Guides / New Zealand

Disputes Tribunal hearing preparation checklist (New Zealand)

The Disputes Tribunal and other New Zealand tribunals. Here is a practical way to organise your papers so you, the other side and the judge can find everything quickly.

The quick version

Keep every document in one binder, split into the sections below.
Write down every date and deadline the moment you get it.
Give each piece of evidence a reference and use it everywhere.
Number the pages and keep an up-to-date index at the front.

Get the ready-made New Zealand binder on Etsy, or build a personalised sample online.

Dates and deadlines to track

Claim lodged
Notice of hearing received
Extra documents sent to Tribunal and other party
Hearing date

Always use the exact dates in your court or tribunal letters and orders.

How to section your binder

Section A: Case summary & issues

A brief overview of the case and the key issues in dispute.

What to file: Claim number (CIV number); Names of the parties; Short summary of what the claim is about; The main issues the referee or tribunal is being asked to decide.

Section B: Claim & response

Documents setting out each party's case.

What to file: Disputes Tribunal claim form; Counterclaim or response, if any; Tenancy Tribunal or other tribunal application.

Section C: Chronology

A timeline of key events relevant to the dispute.

What to file: Chronology table (date, event, party, evidence reference); Any updated versions of the chronology.

Section D: Notices & orders

Official notices and decisions.

What to file: Notice of hearing (shows your CIV number); Orders and decisions; Rehearing or appeal documents.

Section E: Evidence

Documents relied upon to support factual assertions.

What to file: Letters, invoices and receipts; Contracts and quotes; Photos; Police reports and other records.

Section F: Witnesses & written submission

Your written case and your witnesses.

What to file: Your written submission; Witness names and contact details; Notes on what each witness will say.

Section G: Correspondence

Communications relating to the dispute.

What to file: Letters and emails exchanged between parties; Correspondence with the court or tribunal.

Section H: Amounts claimed & fees

Financial information relevant to the case.

What to file: Fees paid; Calculation of the amount claimed; Quotes and invoices supporting the amount.

Section I: Hearing notes

Preparation and notes for hearings or mediation.

What to file: Key points to raise; Questions for witnesses; Notes taken during hearings.

What this binder is for

Case Ready is a document organisation and preparation tool that helps you present your case materials clearly. This edition is designed with reference to Disputes Tribunal procedure in New Zealand.

Organise documents logically
Keep materials in order
Prepare for hearings and deadlines

What this binder is not

Case Ready:

Does not provide legal advice
Does not tell you what arguments to make
Does not guarantee any outcome

If you need legal advice, speak to a lawyer or a Community Law centre.

Terms used in this binder

Applicant and respondent: the parties in a Disputes Tribunal claim.
Referee: the person who hears your Disputes Tribunal claim.
CIV number: your claim number, shown on your notice of hearing.

Key points in published guidance

You can't take a lawyer to a Disputes Tribunal hearing, so you present your own case.
Bring printed copies of all your evidence. You don't need the originals.
If you send extra documents before the hearing, include your CIV number and send a copy to the other party.

Pagination & referencing

Many courts and tribunals expect documents to be paginated, indexed and clearly referenced. Where possible:

Number pages sequentially
Label documents consistently
Refer to evidence using clear references (for example "E1", "E2")

Chronology & evidence

Chronologies and evidence logs are commonly used to assist judges, tribunal panels and mediators. They help decision-makers understand:

What happened
When it happened
Where supporting documents can be found

Hearings & practicalities

On the day of your hearing:

Bring the copies you have been asked for
Keep this binder with you
Use it to find documents quickly

Judges, tribunal members and staff expect parties to be organised and to follow procedure.

Who this is for

Case Ready New Zealand is suitable for organising papers for Disputes Tribunal claims and other tribunal hearings, such as the Tenancy Tribunal.

Before your hearing

Documents are filed in the right sections
Pages are numbered in sequence
Evidence is labelled and easy to reference
The chronology is clear and up to date
Court orders and deadlines are recorded
Documents are in date order unless directed otherwise
Confidential material is kept separate
Copies are ready for the hearing
The binder is easy to navigate quickly

Save time with Case Ready

Case Ready is a printable, fillable case binder for New Zealand: front sheet, dividers, key dates sheet, evidence index and more, with your case details on every page. Type into it on screen or print it at home.

See Case Ready on Etsy | Try the online builder

This binder is a general organisational aid. Procedure varies by court, tribunal and case type. You are responsible for following the rules, orders and directions that apply in your case. Nothing in this binder is legal advice.