Clear and predictable mediator fees
I publish my standard mediation rates so that parties and advisers can understand the mediator component of the likely cost before the appointment is confirmed.
The overall cost of a mediation will also depend on the parties’ own legal and expert costs, any venue or specialist-technology requirements, and the amount of preparation they choose to undertake.
Standard New Zealand mediation fee
My standard fee is:
NZD $6,500 plus GST per mediation day
A mediation day is the period between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm New Zealand time on the day fixed for the mediation, whether the mediation is held online or in person.
Any part of that period used for the mediation constitutes a mediation day unless a different arrangement has been agreed in writing.
What the mediation-day fee includes
The mediation-day fee includes the mediation and all ordinary pre-mediation work, including:
- preliminary conferences;
- correspondence with the parties and advisers;
- procedural and administrative arrangements;
- review of mediation statements;
- review of submissions and documents;
- preparation for the mediation;
- preparation between mediation days where more than one mediation day is required.
This inclusive structure provides the parties with greater certainty about the mediator’s core fee.
Extended mediation time
Time spent conducting the mediation before 9.00 am or after 5.00 pm on a mediation day is charged at:
NZD $600 plus GST per hour
The parties may decide during the mediation whether continuing beyond the scheduled day is likely to be productive.
Post-mediation work
Substantive work undertaken after the final mediation day is charged at:
NZD $600 plus GST per hour
This may include:
- substantial follow-up correspondence;
- further conferences;
- additional settlement discussions;
- a resumed mediation process;
- work connected with recording, implementing or finalising an outcome.
Minor administrative attendances will not ordinarily be treated as substantive post-mediation work.
Expenses
Additional expenses may include:
- travel;
- accommodation;
- room hire;
- interpretation;
- specialist technology;
- other external services requested or agreed by the parties.
Material external expenses will be discussed in advance where practicable.
An online mediation will not ordinarily require venue, travel or accommodation expenses.
Sharing the mediator’s costs
Unless the parties agree otherwise, the mediator’s fees and expenses will ordinarily be shared equally.
The parties’ responsibility for the mediator’s costs will be recorded in the mediation agreement.
International appointments
For an international mediation, the applicable currency, taxes, timetable and any travel requirements can be addressed before the appointment is confirmed.
Fee enquiry
To request availability and discuss the likely mediation format, please provide:
- the parties’ names;
- the advisers’ names;
- a short description of the dispute;
- the approximate value or commercial significance;
- any proposed mediation dates;
- whether online or in-person mediation is contemplated.
