Supreme Court of New Zealand

The Act establishes within New Zealand a new court of final appeal comprising New Zealand judges –

• to recognise that New Zealand is an independent nation with its own history and traditions; and
• to enable important legal matters, including legal matters relating to the Treaty of Waitangi, to be resolved with an understanding of New Zealand conditions, history and traditions; and
• to improve access to justice.

For appeals from New Zealand, the Supreme Court of New Zealand replaces the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council located in London, and came into being on 1 January 2004, with hearings to commence on 1 July 2004.

For further information go to Courts of New Zealand web site