Since the beginning of 2018 there has been a steady rise in the proportion of Family Dispute Resolution mediations carried out via the internet or phone.

Information released by Justice Minister Andrew Little shows that in June 2019, 17% of FDR mediations were conducted by internet or phone, while in January 2018 it was just 5%.

Mr Little has released the information in response to written parliamentary questions on the total number of mediations and those conducted by phone or internet from National MP Mark Mitchell.

The information also indicates there has been an increase in the total number of FDR mediations, with 3047 carried out in the first six months of 2019, compared with 2662 in the first six months of 2018 - an increase of 14%.

Family Dispute Resolution mediations by month