For your life

Help with Disputes Tribunal Cases.

Guidance on preparing for and responding to Disputes Tribunal cases

If you're making or defending a claim in the Disputes Tribunal, we can help. We provide advice on what to expect, how to prepare, and what your options are.

Why the Right Approach Matters

The Disputes Tribunal is designed to be informal, but the outcomes can still affect your finances, relationships or business. Whether you are making a claim or responding to one, the right preparation helps you understand the process and approach your hearing with confidence.

How We Help

We assist clients by:

Advising on whether your case is suitable for the Tribunal
Preparing your claim or response
Reviewing documents and identifying key issues
Explaining what to expect at the hearing
Advising on appeals or enforcement of Tribunal orders

Our focus is on helping you understand your options and feel fully prepared before the hearing.

Clear, Practical Advice

Although lawyers cannot represent you in the hearing itself, we support you behind the scenes with clear, plain-English guidance. This includes helping you understand what to say, what evidence to bring and how to present your case effectively.

Where We Work

Our dispute resolution lawyers are based in Wellington. We assist individuals and small businesses with Disputes Tribunal matters across the Wellington region, including Lower Hutt and Masterton.

Questions We Often Get Asked About the Disputes Tribunal:

The Disputes Tribunal is a New Zealand forum that helps people resolve civil disputes involving money, goods or property without needing a formal court hearing. It is less formal and usually faster than court, with decisions made by a referee instead of a judge.

The Tribunal can hear claims up to $30,000. This includes disputes over unpaid invoices, damaged property, tenancy bonds or personal loans. For higher-value claims, you may need to file proceedings in the District Court.

No. Lawyers cannot appear or speak for you in the Tribunal hearing itself. However, you can get legal advice beforehand to prepare your case, understand the law that applies and organise your documents.

The referee listens to both sides, reviews the evidence and may ask questions to clarify facts. Hearings are usually held in meeting rooms rather than courtrooms. After hearing from both parties, the referee makes a decision (called an “order”) which is legally binding.

You can ask for a rehearing in some situations, such as if new evidence arises or a mistake was made. In limited cases, you can appeal to the District Court. We help assess whether you have grounds to request a rehearing or appeal.

If the other party does not comply with a Tribunal order, you can ask the District Court to enforce it. This may involve garnishing wages, seizing property or other enforcement steps. We can explain how this process works and what it may cost.