New Zealanders with civil disputes will soon be able to seek higher-value settlements through the Disputes Tribunal, after Parliament approved legislation doubling its financial jurisdiction from $30,000 to $60,000.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said the change, passed in Parliament Wednesday, would make civil justice “quicker and more affordable” for thousands of people. Ministry of Justice modelling suggests around 2,000 claims each year will benefit — including both new applicants and those who previously reduced or abandoned their claims to fit within the former limit.
Goldsmith described the tribunal as a “quick and inexpensive” forum that allows people to resolve disputes without facing heavy legal costs. “We need to improve access to justice so New Zealanders can get on with their lives,” he said, noting that court delays remain a widespread issue.
The Government also plans to introduce new rules enabling referees to order respondents to repay successful applicants’ filing fees, which currently range from $61 to $468 depending on the claim size. Goldsmith said this would ensure that people “who have been wronged” are not left bearing extra costs.
This is not a bad thing but what it really tells you is court based justice, that rigorously applies the law, is beyond the reach of many people. That is not a good thing in any nation, that wants to call itself a democracy.What’s really needed is an overhaul of the system with laws made easier to interpret and apply.
Thats a lot of money for a simple adjudicator to preside over.
Tax payers money looking after lawyers ,the rich get richer.