The inaugural LEADR NZ National Awards event was held in Auckland on 16 June 2011.
Hosted by Bell Gully, the event brought together a wide range of professionals from the mediation community who were entertained to a thought provoking discussion with Geoff Sharp, LEADR Fellow “in conversation” with the US Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, David Huebner.
Winners of the LEADR NZ Awards 2011 were:
Award for the most Creative use of Alternative Dispute Resolution:
Warren Sowerby, Bankside Chambers
Commended by the judging panel for his significant contribution to transforming the use and practice of mediation in New Zealand to become a significant and mainstream part of commercial life and legal practice.
Award for Mentoring and Development of others in Alternative Dispute Resolution:
Carol Powell, Mediator and Barrister
Recognised for her outstanding contribution in demonstrating genuine commitment and support through mentoring and development of other mediators, assisting them to grow in confidence in their ADR role.
Award for achievement by an Emerging Mediator:
Joel Pearce, Electricity and Gas Complaints Commission
Mediating for less than 5 years, Joel was recognised by the judging panel for his dedication to ADR, both academically and in his professional work. His enthusiasm to get involved and make a difference was especially noted.
Award for the Law firm making the biggest contribution to the promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution:
Bell Gully
Acknowledged for their support of the introduction of mediation into the legal process from the early days and was commended for its support to LEADR NZ in providing facilities for training and networking over a number of years to support those wishing to increase their skills and knowledge in this area.
Award for the Development of Alternative Dispute Resolution in the fields of Community and/or Restorative Justice:
Joint Winners:
Tim Clarke, Mediator ‘Out of Court’
Commended for his dedication and energy in ensuring that restorative justice was established and recognised for its worth in New Zealand. The panel was impressed by his vision and leadership in assisting in setting up the Tauranga Moana Restorative Justice Trust and his involvement with over 30 community groups.
Helen Bowen and Jim Boyack, The New Zealand Restorative Justice Trust
Commended by the panel for their enormous contribution, including the founding of the New Zealand Restorative Justice Trust, providing training, education and support to other restorative justice groups and for their work internationally.
Acknowledgement was also made of the contribution of those who worked so hard to establish ADR in New Zealand with particular thanks to David Williams QC and Miriam Dean QC who were instrumental in establishing LEADR in New Zealand.