Sarah Cates

Sarah is a dispute Resolution Practitioner specialising in workplace services. 

Sarah holds an LLB and BA from Victoria University of Wellington, is a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, a member of the New Zealand Law Society sitting on several of local branch committees, and a Resolution Institute Accredited Mediator and a Professional Member of the Resolution Institute. Sarah is also trained in restorative processes.

Sarah has a wealth of experience in dispute resolution as an employment lawyer and workplace mediator and facilitator. Sarah runs her own employment law firm, as well as providing workplace services through Fair Way.

Sarah conducts mediation and restorative facilitation in a professional, respectful, fair, and impartial manner. She actively and sensitively assists participants to explore their issues and agree outcomes.

As an experienced employment lawyer, Sarah understands the legal and practical context of workplace issues, as well as the needs and interests of parties.

Prior to starting her own firm, Sarah worked as a Senior Associate at Cullen-The Employment Law Firm and as Manager Employment Relations and Employment Law (in-house counsel) at Massey University responsible for the employment relations of 3,200 staff. 

Sarah also has experience working in human rights for an international NGO, in the framework of the armed conflict in Colombia, which internally required adherence to the principles of non-violent communication and consensus decision-making.

Sarah participates in ongoing education in mediation and restorative practices and is actively involved in dispute resolution peer support networks. Sarah is currently training to become an Accredited Restorative Justice Facilitator in the criminal justice system.

Sarah is fluent in Spanish (non-native) and English (native). She is also a learner of Te Reo Māori and welcomes the inclusion of Te Reo and tikanga Māori in mediation or restorative meetings.

Based in Wellington and Whangārei, Sarah can assist parties either in person or virtually