From 24 January 2026, significant changes to the Disputes Tribunal will come into force, reshaping how many civil disputes in New Zealand can be resolved. The Tribunal’s financial jurisdiction has doubled, but the implications extend well beyond a simple increase in dollar limits.

For individuals and small businesses, these reforms present new opportunities (and new risks) that warrant careful consideration before choosing how to proceed.

The Key Change: $60,000 Jurisdiction Limit

The Disputes Tribunal can now hear claims of up to $60,000, doubling the previous cap of $30,000.

This reform addresses a long recognised problem, the low jurisdictional limit previously meant claims exceeding $30,000 had to be pursued in the District Court at significantly higher cost, or claimants were forced to abandon part of their claim to stay within the Tribunal’s limit.

Now, disputes valued between $30,000 and $60,000 can be resolved more quickly and at a much lower cost. In practical terms, claimants no longer need to waive part of their claim to use the Tribunal, provided the total amount sought does not exceed $60,000.

New Filing Fees for Higher Value Claims

Filing fees will now apply on a tiered basis:

1. Claims under $2,000: $61

2. Claims between $2,000 and $4,999: $121

3. Claims between $5,000 and $30,000: $243

4. Claims between $30,001 and $60,000: $468

While the highest fee may appear substantial, it remains significantly lower than the costs associated with District Court proceedings. By comparison, a claimant pays $200 to file an initial Statement of Claim and $148 to amend it. A defendant pays $140 to file a defence, and a summary judgment application attracts a further $250 filing fee.

Importantly, the Tribunal has discretion to order the unsuccessful party to reimburse the filing fee. While this can significantly reduce the financial risk for claimants, it is not guaranteed and should not be assumed.

What Has Not Changed

Despite the higher financial stakes, the Tribunal’s fundamental features remain the same.

1. No Lawyers at Hearings

Parties are generally not permitted to be represented by lawyers at Disputes Tribunal hearings. Even for disputes approaching $60,000, individuals must present their own case.

This keeps the process accessible and cost effective, but it also means:

• Evidence must be clear, organised, and persuasive
• Legal issues must be explained simply and accurately
• Poor preparation can have serious financial consequences
  

While parties can benefit from legal advice “in the background”, lawyers cannot attend the hearing. Any legal costs incurred are also not recoverable from the other party, even if you are successful.

2. Limited Rights of Appeal

Disputes Tribunal decisions are intended to be final. Applications for rehearing are limited to narrow grounds, such as the discovery of new evidence that was not reasonably available earlier, or a material mistake by the referee.

Appeals are even more restricted and are generally confined to procedural or jurisdictional errors. For example, where the referee acted unfairly, ignored relevant law, or did not allow a party a proper opportunity to present their case.

With higher value disputes now falling within the Tribunal’s jurisdiction, this finality carries greater significance and risk than ever before. Rehearings and appeals will rarely revisit findings of fact.

Is the Disputes Tribunal the Right Forum for Your Dispute?

The expanded jurisdiction will benefit many parties, particularly:

• Small businesses pursuing unpaid debts or contractual disputes
• Consumers with higher value claims relating to goods or services
• Parties seeking a faster, lower cost alternative to court
  

However, the Tribunal may not be suitable where:

• The dispute involves complex legal issues
• Extensive evidence or witness examination is required
• One party has a significant informational or power advantage
  

Choosing the wrong forum can be costly, even where the Tribunal technically has jurisdiction.

A Subtle but Significant Shift in the Civil Justice Landscape

These reforms reflect a broader policy objective: improving access to justice while easing pressure on the District and High Courts. At the same time, they shift more financially significant disputes into a forum designed for informality and efficiency, rather than legal precision.

As a result, both claimants and respondents must now approach the Disputes Tribunal with greater strategic care than before.

How We Can Help

Although lawyers cannot represent clients at Disputes Tribunal hearings, early legal advice can make a decisive difference. We assist clients with:

• Assessing whether the Tribunal is the appropriate forum
• Clarifying legal rights and available remedies
• Preparing claims, evidence, and submissions
• Evaluating settlement options and litigation risk
• Guiding clients through the Disputes Tribunal process
  

If you are considering bringing a claim, or have already been served with one, we recommend obtaining legal advice early, before an adverse decision is made.

For a video by Tina Hwang on what to do if you have been sued or charged, please click here.

Please contact the experts at Queen City Law for assistance.

Disclaimer:

This article is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every dispute is different and professional advice should be obtained before taking action.