Make a claim

You can make a claim Online or In person. It costs $50 to make a claim to the tribunal.

What you need to make a claim

  • Completed form
  • Check this link govt.nz/cms(external link)(external link) for the trader name, registration and address
  • Details of your complaint, including
    • Why you were attracted to the vehicle (e.g by advertisement or otherwise)
    • Any statements made about the vehicle at the time of sale
    • The performance of the vehicle during the test drive
    • Any reports received or advice given at the time of sale
    • Details of any problems that have occurred from the point of sale onwards, with careful consideration being given to the driving of the vehicle.  It is important that the dates and odometer readings at which those problems occurred are clearly stated
    • A detailed chronology of events, listing the dates and details of all matters relevant to your claim
  • Evidence to support your claim. As applicant, it is your responsibility to prove your claim. That will involve you providing sufficient information to prove the things that you allege. The evidence you provide should include, where relevant:

    Advertisements for the vehicle (including website listings)
    • Text message or email correspondence with the trader
    • The Consumer information notice (“window card”)
    • The Vehicle offer and sale agreement
    • Invoices and GST receipts for any repairs performed on the vehicle
    • Written quotations for repairs
    • Mechanical or technical reports which identify the alleged faults with the vehicle
    • Colour photographs of any vehicle parts in dispute.
  • The names of all witnesses you intend to call in support of your application.
  • A statement of what outcome you would like;
  • If you want to reject the vehicle, please send us a copy of the rejection letter you sent to the trader telling the trader you were rejecting the vehicle, giving the trader your reasons for doing so;

If you cannot supply some of the information above then please write the reason for not being able to.

Ways to apply

Online

(external link)

  1. Make sure you have all the evidence to support your claim in PDF or JPG formats
  2. Have ready a MasterCard or Visa credit or debit card.

In person
  1. Sign and date your application form and include all the required evidence Application form [PDF, 278 KB](external link)
  2. Please contact the tribunal or your nearest court(external link) to make the fee payment at the counter by EFTPOS, credit card, debit card or cash.

Guide to the MVDT

This guide has general information about the Tribunal including how to complete the claim form and what happens next.

Guide to the MVDT [PDF, 175 KB]

Postal address:
Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal
EX11086
Auckland

mvdt@justice.govt.nz

 
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