Press Release
For Immediate release
4 February 2009
Disputes Tribunal
The Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ) welcomes the Government’s announcement today that it
will raise the jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from it’s current level of $7,500 or $12,000 with the consent of
both parties to $15,000 and $20,000 respectively. Executive Director, Deborah Hart said, “this move will take the
pressure off the District Court and make justice much more accessible not just to businesses but to all New Zealanders”.
AMINZ members are at the forefront of ensuring that high quality dispute resolution is readily available through
alternative means to the court system. We are seeing a steady rise in people wanting to resolve their differences in
ways that avoid the expense, delay and lack of confidentiality often associated with the courts. Many people are using
mediation, adjudication, arbitration, facilitation and conciliation as pragmatic and effective alternatives.
The Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand is the largest professional institute in New Zealand for people
working in the area of dispute resolution. Its members include arbitrators, mediators, adjudicators, conciliators,
facilitators and expert witnesses who come from a variety of sectors.
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