Mediation service

Press, 9 July 1983, Page 9

Mediation service

Christchurch’s community mediation service will start some time in the first half of next year. Miss Jane Chart, the University of Canterbury law lecturer who has been organising the new scheme, said yesterday that she was “really thrilled” that Cabinet had approved special legislation to protect those taking part in mediation sessions. This would enable the project to go ahead, although the original target date of September 1 could not be met.

Funds have already been S'sed by the Lottery ($20,090), the McKenzie trusts ($10,000), the Sutherland Trust ($10,000), and the Social Welfare Department $5000). Once the results of two other applications for a total of $13,000 are known, the service will

have enough finance for two years. Based on a similar service with which Miss Chart was closely associated in New South Wales, the Christchurch community mediation service will offer help to people wanting to settle minor disputes out of court.

Miss Chart said the new bill, now being drafted, was pilot legislation because the scheme was a pilot project. An evaluation group had been set up, and people all over the country were watching its progress with great interest. An Auckland judge was among those who had inquired about the service.

A co-ordinator would soon be appointed, Miss Chart said, and mediators would be recruited early next year.