Are there alternatives to going to court for a dispute?

General information from Lawmateanz

Yes. In New Zealand, many disputes are resolved without a full court case, which is usually faster and cheaper.

Negotiation and mediation are common first steps. In mediation, an independent mediator helps both sides reach an agreement, which can be made binding.

Arbitration is a private process where an arbitrator makes a binding decision. Many commercial contracts require it.

For smaller claims, the Disputes Tribunal handles disputes up to $60,000, and specialist bodies deal with tenancy, employment, consumer and insurance disputes. A lawyer can suggest the most cost-effective route.

Written by Lawmateanz, not by a lawyer. General information only, not legal advice about your situation. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer.

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General information only. Answers are written by independent lawyers based only on what's in the question. They aren't legal advice about your situation and don't create a lawyer–client relationship. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer directly.