Rōpū Take Tautohenga Ā-Waka – Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal
IMPORTANT: If you bought a vehicle from a private seller and want to dispute the sale – you’ll need to go through the Disputes Tribunal: Disputes Tribunal(external link)
The Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal is only for people who have bought a vehicle from a registered trader – or from a trader that meets the criteria for registration but isn’t. You can look at the Motor Vehicle Sales Act to find out more about the definition of a trader.
The Tribunal’s jurisdiction is limited to vehicles with a gross weight mass of less than 3,500 kg. If your vehicle weighs 3,500 kg or more, the Tribunal cannot consider your claim. A recent decision explaining this jurisdictional limit is available here:
[2025] NZMVDT 438(external link)
It’s a good idea to read the Consumer Protection website(external link)
It explains what to do if you have a problem and how to get it resolved.
The Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal deals with disputes of amounts up to $100,000. It can be more if both parties agree in writing by completing a Consent to Extend Jurisdiction form [PDF, 137 KB]
Details and value of claims you can make and remedies available.
What to consider before making a claim.
Application form and fee required to make a claim.
Information to be provided by the respondent trader.
Process followed by the tribunal once claim has been received.
Dates, times and location of upcoming hearings.
Information that needs to be included in your application and policies and procedures around adjournments and remote viewing of hearings.
Annual reports of the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal.
Search tribunal decisions online using the NZLII database.
How to contact the tribunal.