Who we are

The mediators and facilitators

A team of 15 mediators and facilitators has been set up to assist the Panel. Mediators and facilitators will be responsible for setting up and running mediation sessions and expert conferences. Mediators and facilitators may also be asked to chair pre-hearing meetings. See the factsheets on mediation and expert conferences for more information (Procedures).

Basil Morrison, CNZM, JP

Basil Morrison is an Independent Hearings Commissioner from Waikato, with past experience as Mayor of Hauraki District Council, Chairman of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum and former President of Local Government New Zealand.

Bryan Bates

Bryan Bates is an Independent Hearings Commissioner and a planning and resource management consultant in Auckland.

Darrell Statham

Darrell Statham is an Independent Hearings Commissioner and a traffic/transportation planning consultant from Wellington.

Dr Diane Menzies, ONZM

Dr Diane Menzies is a registered landscape architect, experienced mediator and previously a Commissioner for the Environment Court in Auckland and Christchurch.

Harry Bhana

Harry Bhana is an Independent Hearings Commissioner and a planning and resource management consultant in Auckland.

John Hudson

John Hudson is an Independent Hearings Commissioner, trained mediator and landscape architect consultant from the Hawkes Bay.

Marlene Oliver

Marlene Oliver is an Environment Court Commissioner in Auckland.

Murray Kivell

Murray Kivell is an Independent Hearings Commissioner and resource management consultant from Hamilton, with experience as an expert witness and mediator for Boards of Inquiry, the Environment Court and Council Hearings.

Dr Phil Mitchell

Dr Phil Mitchell is a resource management consultant in Auckland, with previous experience as an Independent Hearings Commissioner.

Sheena Tepania

Sheena Tepania is an Independent Hearings Commissioner appointed to the Auckland Panel, with a professional background in Treaty claims, resource management law and kaupapa Māori.

Steven McDowell, JP

Steven McDowell is an Independent Hearings Commissioner and a professional management and project services consultant from Auckland.

Richard Knott

Richard Knott is an Independent Hearings Commissioner and an urban design, built heritage and town planning consultant based in Auckland.