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Conflict and Dispute Resolution

Maria Hansen

Maria Hansen is suitably qualified and experienced to provide services in mediation and workplace investigations.

She is an associate member of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand, and is on their panel of mediators. 

Feedback from clients

We recommended Maria Hansen to one of our long standing clients to provide an objective assessment and report on a potentially very difficult interpersonal conflict situation. Maria stepped in when the person we would normally have used for this situation was unavailable. We (and our client) were very impressed with the way Maria dealt with this situation and with the report and conclusions she produced. The matter was successfully resolved and this was aided by the thoroughness, objectivity, professionalism and balanced approach that Maria demonstrated. We would happily recommend her to other clients.
Employment lawyer

Maria has provided invaluable assistance to us on a number of complex issues. We appreciate her problem-solving and people skills and also her knowledge of relevant law.
Human Resources Advisor

Maria helped us through a very sensitive and difficult situation. Her empathetic but pragmatic approach left interviewees feeling they had been listened to and heard by the organisation and her report was exactly on point and gave us a clear direction to steer.
Employer

Qualifications
  • BA (Eng)
  • GDipBusStuds (Dispute Resolution)
  • Advanced LEADR mediation training
  • Contract, Consumer and Employment law
  • Accredited assessor with the NZ Barrier Free Trust [disability access audits]

 

 

 

 
 
Maria has 15 years experience as an investigator and mediator.

Investigative work:

Maria has conducted several hundred investigations into conduct in the workplace, including allegations of unfair treatment, discrimination, bullying, and harassment.

In addition she has investigated human rights complaints in the consumer, education, accommodation, volunteer organisation, and  health sectors. 
Maria is an expert  at formulating questions, without leading witnesses, in order to elicit the necessary information.  She is adept at analysing evidence and applying the relevant law.

Mediation work:

Maria has mediated disputes involving employees or clients, from many sectors, including

  • Education
  • Government
  • Health
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Sport
  • Tourism
  • Voluntary sector

When contacted by a party involved in a dispute, Maria likes to initially meet all the people involved individually to find out what their needs and concerns are.   A mediation meeting can then be arranged in pleasant surroundings at a time that suits everyone.   Maria considers that mediation should occur in a safe and controlled environment where people can talk honestly and safely about their issues.  Parties are encouraged to bring someone to provide support, whether a friend or an advocate. 

Maria will always endeavour to progress things as quickly as possible, as unresolved conflict can take its toll, causing stress and all that goes with it – poor concentration, lack of judgment, absence from work, poor sleep and appetite.    Over time health and emotional well being can be badly affected, leading to depression, obsessive thinking, and problems with drinking, eating or gambling.  All relationships can be adversely affected, not just those where the conflict started.

In employment situations, there can be considerable financial cost through absenteeism, disharmony, employees making mistakes, and eventually people leaving and taking legal action.   

Mediation can be a quick and a very cost effective way to put an end to a dispute.  It can bring relief for people who have been involved in a dispute for some time, re-establishing communication and restoring healthy relationships.

Fee:

Mediation: Maria offers an initial consultation meeting free of charge, with no obligation. Thereafter the fee for mediation work is $200.00 per hour + GST.

Investigation: Initial consultation is offered free of charge, with no obligation. The fee for investigation work is $150.00 per hour + GST

Contact Maria

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