What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 5pm Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm Thursday 8:30am - 5pm Friday 8:30am - 5pm

The ADR Centre, Level 2/129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna (2026)

28/08/2026

ADR Glossary Explainer Part 4 | What is an 'independent third party' and why does it matter who they are?

The phrase appears in many descriptions of ADR. An independent third party facilitates the process. An independent third party makes the decision. An independent third party reviews the outcome.

But what does it actually mean — and why does it matter so much who that person is?

An independent third party is someone with no personal stake in the outcome. No relationship with either party that could influence their judgment. No financial interest in the result. No prior involvement in the matter.

Independence isn't just a quality. In dispute resolution, it's a structural requirement. Without it, the process has no credibility and the outcome has no legitimacy.

Independence tells you the person won't be biased. It doesn't tell you they're the right person for the dispute.
• In mediation — the third party facilitates. Skill in managing dynamics and creating space for agreement is what makes the process work.
• In arbitration — the third party decides. The quality of the award depends directly on their legal knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
• In adjudication — the third party decides. Sector experience, contract knowledge, and speed of adjudication all matter. Expertise isn't optional.
• In expert determination — the third party is appointed for technical expertise. The right expert produces a credible outcome. The wrong one produces a determination both parties will dispute.

Across The ADR Centre's brands, practitioners are selected by invitation only — assessed for independence, expertise, and sector knowledge before joining any panel. When a dispute is referred, the Registrar matches the right practitioner to the specific nature of the dispute.

Independence is the baseline. The right person is the difference.

Questions about how practitioners are selected? Learn more at: https://adrcentre.co.nz/

21/08/2026

ADR Glossary Explainer Part 3| Arb-Med: when arbitration and mediation happen in the same process

Most people know arbitration and mediation as separate processes.

Arb-Med combines them — and the order in which they happen is what makes it work.

It starts with arbitration.
The tribunal gathers the facts through formal submissions, evidence, and legal arguments — building a clear, informed picture of the dispute before any settlement discussion begins.

Then it moves to mediation.
With everything on the table, the process transitions to mediation. The arbitrator — now acting as mediator — works with both parties in the room toward a mutually acceptable resolution. If they settle, the agreement is recorded as a binding, enforceable award.

If mediation doesn't resolve it, arbitration resumes.
No starting over. No duplication. The tribunal picks up where it left off and issues a binding decision.

In a standalone mediation, parties often arrive with inflated expectations of their own position. In Arb-Med, the arbitration phase has already surfaced the facts — so both parties enter mediation with a more grounded understanding of where they stand.
That makes agreement more likely.

One process. One tribunal. Two chances to resolve.

Learn more at: https://adrcentre.co.nz/

14/08/2026

ADR Glossary Explainer Part 2 | Arbitration award vs court judgment: what’s the difference?

Both bring a dispute to a close. Both are legally binding. Both are enforceable. So what actually separates them — and why does it matter?

The process that produces them is fundamentally different.

A court judgment is issued by a judge in a public proceeding, on the court's timetable, on the public record.

An arbitration award is issued by an independent specialist in a private proceeding — on a timeline the parties help shape, with an expert chosen for the subject matter of the dispute.

Where they differ in practice:
• Confidentiality — Court judgments are public. Arbitration awards are private.
• Speed — Court proceedings can take years. Arbitration timelines are driven by the dispute, not a court's scheduling queue.
• Expertise — A judge covers all subject areas. An arbitrator is selected specifically for their expertise in construction, finance, IP, or whatever the dispute demands.
• Finality — Arbitration awards have very limited grounds for challenge. For many parties, that finality has real commercial value. Court judgments are subject to appeal rights.
• Cost - Arbitration is usually less expensive than Court action, especially if you use the NZDRC rules, which have fixed time lines.
• International enforceability — Under the New York Convention, arbitration awards are enforceable in over 170 countries. Court judgments don't carry the same automatic international recognition - it varies by jurisdiction.

One key similarity: in New Zealand, an arbitration award is enforceable as a judgment of the court — carrying the same domestic legal weight once issued.

The right outcome depends on what the dispute needs. Understanding the difference is the first step to choosing the right process.

Questions about which process suits your situation? Learn more at: https://adrcentre.co.nz/

07/08/2026

What an inspiring day at the AMINZ Conference 2026 so far

We’ve already had the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, practitioners, and members of the dispute resolution community, engaging in meaningful conversations about the future of our profession.

From the impact of technology and globalisation to cultural complexity, evolving client expectations, and the changing role of dispute resolution professionals, today’s discussions are highlighting the importance of adapting and innovating in an increasingly complex world.

At The ADR Centre, we’re proud to be part of these conversations and to continue exploring how we can deliver dispute resolution services in ways that meet the changing needs of our communities.

We look forward to more insightful discussions, new connections, and shared learning throughout the rest of the conference.

If you’re attending AMINZ Conference 2026, come and say hello at The ADR Centre stand. We’d love to connect with you.

31/07/2026

We're proud to be a Supporting Partner of AMINZ Conference 2026

With just one week to go until AMINZ Conference 2026, we're excited to join dispute resolution professionals from across Aotearoa New Zealand for one of the industry's leading events.

This year's theme, "Delivering dispute resolution services differently in a rapidly changing world", couldn't be more relevant. As businesses, communities, and individuals navigate increasingly complex and interconnected challenges, the way we approach conflict resolution continues to evolve.

