Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about Te Au Reka. Click on each bullet point below to jump directly to the relevant questions and answers.

• For lawyers
• For third parties and external agencies
• For people representing themselves

If your question is not answered below, contact us at teaurekaengagement@justice.govt.nz.

For lawyers

Is Te Au Reka mandatory for lawyers?

Yes. Use of the courts portal will be mandatory for lawyers in new proceedings in the Family Court.  Provisions to enable this in the Family Court Rules 2002 are currently being finalised.

What can I do in the courts portal?

Lawyers will be able to:

• • • file applications and submissions
    • receive information and served documents
    • view upcoming events
    • action tasks assigned through judicial direction
    • set and manage notification preferences
    • share served documents with clients.

When does the courts portal go live?

The full system, including the courts portal goes live in March 2027 for the Family Court across the Southern Region; April 2027 for the Lower North and Central Regions and May 2027 for the Northern Region.

How should my practice prepare?

Your team will need to have digital capability (navigation, uploading documents, adjusting settings), be familiar with Microsoft and have workflows for monitoring notifications and tasks.  The courts portal works on any modern browser or device.

In addition, anyone wanting to use the portal will need a verified Real Me identity.

How will we access the courts portal?

You will need to use a verified Real Me identity.  Follow this link to find out how to apply and what you need to have ready for your application:  RealMe verified identity(external link).

It can take up to 10 working days for an application to be processed.

Can I use the portal without a verified Real Me identity?

No, a verified Real Me identify is required for lawyers using the courts portal.

What if something is filed incorrectly?

The registry assesses each file and once accepted it becomes part of the digital case file. The registry can update or remove documents upon request.

Will Te Au Reka work in all courtroom setups?

Yes. The new digitised system is designed to function across courtrooms, conference rooms, and offsite environments.

What if documents are submitted after hours?

Information filed after 5pm or on a non-working day is treated as received at 9am the next working day.

What if the system is offline?

Existing filing and communication methods (email, paper) may be used.

Will paper files still exist?

Yes. Paper and digital files will coexist during transition; older cases may be moved into Te Au Reka if appropriate by judicial direction.

What training will be provided?

Training sessions, demonstrations, and workflow guidance will be available.   A demonstration video is available here: Lawyer User courts portal video(external link).

 

For third parties and external agencies

Will third parties have access to the system?

Anyone can register for a courts portal account either as an individual user or as a professional user.  

Will the process for providing reports or information change?

Current channels (email, file transfer, or physical delivery) remain available. Changes in the future will be communicated by the Ministry.

Does Te Au Reka change legal obligations for agencies?

No. Legal, legislative, and privacy obligations remain the same. Te Au Reka is a technology and process change.

Will agencies need training?

Training is only needed for people or agencies using the courts portal or interacting with updated court processes.

 

For people representing themselves

Do I have to use the courts portal?

No. If you are representing yourself, using the courts portal is optional. You can continue to file documents by email or in person at the court.

How do I choose to use the courts portal?

When Te Au Reka becomes available in your court, you will be able to opt in through the courts portal. Once you have created a profile, you can choose your preferred communication settings and begin managing your case digitally.

What can I do in the new digitised system?

If you choose to use the courts portal you will be able to:

• • • save and return to applications
    • file applications and supporting documents online
    • track progress and receive updates 
    • view applications connected to your profile
    • electronically sign documents where this feature is enabled
    • use the service in English or Te Reo Māori.

How will the court contact me?

The court will communicate with you through the courts portal using digital notifications and updates. You will be able to set your communication preferences in your profile.

What if I change to the courts portal during a case?

Scanned copies of relevant documents will be visible in your digital case file if you decide to change from paper filing to the courts portal.

Who can see my documents?

Access to documents is based on court rules. You and the other parties to your case can see the documents you are entitled to. Non-parties must follow existing rules to request access.

What if I don’t have reliable internet or a device?

You can continue to interact with the court using existing methods such as email, mail, or attending the court in person. Paper and digital processes will operate side by side during the transition.

Will help be available?

Guidance will be provided when the service becomes available, and court staff will continue to support you through existing channels.