Courts

 

  • Jury service »

    Find out what jury service involves, what to do if you can’t go, what you get paid and what employers need to know.

  • Going to court »

    How to get legal aid or free community legal help, what to expect at court and information about representing yourself, filing and serving, court fees and hearing schedules.

  • Civil »

    Civil cases can include disputes over business contracts or debts, or disputes between neighbours, or debt recovery. You can also get a Restraining Order or Non-Contact Order.

  • Criminal »

    The majority of criminal cases go through the District Court. If it's a very serious crime the case could go to the High Court.

  • Youth »

    The Youth Court deals with criminal offending by children and young people that is too serious to be dealt with by the police in the community.

  • Family »

    The Family Court deals with matters like the care of children, divorce and orders to look after people and their property.

  • Coroners »

    Coroners look at when, where, how and why unexpected, violent or suspicious deaths happened, and if anything can be done to prevent similar deaths.

  • Employment »

    The Employment Court hears and determines cases relating to employment disputes.

  • Environment »

    The Environment Court largely deals with appeals about the contents of regional and district plans and appeals arising out of applications for resource consents.

  • Māori Land »

    The Māori Land Court is a judicial forum where people who own or have an interest in Māori land can interact about the current and future use, ownership, occupation and/or management of Māori land.

  • High Court »

    The High Court can hear criminal and civil cases, as well as appeals from lower courts or tribunals.

  • Court of Appeal »

    The Court of Appeal deals with appeals from cases heard in the High Court and serious criminal charges heard in District Courts.

  • Supreme Court »

    The Supreme Court is New Zealand's highest court and our final appeal court. The court hears appeals when they relate to the interests of justice.

  • Decisions »

    Some decisions are published by the judiciary from courts and tribunals. Not all decisions are published.

  • Information for lawyers & service providers »

    Resources for lawyers and service providers, including legal aid, Criminal Procedure Act, interpreters, JPs and restorative justice.

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