+64 21 884 828
Bringing the 18th camel

Providing expert early intervention, independent mediation and facilitation services

I'm Aksel Bech (AAMINZ) and I'm here to bring a personalised approach based on over 30 years of experience in mediation, negotiations, and facilitation across business, local government, and community sectors to crafting lasting solutions that cater to the unique needs of all involved parties. Let's work together to turn challenges into opportunities.
20+ years of experience in HR management and business leadership
10+ years facilitating community conversations
Extensive governance experience, profit & charitable sectors
Formally qualified with relevant professional memberships
About me

A passion for facilitation for individuals and communities in finding their own solutions to complex issues and disputes

Disputes are hard -people get "stuck" and can't see a way forward be it in the workplace, within senior leadership teams, in community or volunteer groups, boards of trustees or directors. When independent and experienced mediation or facilitation is required in a timely manner, reach out.
Qualifications
Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution University of Waikato Masters of Social Science (Industrial & Organisational Psychology) University of Waikato Bachelor in Science (Psychology) Massey University
Memberships
Associate of AMINZ (Arbitrators' and Mediators' Institute of New Zealand) 'PeaceMaker' member of MBBI (Mediators Beyond Borders International)

Why the "18th camel"?

As I added formal study and professional development to my lived experiences, I came across William Ury's (co-author of 'Getting to Yes') retelling the old parabel of the "seventeen camel problem" that can be used to illustrate an important aspect of mediation: when parties are in dispute and can not find a way to resolution, they may well have all the resources and ideas to reach an enduring solutions but can not see it. A skilled mediator can bring that new or different perspectives -the 18th camel- that enables the parties themselves to find an enduring solution. Importantly though as the parabel illustrates, parties need to find their own solutions so the 18th camel that the mediator brought along still goes home with the mediator!
watch the william ury ted-x video (1:34mins)
Two other valuable resources I would recommend is 'Dispute Resolution in New Zealand' (edited by Peter Spiller) and Ken Cloke's writing and talks -with a number of books including 'Mediating Dangerously' and 'The Magic in Mediation' which he also addresses in detail this video link: WATCH THE MAGIC IN MEDIATION with Ken Cloke (45mins)
Employment relationships
With 20+ years experience as a senior HR manager with extensive experience in unionised manufacturing workplaces, I bring significant negotiation and employment relationship problem resolution experience to an independent mediation role.
Facilitating conversations in the volunteer and not-for-profit sectors
Serving on three school BOTs, community and voluntary sports committees, I can provide support for more effective boards and Leadership teams within these sectors, be they paid or volunteer.
Contract or commercial disputes
As a business owner, company director and NZ-based exporter I am well versed in a wide range of contract and commercial dispute matters so as to provide competent experience based mediation support in these arenas.
Local government sector
Facilitating complex community discussions and leading formal consultations is a strength of mine, anchored in six years service 2016-2022 as elected Councillor for Tamahere with three of those years also as Deputy Mayor of Waikato District Council.
Why choose me

Experience you can trust

When facing a dispute, formal mediation as an alternative dispute resolution process can avoid a lengthy wait for a court-based process which itself is expensive with uncertainty around outcomes. Selecting the Mediator can significantly impact the outcome of your dispute -with decades of mediation, negotiation and facilitation experience in the private, charitable and local government sectors, I offer a unique blend of expertise, dedication, and independence arising out of decades operating at senior levels of business and local government. I am credentialled as an Associate of New Zealand's largest dispute resolution organisation (AAMINZ). I am based in Hamilton, but am available to travel or am happy to discuss e-mediation via Zoom.

Need independent mediation or facilitation?

021884828info.18thcamel@gmail.com