Disputes Tribunal NZ — How to File (2026, $60k cap)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The Disputes Tribunal is New Zealand's small-claims forum — fast, informal, and much cheaper than court. From 24 January 2026, its jurisdiction rose to $60,000 (up from $30,000) under the Disputes Tribunal Amendment Act 2025. A referee (not a judge) hears both sides and makes a binding decision.
Crucially, lawyers are not allowed to represent you at the hearing — it's built for self-represented people. Filing fees scale with the claim, with a new $468 tier for claims between $30,001 and $60,000 (smaller claims cost considerably less). You can claim for faulty goods or services, unpaid debts, property damage and many contract disputes.
When does it apply?
- You have a dispute worth up to $60,000 and informal attempts have failed.
- The other side is a person or business you can identify and serve.
- The matter is a civil dispute (goods, services, debt, damage, contracts).
What to do to file a Disputes Tribunal claim
- Try to resolve it directly first and keep a written record.
- Lodge your claim online via disputestribunal.govt.nz and pay the fee tier for your claim size.
- Prepare your evidence — contracts, receipts, photos, messages, quotes.
- Attend the hearing and present your case yourself (no lawyer).
What should you NOT do?
- Don't bring a lawyer to argue for you — representation isn't permitted at the Tribunal.
- Don't exceed $60,000 unless you formally abandon the excess — larger claims go to the District Court.
- Don't turn up without your evidence organised — the referee decides on what you can show.
About Consumer Rights in New Zealand
New Zealand consumers are protected by two main laws. The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 gives you automatic guarantees — that goods are of acceptable quality and fit for purpose — with the right to a repair, replacement or refund when they're not. The Fair Trading Act 1986 bans misleading and deceptive conduct, false claims, and unfair contract terms. Most everyday disputes (up to $60,000 from 24 January 2026) are resolved cheaply at the Disputes Tribunal, where lawyers are not allowed. The Commerce Commission enforces the Fair Trading Act and the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act.
Consumer Protection helpline: 0508 426 678. Citizens Advice Bureau: 0800 367 222.
Common Questions
What is the filing a disputes tribunal claim right in New Zealand?
The Disputes Tribunal is New Zealand's small-claims forum — fast, informal, and much cheaper than court. From 24 January 2026, its jurisdiction rose to $60,000 (up from $30,000) under the Disputes Tribunal Amendment Act 2025. A referee (not a judge) hears both sides and makes a binding decision.Crucially, lawyers are not allowed to represent you at the hearing — it's built for self-represented people. Filing fees scale with the claim, with a new $468 tier for claims between $30,001 and $60,000 (smaller claims cost considerably less). You can claim for faulty goods or services, unpaid debts, pr...
When does it apply — filing a disputes tribunal claim?
You have a dispute worth up to $60,000 and informal attempts have failed.The other side is a person or business you can identify and serve.The matter is a civil dispute (goods, services, debt, damage, contracts).
How much can I claim at the NZ Disputes Tribunal?
Try to resolve it directly first and keep a written record.Lodge your claim online via disputestribunal.govt.nz and pay the fee tier for your claim size.Prepare your evidence — contracts, receipts, photos, messages, quotes.Attend the hearing and present your case yourself (no lawyer).
What should you NOT do — filing a disputes tribunal claim?
Don't bring a lawyer to argue for you — representation isn't permitted at the Tribunal.Don't exceed $60,000 unless you formally abandon the excess — larger claims go to the District Court.Don't turn up without your evidence organised — the referee decides on what you can show.