Introducing Mark

What I bring to the mediation table …

For over thirty years, I’ve been helping people navigate difficult conversations, communicate with clarity and confidence, and resolve conflict constructively.

I began my career as a barrister and solicitor with a leading national law firm, working first in family law before moving into commercial litigation. My clients ranged from individuals and SMEs to large corporates. After leaving legal practice, I moved into strategic communications, advising clients on a broad spectrum of issues including crisis management, public relations, stakeholder engagement, advocacy, investor relations, and internal communication. Many of my clients were some of New Zealand’s leading brands. I have remained in this world for over two decades, but with much of it being based in the UK, with clients . I’ve also worked extensively across new media, digital platforms, and business systems.

My client base has included some of the world’s most recognised business and consumer brands, alongside specialist consultancies, not-for-profits, universities and private individuals. I have led significant projects for three national governments – New Zealand, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates – and currently head an international team serving clients across New Zealand and beyond.

I have held directorships in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom, served on school boards in both countries, and continue to contribute to my community including significant pro bono work. I was centrally involved in one of the largest Judicial Review cases brought against a district council in New Zealand, which we won in the High Court on behalf of the community (and yes, I would have much preferred a mediated outcome!).

As part of the ongoing work I have undertaken with yBC, I have interviewed hundreds of business leaders, sports people, academics, commentators, celebrities and adventurers. I’ve been told that I have a knack for helping people to tell their stories and share what is important to them, without feeling interrogated or under pressure.

Drawing on my background in law, business, communication – and life – I now offer professional mediation and facilitation services across New Zealand, both in person and online. I hold an LLB (Hons) and a BA (Hons), have completed intensive mediation training with AIMNZ, and am a Professional Member of the Resolution Institute, and my Associate membership with AMINZ is pending.

I am committed to ongoing professional development including further specialist mediation and related training and will soon also begin study towards a Master of Laws (LLM) with a focus on alternative dispute resolution.

I publish multiple podcasts spanning risk management, sustainable tourism, extraordinary people and the regenerative economy. You can listen to episodes of my yBC podcast “Extraordinary” here. In 2025, I will launch a podcast about resolving conflict.

Clients often describe my approach as calm, reassuring, and grounded in genuine listening and understanding – qualities that are essential to effective mediation. My role is to guide people through a constructive process that supports resolution, clarity, and, where possible, achieves consensus.

My aim is to help you resolve your disputes, and resolve them well, saving you time, money and stress.

My professional memberships

Need more information?

• Contact Mark here
• Is the dispute, disagreement or set of issues you are facing well suited to mediation? Find out here.
• To find out more about the process, timeframes, costs and next steps, read this page.
• Read more about mediation here and more about facilitation here.