What is Conciliation?

The conciliator must assist the parties in an independent and impartial manner to reconcile their views on the dispute or difference to reach an amicable settlement or a solution; and if the parties are unable to reach an agreement or a solution, the conciliator must produce a written reasoned proposal for the determination of the dispute; and the conciliator’s proposal for determination is binding on both parties unless within 5 working days of receiving the proposal at least one party notifies the other in writing that they reject the conciliator’s proposal.

Why appoint me as a conciliator?

Trained: I have graduated with a Bachelor of Agriculture and Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution from Massey University. I am a trained mediator and arbitrator.
Experienced: I mediate on a weekly basis and have several years of conciliation experience. My farm consultancy practice is wide and diverse. Previous farming experience includes both sides with owning a farm with a variable order sharemilker on it and over 20 years 50/50 sharemilking.
Accountable: AMINZ provides a complaints procedure and has a published code of ethics.

Where to from here?

1. A claim must have been received by the other party within 20 working days of the alleged breach of agreement or the end of the season.
2. Any counter-claim may be made within 10 working days of notice of the claim.
   
3. The parties must negotiate in good faith and co-operate and use their best endeavours to resolve the dispute expeditiously.
4. Alternatively, both parties need to appoint me as Conciliator.
   
5. I will forward a reference to conciliation for both parties to sign.
   
6. I will convene a conciliation meeting as soon as practicable at a neutral venue.
   

Fees

$200 per hour + travel and disbursements if any.
Each party will deposit $1500 in a trust account prior to commencement.