Resolution Institute is proud to announce the appointment of Elton Goonan as the new General Manager for New Zealand. Elton brings a distinguished record of leadership and a wealth of experience in managing membership-based, not-for-profit organisations.
His strategic approach and proven ability to foster stakeholder engagement make him a significant asset to Resolution Institute’s mission of promoting and enhancing dispute resolution services across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Previously serving as CEO of MotorSport New Zealand, Elton demonstrated exceptional leadership by implementing strategies that revitalised member engagement and strengthened the organisation’s profile as a peak body through a difficult period. His experience includes developing marketing and communication initiatives that bolstered member trust helping to unite the organisation, driving membership growth, and enhancing stakeholder partnerships. Elton’s ability to lead teams, oversee financial and operational management, and advocate effectively for the sector was pivotal during this time.
Elton’s expertise spans strategic planning, policy development, and project management, highlighted by his successful delivery of an online membership platform and the ongoing development of comprehensive training programmes for officials. His collaborative approach will be essential in leading the New Zealand branch of Resolution Institute, focusing on expanding training, accreditation, and professional development services.
“Joining Resolution Institute is an exciting opportunity to contribute to developing and supporting the network of dispute resolution professionals around the country. I’m really looking forward to leveraging my experience in membership-based, not-for-profit organisations to deliver on the organisation’s vision and enhance its impact in Aotearoa New Zealand,” said Elton Goonan.
Resolution Institute Vice-Chair Sarah Ramsay added, “Elton’s leadership and strategic insights will be invaluable as we continue to foster excellence within the dispute resolution community and provide meaningful value to our current, and future members.”
Elton has spent his professional career in the sporting sphere, where he was based in Europe (UK and Sweden) for 15 years. Initially, this was as a professional competitor, then moving into management. This has seen him manage various race circuits in Europe and NZ, manage motorsport teams and drivers, deliver international events along with developing and activating sponsorship agreements. On his return to New Zealand, his expertise led to the development of driver training and risk management courses for commercial drivers.
More recently, Elton led MotorSport New Zealand through the challenges of COVID-19, working with various government agencies to develop protocols to support the running of
events. This work enabled the members to deliver events and continue to support the organisation’s 5,000 licence holders. During his time, he has also held a number of positions on Federation Internationale de l’Automobile Committees and Commissions, developing strategies and supporting member nations around the globe to grow the organisation’s reach.
Resolution Institute is the largest membership organisation of dispute resolution professionals in Australia and New Zealand, supporting a wide range of practices including mediation, family dispute resolution, conflict coaching, conciliation, and restorative practice. Elton’s appointment marks a significant step forward in reinforcing Resolution Institute’s commitment to delivering exceptional services and future growth within Aotearoa New Zealand.