We're especially proud that Catherine Green, Director of The ADR Centre, will be joining a distinguished panel of industry leaders to explore: "How small businesses resolve disputes in an increasingly connected economy facing ever more global challenges".

As a Supporting Partner, we're looking forward to connecting with fellow practitioners, exchanging ideas, and contributing to conversations that help shape the future of dispute resolution in Aotearoa New Zealand.

If you're attending, we'd love to see you there and continue the conversation.

24/07/2026

ADR Glossary Explainer Part 1 | What does “binding” mean in a dispute resolution context?

It's one of the most used words in dispute resolution — and one of the least explained.

Binding. But what does it actually mean for you?

In short: a binding decision or agreement is one that the parties are legally obligated to honour. It's not a suggestion. It's not a starting point for further negotiation. Once it's binding, it sticks, and it can be enforced.

In ADR, whether an outcome is binding depends on the process used:
• Arbitration produces a binding award — enforceable in the same way as a court judgment, with very limited grounds for appeal
• Mediation produces a binding outcome only once both parties have signed the settlement agreement — until then, either party can walk away
• Adjudication produces a bindingi determination — typically within 8 weeks from the nitialinital claim — though it is not necessarily final and can be revisited through arbitration or litigation later
• Expert determination can be binding or non-binding, depending on what the parties agreed upfront

Why does this matter? Because knowing whether you're entering a binding process changes how you prepare, what you disclose, and what you're committing to.

It also matters when choosing the right process for your dispute. If you need certainty and finality, a binding process like arbitration may be the right fit. If you want flexibility and control over the outcome, mediation may serve you better.

The right process depends on what you need from the outcome. Learn more at: https://adrcentre.co.nz/

17/07/2026

ADR Glossary Explainer | What does "without prejudice" actually mean?

If you've been involved in a dispute or sat in on a mediation, you've likely heard the phrase "without prejudice" come up.

But what does it actually mean?

In simple terms, and generally speaking, ‘without prejudice’ material is anything said or written during settlement negotiations that cannot later be used as evidence against you in court or formal proceedings.

It creates a protected space — where both parties can speak openly, explore options, and have honest conversations without the risk that their words will be held against them if things don't resolve.

In mediation, this protection is fundamental. It's what allows someone to say "here is what I'm willing to consider" without that statement becoming ammunition later.

Without it, most productive settlement conversations simply wouldn't happen. A few things worth knowing:
1) It applies to genuine attempts to settle — both written (emails, letters marked 'without prejudice') and verbal discussions in mediation
2) It's not a blanket shield — courts can set it aside in limited circumstances

Understanding this protection matters — not because it's legal jargon, but because it's the mechanism that makes good-faith dialogue possible. And good-faith dialogue is where most disputes actually get resolved.

Have questions about what to expect from a mediation process?
We are happy to help: https://adrcentre.co.nz/

09/07/2026

This morning, teams across the The ADR Centre came together to celebrate Matariki — a time for reflection, connection, and new beginnings here in Aotearoa.

At its heart, Matariki represents whanaungatanga (connection), manaakitanga (hospitality), and the opportunity to remember the past while celebrating the present and looking ahead to the future — values that resonate deeply in how we support one another and the communities we serve.

To honour the occasion, each colleague brought a dish representing their cultural background. From shared flavours to shared stories, it was a beautiful reminder of the diversity that enriches our workplace and the strength that comes from unity.

A highlight of the morning was welcoming the talented daughters and nieces of Allyson Miller from our Family Dispute Resolution Centre. Dressed in traditional attire, their beautiful songs and dances brought the spirit of Matariki to life and created a truly memorable moment for everyone.

Moments like these remind us that meaningful connections — in our workplace and in dispute resolution — are built on understanding, respect, and shared experiences.

Wishing everyone a joyful and meaningful Matariki.

02/07/2026

Myth vs Reality: You need a lawyer to use ADR

A common misconception is that you must have a lawyer to access alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation or arbitration.

In reality, ADR is designed to be flexible and accessible. While parties may choose to be legally represented, it is not a requirement to participate in the process.

ADR focuses on providing a structured but practical pathway to resolve disputes outside of court. This means parties can engage directly, with or without legal representation, depending on the nature of the dispute and their preferred approach.

In many cases, the emphasis is on communication, understanding the issues, and working towards a practical resolution, rather than formal courtroom-style argument.

Legal representation can be helpful in more complex matters, but ADR remains fundamentally a process that is open and accessible to all parties.

Learn more about The ADR Centre and our brands: https://adrcentre.co.nz/

26/06/2026

Myth vs Reality: ADR is only for disputes that have already gone bad

A common misconception is that alternative dispute resolution only becomes relevant once a dispute has fully escalated.

In reality, ADR processes are most effective when used early. Mediation, arbitration, and other structured resolution pathways can help parties address issues before they escalate into more complex, costly, and time-consuming disputes.

ADR is not just about resolving breakdowns. It is also about preventing them from becoming entrenched. Early engagement can help clarify issues, improve communication, and create practical pathways forward while preserving professional and commercial relationships.

From early-stage negotiation support through to formal resolution processes, ADR provides flexible options tailored to the nature and stage of the dispute.

The earlier parties consider their options, the more control they typically retain over both process and outcome.

Learn more about The ADR Centre and its brands: https://adrcentre.co.nz/

The ADR Centre

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Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
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