Chris LaHatte

Chris practises as a barrister and as a mediator/adjudicator. He mediates many parenting disputes, and also mediates relationship property and trust disputes. Chris is a construction adjudicator and writes determinations on building disputes as well as mediating those disputes. He has mediated fee disputes for the New Zealand Law Society, has experience as an ombudsman for a number of organisations, and is also a farm debt mediator.

Chris says that he takes a measured and careful approach to mediations, with an emphasis on pragmatic results, but approaching the parties with respect and empathy. He considers it important to let all the parties be heard and facilitate them listening to each other. Chris often talks a lot about improving communication and the importance of restoring relationships. He tries to establish a safe and comfortable environment to enable the parties to have an open and peaceful discussion.

He has practised as a lawyer for many years, and concentrates on alternative dispute resolution more recently. Chris has had the opportunity to work on some amazing projects such as Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation, working as the ombudsman for ICANN, the international domain name regulator, and over the last few years undertaking many family mediations. He is a proud parent and grandparent, and helps to feed his family with his flock of chickens. You can see him commuting to work on his E bike as a commitment to our planet.