Change enables more disputes to be resolved in a less expensive and more efficient manner, says associate minister for courts
The financial threshold of the Disputes Tribunal has doubled to $30,000.
The change was made “so more disputes can be resolved in a less expensive, simple and quick manner,” said Aupito William Sio, associate minister of Justice and for courts. The Disputes Tribal previously only dealt with disputes worth up to $15,000, or up to $20,000 when all parties agreed.
The change is part of the final amendments in the Court Matters Act 2018 and the Tribunals Powers and Procedures Legislation Act 2018 taking effect 29 October.
“These two acts form part of the government’s efforts to provide New Zealanders with a more modern, fair and effective justice system,” Sio said. “Both acts are already helping courts and tribunals to provide better customer protection and redress and improve New Zealanders’ access to justice. They have also enabled the Ministry of Justice to provide safer courts and tribunal buildings.”
Among the changes that took effect, the Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Tribunal has been given authority to award compensation of up to $100,000 for financial losses caused by errant real estate agents.
Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority has also been given the power to discipline unsatisfactory conduct, including bullying and more serious misconduct.
The changes also include streamlined processes for placing charges on real property, including land, and the compulsory sale of real property to fund large overdue fines.
Sio said that the amendments provide New Zealanders with modernised processes in the courts and tribunals across the country.
