Hon Chester Borrows
Minister for Courts
6 August 2012 Media Statement
Disputes Tribunal applications go online
In another technological innovation, Courts Minister Chester Borrows today announced changes to allow the filing of
Disputes Tribunal applications online, to commence 1 October 2012.
“The Disputes Tribunal is New Zealand’s most accessible forum for dealing with lower level disputes, but until now
people have had to fill in forms by hand and post them or deliver them to the nearest District Court. This is not
customer friendly, cost-effective, or an efficient way of working,” says Mr Borrows.
“While the internet has revolutionised the way we access services and information, our courts have been slow to join the
rest of New Zealand in the online era. Today’s changes are just another step in plans to bring courts into the 21st
century.”
The Disputes Tribunal provides a place for people to resolve disputes that is cheaper, faster, and less formal than the
court system, and sees around 17,000 new applications each year. Applications to the tribunal cost between $36 and $121
depending on the value of the dispute, and can cover disputes up to $15,000, or up to $20,000 if both parties agree.
Mr Borrows also announced changes to improve the way Disputes Tribunal referees are appointed and reappointed to reduce
the time and cost of appointments and attract a wider group of quality applicants. The key change is to allow referee
positions to be advertised online, removing the requirement to advertise them in local newspapers.