Ecorate Ltd, trading as Dispute Settlement Associates provides, to the construction industry and the commercial world, dispute resolution services. Keith Huntington is a professional commercial mediator, and can be appointed as an Adjudicator under the provisions of the Construction Contracts Act 2002 and Construction Contracts Amendment Act 2015. His particular interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution procedures began in England in the 1970s while studying for his UK architectural registration, and continued with law studies at Victoria University and has a Dip.Bus.Stud (Dispute Resolution) from Massey University.
Keith is a Mediation Fellow of the Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand Inc (AMINZ) and also a member of the Resolution Institute (formerly known as LEADR). He is included on the Mediator Panels of both organisations. Keith is also included on the AMINZ Panel of Adjudicators able to be appointed under the Construction Contracts Act 2002.
MEDIATION: Keith has been involved in providing mediation services since the late 1980s and has been a Warranted Independent Tenancy Mediator, as well as an original mediator for the Weathertight Homes Resolution Service.
Mediation is a most useful general tool that is easily tailored to any particular situation. Because it is not 'Judicial' it allows a wide exploration and clarification of the matters of concern, and therefore for possible outcomes to be explored. Nothing is agreed until there is a specific agreement between the Parties. Often interpersonal difficulties can be significant, (but unspoken), in the origin of disputes and Mediation allows for a safe acknowledgement of these and thereby allows for subsequent possible resolutions. The agreed settlement of a mediation is often expressed as a written contract which can then be made enforceable if this should become necessary.
Mediation is also useful as a preparatory process for anticipated judicial actions.
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT ADJUDICATION: Construction Contracts Act 2002 adjudication is a quick and efficient process for obtaining an enforceable resolution for disputes within the Building Industry, without the disadvantages of formal arbitration. Its processes are quite different to the traditional judicial paths. Keith has been undertaking CCA adjudications since its inception and is included included on the Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand Inc (AMINZ) Panel of Adjudicators able to be appointed under the Construction Contracts Act 2002.
FACILITATION and DISPUTE MANAGEMENT: When the road get a bit 'rocky' Parties can head-off the escalation of many disputes by acknowledging the potential early and before the difficulties gell. By bring in an independent facilitator the differences can be addressed, misunderstandings clarified, and if necessary the options for further outside assistance can be discussed and agreed.
EXPERT EVIDENCE/FORENSIC ARCHITECTURE: With an extensive background in architecture Keith has been engaged over the years to investigate and report on matters associated with building disputes, and to prepare expert evidence for legal actions. He also provides, from time to time, investigation and advisory services to the Building Practitioners Board..
CONTACT DETAILS: Please feel free to contact Keith for his C.V. and summary of experience. tel: 04 499-3015 mble: 021 890 251 e-mail: keith@settlement.co.nz
Keith Huntington - B.Arch, Dip.Urb.Val, Dip Bus.Stud(Disp.Res), FNZIA, FAMINZ(Med), LEADR Registered Architect (RAB# 1372) and NZGBC Homestar™ Practitioner & Assessor (reg# 6868)
