Suzy Armstrong

Suzy is an experienced AMINZ accredited mediator and Family Dispute Resolution practitioner based in Māwhera on the wild West Coast, who is available in person locally and across the Nelson and Tasman region, and nationwide online. 

She is flexible in her approach and will collaboratively work with parties to provide a safe, productive, child focused process targeted to the needs of clients. Using her creative approach to finding solutions that work in the real world, Suzy mediates complex situations with families, organisations, health and social care agencies, and others. Suzy offers a flexible, structured process to meet diverse needs and excels in providing a safe space, impartially supporting parties to find their own answers in a supportive, confidential, neutral environment. With more than 30 years social work experience and 9 years of providing FDR mediation services, Suzy is particularly experienced working with whānau, children, rainbow community, neurodiversity, mental health, addictions, learning disabilities, and family harm.

Experienced in service and people management, Suzy has facilitated processes such as complaints against staff and services, disputes between staff and services, professional supervision, debriefing individuals and teams after incidents, and safeguarding investigations achieving positive outcomes. Also restorative processes between service users, families, professionals, organisations and agencies where relationships have broken down. Working as an accredited and family harm endorsed Restorative Justice Facilitator, Suzy is able to take a restorative lens to dispute resolution, recognising that relationships are the foundation of all aspects of our lives.

When not working Suzy can be found exploring and enjoying the fabulous pristine natural environment; wild swimming, walking and mindfully interacting with wildlife critters whilst learning about tikanga and Aotearoa culture having recently become a NZ citizen.