27 Jul 2026
2 months ago
635 views
Sport and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell announced Deborah Hart as Chair of the Sport Integrity Commission Board, highlighting her extensive governance, legal, and accountability expertise to lead the Commission's next phase. Traci Houpapa MNZM was appointed Deputy Chair after serving as interim Chair, and Tim Castle was reappointed to the Board for another two years, ensuring strong leadership and experience. Deborah Hart’s background includes leading major independent reviews, expertise in dispute resolution, and roles in human rights and regulatory systems, positioning her well to enhance New Zealand’s sport integrity system.
03 Jul 2026
3 months ago
909 views
Parliament has passed legislation removing the disproportionate five-year disqualification penalty for real estate agents who fail to complete continuing professional development (CPD) or pay fees on time, addressing concerns about fairness and relevance. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bills also enhance conveyancers' ability to work, promote competition, and improve the justice system by allowing the Disputes Tribunal to order respondents to pay filing fees to successful claimants. These changes reflect the Government’s commitment to fit-for-purpose regulation and timely access to justice, with further court system improvements under consideration.
05 May 2026
5 months ago
1144 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is seeking public feedback on experiences with employment advocates and dispute resolution to identify root causes, barriers, and potential improvements. Concerns include the lengthy, costly nature of disputes and unprofessional behavior by some advocates, which negatively impact individuals, workplaces, and the economy. The consultation, running from May 5 to July 31 on MBIE’s website, aims to gather insights across the entire dispute process to inform legislative and systemic enhancements.
02 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1025 views
The Wellington District Court's Disputes Tribunal has transitioned to electronic case files to provide faster, more flexible justice, allowing referees and staff to securely access and manage cases remotely. Following successful implementations in Christchurch and upcoming plans for Auckland, this digital shift aims to reduce delays and improve the system nationwide. The move supports small businesses and consumers by enabling quicker dispute resolutions, helping them recover losses and maintain operations efficiently.
23 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1225 views
The Disputes Tribunal's financial jurisdiction will double to $60,000, aiming to expedite civil cases and enhance affordability for New Zealanders, as noted by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. Approximately 2,000 claims yearly are projected to benefit from this increase, aiding new claimants and those who might have previously adjusted their claims due to jurisdiction limitations. Efforts to improve access to justice include upcoming legislation that would require respondents to reimburse successful applicants for filing fees, addressing cost barriers for individuals seeking resolution without incurring high legal expenses.
22 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1201 views
Courts Minister Nicole McKee praises the 2025 Court User Survey results, with 82% satisfaction, the highest since 2019, attributing it to staff efforts. Recent court improvements include reducing case backlogs, improving case age, and enhancing efficiency across various court jurisdictions. The focus is on enhancing safety, with high percentages feeling safe in courthouses, and upcoming plans include digital systems and expanded magistrate roles for faster justice delivery.
26 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1263 views
Courts Minister Nicole McKee highlights the Government's focus on faster justice delivery, emphasizing the importance of reducing delays in resolving civil disputes and family wait times for coroners' findings. Significant progress has been made in various jurisdictions, such as the District Court, where active civil cases decreased by 20% and completed cases increased by 8%. The Disputes Tribunal also saw over 900 more cases completed in a year, with a 21% decrease in aged cases, while the Coroners Court reduced active cases by 15% through the introduction of associate coroners and clinical advisors.
18 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1229 views
The ASMS union's decision to continue strike action will impact over 13,000 patients despite an updated offer from Health New Zealand costing over $160 million for 5,500 senior doctors. Health New Zealand estimates that the strike will delay care for 13,000 patients, affecting elective procedures, specialist assessments, follow-up appointments, and outpatient procedures. The union's refusal of binding arbitration is criticized for prioritizing politics over patient care, with senior doctors being well-compensated and receiving generous benefits.
18 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2035 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced a resolution to a dairy dispute between Canada and New Zealand under the CPTPP, projecting a $157m annual export value increase for New Zealand dairy exporters. New Zealand initiated dispute settlement proceedings due to limited dairy market access in Canada, leading to a favorable ruling and subsequent agreement for improved access through quota adjustments and penalties for misuse. McClay emphasized the importance of upholding CPTPP obligations, praised Canada for constructive engagement, and highlighted the agreement's reinforcement of the rules-based trading system.