The Controversy over Mediator Neutrality: Input from New Zealand Mediators

Abstract

This thesis addresses the following issues. First, what do actual mediators think about neutrality and how do their opinions influence their behaviour in mediations? Second, should uniformity be encouraged and is regulation the best means to achieving this?

This thesis will explore mediator neutrality in depth and touch on uniformity and regulation. There are three parts to this thesis. The first part is a review of the literature with respect to the meaning of mediator neutrality, and the justifications for requiring it. The second part focuses on a questionnaire that was emailed to hundreds of mediators practicing in New Zealand. The methodology is discussed and the results explained. The questionnaire comprised questions that elicited both quantitative and qualitative data on mediator neutrality. The third part of this thesis analyses the results in light of the research questions.