ACC Mediation
If you have a dispute with ACC, you may want to consider trying mediation.
The service is free, quick and gives you an opportunity to engage constructively with ACC and an independent ICRA mediator to see if you can find a mutually acceptable solution to the dispute which has arisen.
You can apply for mediation at any stage of the review process. ICRA’s mediation process is very successful at achieving resolution. During 2022 and 2023, at least 95% of our ACC mediations were fully or partially settled.
FAQ
Find helpful information related to ACC Mediation
What is mediation?
Mediation is a consensual, confidential and relatively informal negotiation process in which parties to a dispute use the services of a skilled and independent mediator to assist them to define the issues in dispute, to develop and explore settlement options, to assess the implications of settlement options and to negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement of that dispute which meets their interests and needs.
The objective of mediation is to enable and empower the parties to negotiate and resolve the dispute promptly, cost effectively and confidentially rather than to have a decision imposed upon them by a judge, arbitrator or adjudicator. The process enables the parties to negotiate flexible and creative solutions which need not conform to strict legal rights or general community standards.
Ultimately, mediation puts the power back in the hands of the parties to the dispute.
Even if mediation is not successful – ie you are not able to reach an agreement – this does not affect your right to apply for a formal review of the decision in question.
What happens in mediation?
An independent and impartial ICRA mediator will be appointed to your case. That mediator will work with both you and your ACC case manager to help you to:
- define the issues in dispute;
- develop and explore settlement options;
- assess the implications of settlement options; and
- negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement of your dispute which meets your interests and needs.
How long does mediation take?
An ACC mediation can be completed in less than 1 hour. Depending on the circumstances of your case, the mediation may take a little longer. Your case manager will work with you and the mediator to make sure the process meets the needs of your case.
How do I initiate mediation?
You can initiate mediation by clicking below to request ICRA to appoint an independent mediator to help you to resolve your concerns with ACC.
After we receive your request, we will contact ACC and invite them to join the mediation process.
Where does the mediation take place?
ICRA provides ACC mediation services throughout New Zealand.
ACC mediations typically take place by secure videoconference or telephone conference. This means that you can participate in the mediation from the most convenient place for you which may even be your own home. This ensures the process is accessible and as easy for you as possible.
Of course, we recognise that one size doesn’t fit all and, if the circumstances require it, we can arrange a face-to-face mediation as well.
Can I have an advocate or a support person?
Yes, you can have an advocate (or representative) or a support person to help you through the process.
Any advocate or support person will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement and will be asked to abide by ICRA’s Mediation Protocol. This ensures that all participants are engaged in the process in a positive and constructive manner.
What happens if we don't reach an agreement?
Sometimes parties aren’t able to reach an agreement as a result of the mediation process.
However, mediation can still help you to better understand the issues in dispute and what you would need to prove if you did apply for a review of ACC’s decision.
If no agreement is reached, you can still apply for a review of ACC’s decision.
Will the process cost me anything?
The costs of the mediation process are met by ACC.
However, if you incur any costs in participating in mediation you will need to meet those costs yourself unless you have agreed otherwise with ACC.