2.7 Employment Court

The Employment Court hears and determines cases relating to employment disputes. In particular, the Employment Court:

  • hears challenges to determinations of the Employment Relations Authority
  • hears questions of interpretation of law
  • has initial jurisdiction over matters such as strikes and lockouts.

A judge may either sit alone, or, at the direction of the Chief Judge, a full court of three judges may preside over a case.

The court operates under the Employment Relations Act 2000 and the Employment Relations Amendment Act 2016. Offices for the three Employment Court districts are located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with the Christchurch registry operating out of the Wellington office.

Judges are based in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and will travel to other locations to hear cases. The registrar or court taker may also travel for the hearing.

Decisions from the Employment Court can be appealed the Court of Appeal.

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