Fiona is a family lawyer of over 30 years and mediator of over 10 years. She is a principal in the law firm Mackenzie Elvin of Tauranga and heads its family law team. Fiona completed an LLM in 2009 (University of Victoria) with respect to relocation and in 2016 she completed her doctoral studies (University of Otago) also in family law. In regard to this work she was a presenter at the International Family Law and Practice Conferences in London 2013 and 2016.

Fiona has conducted in excess of 100 mediations including lawyerled mediations within the Family Court as well as private mediations in relation to parenting relationship property and estate matters. In addition her role as a senior lawyer for child has included the facilitation of many round table meetings utilising mediation principles.

The elder care sector is an area Fiona has worked in for many years addressing issues arising in regard to enduring powers of attorney the application of the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988 residential care subsidies acquisition of licences to occupy with respect to retirement villages as well as will and estate matters relevant to the elder care sector.

Facilitating constructive solutions is one of Fiona&rsquos strengths. She sees the mediation process as ensuring all parties have an opportunity to be heard with dignity and respect and where supported by sound legal advice they are reempowered to make their own decisions.