advocate or lawyer

Employee side

With their advocate

Both appoint Mike

The neutral mediator in the middle

A resolution both sides accept

Reached with speed

The Benefits of Mediation

Mediation offers many advantages compared to formal legal proceedings

  • It is private and confidential.
  • It is faster, often concluding in one day.
  • It is cost-effective compared to litigation.
  • It helps preserve or repair working relationships.
  • It allows flexible, creative outcomes tailored to each situation.

Michael has facilitated hundreds of mediations where conflict gave way to clarity.
In one case, two senior staff members who had stopped communicating were able to rebuild their working relationship within hours. Both remained with the organisation, and productivity quickly returned.

That kind of turnaround is why mediation remains one of the most effective ways to resolve workplace issues.

The steps on the day

  • Each party outlines their concerns. Michael helps everyone understand the process and set realistic expectations.
  • Joint meeting. Both sides meet, in person or online, in a neutral setting.
  • The mediator facilitates an open conversation, helping uncover misunderstandings and explore possible solutions. He may meet each side privately during the day, which is normal and helps move things along.
  • When a solution is found, it is written up and signed by both parties. Once signed, it is a binding settlement enforceable by the ERA.

Everything discussed remains private. Confidentiality allows open and honest communication without fear of repercussion. As a professional member of AAMINZ and ELINZ, Michael adheres to strict ethical and confidentiality standards, and every mediation is conducted with impartiality and professionalism.

The benefits of mediation

Mediation offers many advantages compared with formal legal proceedings:

  • It is private and confidential.
  • It is faster, often concluding in a single day.
  • It is cost effective compared with litigation.
  • It helps preserve or repair working relationships.
  • It allows flexible, creative outcomes tailored to each situation.

Michael has facilitated hundreds of mediations where conflict gave way to clarity. In one case, two senior staff members who had stopped communicating rebuilt their working relationship within hours. Both remained with the organisation, and productivity quickly returned. That kind of turnaround is why mediation remains one of the most effective ways to resolve workplace issues.

Meet Michael Harrison

Michael Harrison is the Director of Employment Equity Ltd, trading as 0800 DISMISSED, a trusted employment advocacy and mediation firm established in 2011. With a rich background in employment relations and human resources, Michael is dedicated to guiding individuals and organisations through workplace conflict and change.

He provides a wide range of services, including:

  • Independent mediation and dispute resolution.
  • Negotiation and advocacy in employment matters.
  • Investigation and workplace reviews.
  • Change management and organisational development.
  • Policy and procedure formulation.
  • Conflict resolution training and education.

Michael has also lectured at AUT University, teaching Organisational Change Management, Negotiation, and Principles of Conflict Resolution at both MBA and undergraduate levels. He is an active contributor to New Zealand’s mediation and employment law community, serving as a Board Member of ELINZ and maintaining professional links through AAMINZ.

Mike’s professions

Mediator, Facilitator, Negotiator, Advocate, Conflict Coach, Consultant, Investigator, Manager and HR Partner.

Mike’s specialty areas

Employment, commercial, business, management, employment and labour relations, and workplace facilitation.

Work regions

Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Manawatu Whanganui, Wellington, Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast, Canterbury, Otago, Southland, and international clients.

What makes Employment Equity different?

Employment Equity’s mediation service is not just about resolving disputes. It is about helping people find closure and understanding. We support both employees and employers, offering a balanced perspective that focuses on fairness and sustainable outcomes.

Clients choose our mediation service because:

  • Mike brings both advocacy and mediation experience, so he understands every side of a dispute, while acting only as the neutral in this service.
  • He is neutral, professional, and outcome driven.
  • He has proven results through MBIE and ERA processes.
  • He offers clear, honest communication and guidance.
  • The service is available nationwide, in person or online.

Michael’s calm, respectful approach ensures every voice is heard and every issue is managed with integrity.

Preparing for mediation, what you need to know

Preparation helps everyone get the best from the day. Before your session:

  • Identify the key issues and the outcomes you are seeking.
  • Collect any relevant documents or emails.
  • Be open to listening and exploring options.
  • Consider what a fair resolution would look like.

During mediation, Michael encourages everyone to stay open minded. Afterward, his team can help document the agreement and provide follow up support so commitments are implemented properly.

Common questions about mediation

What does mediation cost?

MBIE provides free mediation for employment disputes, but the wait to get a booking is long. Private mediation with Michael is charged at an agreed rate, is available far sooner, and remains much more affordable than legal proceedings. Fees can be split equally between the parties, though in practice the employer often covers them.

How long does it take?

Most mediations take between two and four hours and are often completed in a single day. More complex matters can take longer

Is mediation confidential?

Yes. Mediation is entirely private and protected by law.

What happens if no agreement is reached?

You can continue discussions later or take the matter to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA).

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes. Each party can have their own support person, advocate, representative, or lawyer with them. Michael remains the neutral between both sides.

Is mediation legally binding?

If both parties sign a written agreement, it becomes a binding settlement enforceable by the ERA.

READY TO TALK

If you are facing a workplace dispute, or you are an advocate looking to appoint a skilled neutral, mediation can help reach a practical and private resolution.

Contact Michael Harrison at Employment Equity Ltd (0800 DISMISSED) for professional, fair, and confidential mediation.

Contact details

info@employmentequity.co.nz

0800 DISMISSED

Working nationwide: Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Canterbury, Otago, Southland, and beyond.

Kind regards,

Mike Harrison

B Soc Sci, CPIR, B Bus Admin (Hons), MBA, AAMINZ

Director, Employment Equity Ltd. Licensed Private Investigator.

Mike Harrison has been awarded Associate Membership of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand. He is also a Board Member of our professional association, ELINZ.

Michael Harrison, AAMINZ

A member of The Employment Law Institute of New Zealand. ELINZ represents employment law professionals nationwide.

Mike Harrison has been awarded Associate Membership of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand. He is also a board member of our professional association ELINZ.

Michael Harrison, AAMINZ

elinz logo

A member of The Employment Law Institute of New Zealand. ELINZ Represents Employment Law Professionals Nationwide.