Mediation & Restorative Practices

How can Sarah assist as a mediator or facilitator?

Sarah has a passion for empowering people to explore issues and outcomes

Sarah brings a warm and professional approach to mediation and facilitation, offering a safe and respectful environment where participants can explore issues and outcomes. Her ability to connect with participants and navigate complex discussions with sensitivity and fairness allows participants to feel heard and valued.

In addition to her expertise in mediation and facilitation, Sarah is an experienced employment lawyer. This provides her with a unique perspective on workplace challenges, enabling her to understand the legal context as well as the practical and human elements involved. This makes Sarah particularly adept at identifying the underlying needs and interests of participants and ensuring that solutions are both practical and sound.

Sarah is also a learner of Te Reo Māori and welcomes the inclusion of Te Reo and tikanga Māori in her mediation and facilitation processes. She values the richness that cultural perspectives bring to resolving issues and is committed to fostering inclusive, respectful dialogue.

Based in Wellington, Sarah is available to assist clients either in person or virtually via Zoom, offering flexibility to meet your needs.

Sarah's extensive experience and ongoing commitment to professional growth make her a trusted and capable mediator and facilitator.

Qualifications and training:

• Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University of Wellington (2010)

• Mediation training with New Zealand Law Society (2012) and Resolution Institute (2017)

• Accredited Mediator and Professional Member of the Resolution Institute (since 2017)

• Professional Member of the Resolution Institute (since 2017)

• Fairway Dispute Resolution mediator and facilitator (2022-2025)

• Restorative practices training with international experts (H. Farrar, S. Roth Shank 2021-2022)

• Ongoing professional supervision (J. Everest)

• Ongoing participation in peer support networks

• Continuing professional development, which is a requirement of ongoing accreditation

Privacy Statement (as at 22 April 2026):

• As part of providing confidential mediation or facilitation services, Sarah Cates Employment Law may collect personal information about individuals. This information may be provided directly by the individual concerned or indirectly by others. For example, others participating in the process.

• Personal information is collected solely for the purpose of providing confidential mediation or facilitation services and will not be shared with third parties without the individual’s consent, unless otherwise required by law.

• Individuals have the right to request access to, and correction of, personal information held about them by Sarah Cates Employment Law, subject to any lawful grounds for withholding that information.