Willie has worked for more than thirty years in the grape and wine industry, both as a vineyard owner and grape grower, and also within both regional and national industry organisations. He became involved in resolving disputes between various parties, and as President of NZ Grape Growers worked with the NZ Wine Institute to unify those two bodies to form NZ Winegrowers.
Through his work in the industry and life experiences in general, he discovered the rewards of helping parties involved in dispute, and after leaving the wine industry trained as a mediator with the Resolution Institute.
Conflict is part of the human condition and can often arise unannounced and unexpectedly. It is best dealt with early. The mediation process can be initiated and undertaken without undue delay. In agreeing to mediation, those in dispute understand that they will have an opportunity to put their case fairly and that they will be listened to. They will have a real opportunity to contribute to a solution and will not have an outcome imposed on them which they are unhappy with.
Mediation can provide a timely and effective alternative to other avenues of dispute resolution. It is a process managed by the mediator but driven by the parties involved in their desire to find a solution. Willie draws on his experience and training in dispute resolution and mediation to help find a way forward and achieve a successful and enduring outcome for all parties.