Spencer Matthews
Spencer is a certified DCA divorce and separation coach based in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, who brings unique insight to relationship transitions through his extensive background in crisis resolution and conflict management.
During his 27-year career as a police officer, Spencer spent 18 years as a crisis negotiator, leading teams through serious incidents including kidnappings, armed standoffs, and civil demonstrations. This experience ignited his passion for resolving disputes through non-violent methods, prompting him to qualify as both a mediator and arbitrator.
Spencer is a professional member of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ), the Resolution Institute (RI), and the Aotearoa Divorce and Separation Institute (ADSI). As a public speaker and organisational consultant, he helps businesses and institutions navigate conflict toward equitable resolutions.
He has a Master of Arts from the University of Auckland, a Graduate Diploma of Dispute Resolution from Massey University, and a Graduate Certificate in Crisis Negotiation from Charles Sturt University. He has completed the Level 5 certification (NZQF) to be a financial planner.
Spencer specialises in guiding individuals through divorce and separation, helping them move from the fog of uncertainty toward clarity and their desired future. His approach combines professional expertise with personal understanding, having navigated his own share of relationship challenges.
Do you try more to be original, or to deliver to readers what they want?
My work is about bring clarity to those going through a challenging time in their lives. Too much information can overwhelm, so I seek to assist readers in identifying the areas they need more information on, and also giving them reassurance that they are on the right path.
What is it about your chosen genre that you love?
Having a reader approach me and say that what I wrote made a difference to them in their journey.
What was the first book that made you cry?
It’s been so long I can’t remember – but I have found that as I get older (and more aware of my emotions) I am crying more reading books, watching movies and attending concerts.
Have you Googled yourself? Did you find out anything interesting?
Regularly! While I was in police I kept a very low internet presence so the only time my name appeared was in relation to some serious crime. I was also fortunate that I share a name with a high profile British ‘celebrity’. Over the past few years I have endeavoured to be more visible so when people are reaching for help it easy to find me. And no I did not climb Mt. Everest – that’s the other guy.
Are there any secrets in your books that only a few people will find? Can you tell us one? Or give us any hints?
I did allow one situation of my personal life into the book to acknowledge a very special person. I doubt anyone else would be able to find it.
Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym? Why?
No – I want people to be able to find me.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
None at the moment – but keen to do more.