Community Legal Services South Trust is launching its community mediation services pilot this month to help those on low incomes.

The trust covers South Auckland and Franklin with outreach clinics in Otara, Papakura, Manurewa, Manukau and Pukekohe.

It is looking for accredited mediators, including lawyers, to help on a pro bono basis.

The trust’s manager Māori Legal Services, Wi Pere Mita, says the project is a low cost or process where individuals can agree to work on important issues and gain a mutual understanding and resolution.

The mediation will be independent, confidential and voluntary.

Areas where the mediation can be used include neighbourhood disputes, disputes between tenants/flatmates, contract disputes, and parent-teen problems.

The trust says this is an opportunity for accredited mediators or lawyers to gain experience and comply with the requirements to retain accreditation status, such as hours for mediation practice and professional development.

“By assisting in the delivery of community mediation services you will be providing access to justice those who would not otherwise have the means to resolve disputes in this way,” the Trust says.  

For further information visit clsstlaw.com or call on 09 274 4966.