A new service aimed at solving disputes with quality mediation was launched in Dunedin yesterday.
The Dunedin Community Mediation Service launch ceremony was attended by about 25 people in the Waipori room at the Dunedin Central Community Link.
Dunedin city councillor Andrew Noone officially launched the charitable trust, not-for-profit service and talked at the launch of the importance of mediation for averting confrontation, minimising stress, resolving dispute and agreeing on how to move forward.
Mediation allowed the parties involved an equal opportunity to amicably resolve disputes and maintain relationships, he said.
''If you don't go down the mediation track, there is usually only one winner and that's usually the lawyer,'' Cr Noone said.
University of Otago National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies acting director Prof Richard Jackson, speaking at the launch, said the centre focused on the causes of conflict and how to make peace and would be involved with the confidential mediation service.
''We are extremely delighted to see this service come into being.''
Groups, including families, or individuals experiencing conflict could listen and talk to a skilled, impartial mediator to work towards a solution. Most mediations were free.
Prof Jackson said the service was important to those who could not afford legal services.
''This is about helping a sector in our society that can feel quite isolated and are unable to deal with their conflict in constructive ways.''
The trustees of the service are Alan Shanks, Ruth Chapman, Paul Martin and Heather Devere.
Further information on the service is available on 471-6150, dunedincommunitymediation@gmail.com and dunedincommunitymediation.org.nz.
