Disputes Tribunal Jurisdiction Doubled to $60,000 to Improve Access to Justice

“The tribunal is a quick and inexpensive way for New Zealanders to settle civil disputes, without facing expensive legal fees,” said Mr Goldsmith.

In a landmark move to improve access to justice and streamline civil dispute resolution, the New Zealand Parliament has passed legislation that doubles the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 to $60,000. The change, announced by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, is expected to benefit thousands of New Zealanders annually, offering a faster, more affordable alternative to traditional court proceedings.

A Major Expansion for Everyday Justice

“The tribunal is a quick and inexpensive way for New Zealanders to settle civil disputes, without facing expensive legal fees,” said Mr Goldsmith. “This comes at a time when low-cost dispute resolution is increasingly important for many.”

The new legislation—now passed after its final reading—will enable a greater range of cases to be heard within the Disputes Tribunal system. According to Ministry of Justice modelling, the increased threshold will impact around 2,000 claims per year, including:

• New claimants who would not have pursued legal action due to high court costs

• Existing claimants who previously had to abandon part of their claim to fall within the $30,000 cap

• Individuals or businesses who can now pursue higher-value disputes without needing legal representation

Faster Resolutions, Less Bureaucracy

Unlike formal court proceedings, the Disputes Tribunal is designed to be informal and user-friendly. Hearings are typically conducted without lawyers, and decisions are made by referees, not judges. Referees are trained to guide both parties through the dispute and render a legally binding decision.

By increasing the monetary cap, the Government aims to reduce the strain on district courts, shorten case timelines, and remove financial barriers for ordinary citizens.

“We need to improve access to justice so New Zealanders can get on with their lives,” said Goldsmith. “Court delays affect everyone—the public, the profession, and the system. It just takes one thing to be out of place and everything grinds to a halt. Another adjournment. Justice delayed once more.”

Filing Fee Reimbursement on the Way

To further ease the burden on claimants, the Government has also flagged additional legislative changes to allow successful applicants to recover filing fees from respondents.

“Giving referees the power to order respondents to repay the cost will help ensure these costs do not fall on those who have been wronged,” Goldsmith said.

Current filing fees for the Disputes Tribunal range from:

• $61 for claims under $2,000

• $92 for claims between $2,000 and $5,000

• $168 for claims above $5,000, and up to $468 depending on complexity and amount claimed

These fees, while significantly lower than court costs, can still deter individuals—particularly in non-monetary disputes such as consumer complaints, contract issues, or damaged goods claims.

The new reimbursement mechanism would ensure that if the applicant wins, the financial burden of initiating the claim does not rest with the wronged party—a move praised by consumer advocates and small business groups alike.

Public Response and Sector Support

Legal commentators and dispute resolution professionals have largely welcomed the change. Many see it as long overdue, given that the $30,000 threshold had not been adjusted in years, despite inflation and rising costs.

Consumer NZ has previously noted that the tribunal plays a crucial role in holding businesses accountable and helping consumers seek redress. With more financial flexibility, the tribunal will be positioned to handle larger consumer disputes, including high-value home repairs, small construction contracts, and vehicle purchase disagreements.

What This Means for New Zealanders

The legislation effectively levels the playing field, allowing more people to pursue justice without the financial or procedural burden of hiring lawyers and navigating the full court system. The Disputes Tribunal remains one of the most accessible legal forums in New Zealand, and the expanded jurisdiction ensures it stays relevant in today’s economy.

With the changes set to be implemented in the coming months, eligible claimants should start preparing their cases and watching for updates on when the new rules take effect.

This reform is part of a broader Government push to modernize the justice system by reducing delays, cutting costs, and ensuring that the right cases are heard in the right forum.