Can I appeal if I lose at the Disputes Tribunal?
Yes, but only to the District Court, within 20 working days of the decision. The fee is NZ$275. The only ground is that the hearing was conducted unfairly and this affected the result. If something stopped a correct decision, for example you did not receive notice of the hearing, you can apply for a free rehearing. Rehearings also have a time limit, so act quickly.
Official figures
- Maximum claim
- NZ$60,0001
- Fee: claims under NZ$2,000
- NZ$622
- Fee: NZ$2,000 to under NZ$5,000
- NZ$1242
- Fee: NZ$5,000 to NZ$30,000
- NZ$2482
- Fee: NZ$30,001 to NZ$60,000
- NZ$4962
Official sources
- What the Tribunal can help withDisputes Tribunal (Ministry of Justice) · disputestribunal.govt.nz
- Forms & feesDisputes Tribunal (Ministry of Justice) · disputestribunal.govt.nz
- How to make a claimDisputes Tribunal (Ministry of Justice) · disputestribunal.govt.nz
- What to expect at a hearingDisputes Tribunal (Ministry of Justice) · disputestribunal.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Small claims: the Disputes Tribunal →
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Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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