Relate-Resolve-Restore: The 2017 Conflict Resolution Conference
The Ministry of Justice is supporting a conference that explores alternative conflict resolution processes.
Relate-Resolve-Restore: the 2017 Conflict Resolution Conference(external link) is being held at Westpac Stadium in Wellington from 1 November to 2 November.
Manager Community Services, Hayley MacKenzie spoke at the conference on the Ministry’s mediation and resolution services.
“Our aim at the Ministry is to deliver people-centred justice services that result in better outcomes for New Zealanders. A key part of this is through the use of mediation and resolution services that enable people to have a voice and actively participate in the justice process.”
Hayley says mediation and resolution services can have a great impact on those who are involved in the justice system.
“Resolution tools are becoming more popular as they empower people to have control over the process and seek redress for harm that has been caused. In particular, restorative justice is becoming more and more popular as it gives victims a stronger opportunity to have their voice heard in the justice system and hold offenders to account.
“New resolution services, such as those that are offered by the government appointed agency NetSafe under the Harmful Digital Communications Act, are also a key tool for reducing harm and reoffending. Netsafe’s role includes advising people on steps they can take to resolve a problem, investigating and attempting to resolve complaints where harm has been caused by digital communications, and providing education and advice about online safety and conduct.
“This is a vibrant space to be working in and there are lots of interesting developments. It takes time to develop and refine these services so it’s great this conference is creating conversations around the fields of restorative justice, mediation, arbitration, and conciliation.”
You can find more information on mediation and resolution services on our website and the Victims Info website:
Restorative justice(external link)