IMPORTANT: Courts and tribunals continue to conduct as much of its usual business as it is safely able to in COVID-19 Alert Level 2. 

Read the District Court protocol on the Courts of NZ website(external link). 

More information can be found on our COVID-19 information hub. 


In this section you will find:

  • Resolve a problem without going to court

    Your first step should be to try to sort out the problem without going to court. This reduces the cost, saves time and avoids extra stress.

  • Claims you can take to civil court

    Cases are brought to the civil court by individuals or organisations and sometimes local or central government to help settle a dispute. Civil law cases are generally not about breaking a criminal law. Civil cases can include disputes over business contracts or debts, or disputes between neighbours, or debt recovery.

  • Court process

    Most cases start when a statement of claim is filed. Find out more about the process for cases brought to the civil court.

  • Forms & fees

    The forms and fees required for civil cases.

  • Disputes with someone in Australia

    New Zealand and Australia have an agreement to help make resolving civil disputes simpler, cheaper and more efficient when one party lives in the other country.

  • Restraining Orders

    You can apply for a Restraining Order if you are being harassed by another person.

  • Non-Contact Orders

    You can apply for a Non-Contact Order if you were the victim of a violent offence where the offender was sent to prison for more than 2 years and you don’t want them to contact you once they’re released.

  • Harmful Digital Communications

    Cyberbullying and other modern forms of harassment and intimidation can have a devastating impact on people, especially children and teenagers. Find out more about what you and the court can do.

  • Civil Restraint Orders to prevent meritless cases

    The High and District Courts can make an order to restrict a person from starting or continuing to bring civil cases which are unwarranted or meritless.

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