The increase is expected to benefit about 2,000 claims a year
The Disputes Tribunal is set to expand its financial jurisdiction from $30,000 to $60,000.
According to justice minister Paul Goldsmith, the legislation passed its final reading in parliament on Thursday 23 October. Per the justice ministry’s modeling, the increase will benefit about 2,000 claims a year, including new claimants and claimants who would have limited their claims to fit within the original jurisdiction.
This accelerates civil cases and improves their affordability for New Zealanders.
“The tribunal is a quick and inexpensive way for New Zealanders to settle civil disputes, without facing expensive legal fees. This comes at a time when low-cost dispute resolution is increasingly important for many”, Goldsmith said. “We need to improve access to justice so New Zealanders can get on with their lives. Court delays affect everyone, the profession included. It just takes one thing to be out of place and everything grinds to a halt. Another adjournment. Justice delayed once more”.
He added that the government intended to pass legislation ordering respondents to compensate a successful applicant’s filing fee. At present, filing fees are in the range of $61 to $468 depending on claim size.
“This can often be a cost barrier for people, particularly when an applicant isn’t seeking money”, Goldsmith said. “Giving referees the power to order respondents to repay the cost will help ensure these costs do not fall on those who have been wronged”.
