Michael Fusi Ligaliga

Michael has over 10 years’ experience in the mediation space. He specialises in family dispute, employment, and education disputes. Michael is the founding Director of HIVĀ ADR that specialises in Pacific and Intercultural alternative dispute resolution processes and frameworks. Michael is an experienced facilitator, mediator, and educator in the Pacific and Intercultural space.

Michael believes that every relationship is an intercultural relationship. In doing so, every situation should be given its own unique and bespoke purpose, attention, and perspective. In doing so, Michael approaches his practice with a focus on respect, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity. An important of this is ensuring that relationship with all parties are involved, understanding their unique perspective, and maintaining open communication through the process.

Michael was the first Pacific Islander to earn a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies, National Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (NCPACS), University of Otago. His thesis was awarded an “Exceptional thesis” status, representing the top 10% in the Humanities Division. He is the founding Director of HIVĀ ADR Consulting Ltd, a ground breaking organisation responsible for creating unique Pacific ADR frameworks, philosophies and practices that is currently being used in the Pacific, New Zealand, Australia and in the United States.