How to request mediation

You can make a request online or by phone for mediation through Employment Mediation Services.

Mediation: Our availability is limited at the moment due to high demand. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delay.
Explore other ways to address work issues

Mediation

We offer a range of ways to attend mediation:

  • in-person
  • by video (Zoom)
  • by telephone

If you prefer a particular option, please let us know in your application.

To find out more about video mediation, see online mediation meeting.

Please confirm offered dates and provide all the information needed to assess a case quickly. In particular:

  • What happened, what you want to achieve from the mediation, whether the respondent has been informed and has agreed to come to mediation, and the current state of the relationship
  • Whether there are any safety issues or special requirements

You only need to send in supporting information that is directly relevant to the issues.

Before applying for mediation

You should first try to raise your concerns directly with the other party.

If you want to go to mediation but you're not comfortable talking to your employer first (or anyone else in your organisation) because of the type of behaviour (bullying, discrimination or harassment) or person you're complaining about, you'll be able to apply directly for mediation.

If you decide you need mediation, you can use the free Employment Mediation Services.

How to request mediation

You can apply for mediation online through the blue button below. This will take you to the RealMe login page.

If you wish to apply another way, or would like help, you can phone us on 0800 20 90 20.

Request mediation (external link)

 

Pre-mediation preparation

Parties should come to mediation prepared to provide an opening statement in summary form, to listen to the other party, to be open-minded on how the matter could be resolved, and to ensure they have authority to resolve the matter.

Refer to our Mediation Workbook for more information:

Preparing for mediation [PDF 739KB]

The mediation meeting

Once we have received your Request for Mediation and supporting documentation, you and the other party will be contacted by one of our Employment Mediation Services staff to find a suitable time and place for a mediation meeting to take place, which may be online, in person or by phone.

If you have any special needs at the mediation meeting, such as an interpreter, it is important that you raise these requests when the mediation is being arranged. Please let us know if you have any cultural needs, such as wanting mediation to occur on a marae and we will do our best to accommodate this.

It is important that your mediation meeting is held in a location in which both parties feel comfortable and where confidentiality can be maintained.

Venues may include:

  • our MBIE mediation offices
  • online, using a secure platform
  • another venue such as a workplace
  • marae or meeting site
  • by telephone.

Learn about how to prepare for a mediation meeting.

Don’t stop trying to resolve your problem

If any new relevant information becomes available before the mediation meeting, you should send this to the mediator (for example, the employment agreement, time and wage records, any letters, emails and text messages).

While you’re waiting for mediation, we encourage you to keep trying to resolve the problem.

If you do come to an agreement before the meeting, you can record the agreement yourself. Once signed by the parties and an Employment Mediation Services mediator, this agreement will have the same status as an agreement reached in a mediation meeting.

How to submit a record of settlement can help you record the agreement yourself.

If you do reach agreement before the mediation, be sure to let Employment Mediation Services know so that the date they have set aside for you can be made available to others.

How helpful was this information?

Page last revised: 12 July 2023

Still haven't found what you're looking for?

Top