Courts

IMPORTANT: Due to the current COVID-19 situation, some courts will be closed or operating at reduced capacity.  Please check the Court Closures page or call 0800 COURTS if you have any questions.

 

Limitations on members of the public entering courthouses during COVID-19 alert level 4

 

Today the judiciary has taken steps to exclude members of the public, including witnesses and complainants, who are not required for that day’s court business, unless they have obtained prior approval to attend. This applies to criminal proceedings only.   
This step has been taken to observe the requirements of the COVID-19 alert level 4 and to protect the safety of those who must attend at court, including court staff, lawyers, defendants, prosecutors and accredited media. They may need to show a form of identification which includes a photograph. 
If you need to attend court for priority family court proceeding or civil proceedings, please also call 0800 268787 for assistance.
We will accept Police bail including those whose bail date has expired. Expect more detail on this.
Read Chief Justice Dame Helen Winkelmann's media statement

Find out about each of New Zealand’s courts, and get information, forms, costs, decisions and contact details.

  • Jury service »

    Find out what jury service involves, what to do if you can’t go, what you get paid and what employers need to know.

  • Court closures due to COVID-19 »

    How to get legal aid or free community legal help, what to expect at court and information about representing yourself, filing and serving, court fees and hearing schedules.

  • Going to court »

    How to get legal aid or free community legal help, what to expect at court and information about representing yourself, filing and serving, court fees and hearing schedules.

  • Civil »

    Civil cases can include disputes over business contracts or debts, or disputes between neighbours, or debt recovery. You can also get a Restraining Order or Non-Contact Order.

  • Criminal »

    The majority of criminal cases go through the District Court. If it's a very serious crime the case could go to the High Court.

  • Youth »

    The Youth Court deals with criminal offending by children and young people that is too serious to be dealt with by the police in the community.

  • Family »

    The Family Court deals with matters like the care of children, divorce and orders to look after people and their property.

  • Coroners »

    Coroners look at when, where, how and why unexpected, violent or suspicious deaths happened, and if anything can be done to prevent similar deaths.

  • Employment »

    The Employment Court hears and determines cases relating to employment disputes.

  • Environment »

    The Environment Court largely deals with appeals about the contents of regional and district plans and appeals arising out of applications for resource consents.

  • Māori Land »

    The Māori Land Court is a judicial forum where people who own or have an interest in Māori land can interact about the current and future use, ownership, occupation and/or management of Māori land.

  • High Court »

    The High Court can hear criminal and civil cases, as well as appeals from lower courts or tribunals.

  • Court of Appeal »

    The Court of Appeal deals with appeals from cases heard in the High Court and serious criminal charges heard in District Courts.

  • Supreme Court »

    The Supreme Court is New Zealand's highest court and our final appeal court. The court hears appeals when they relate to the interests of justice.

  • Decisions »

    Some decisions are published by the judiciary from courts and tribunals. Not all decisions are published.

  • Information for lawyers & service providers »

    Resources for lawyers and service providers, including legal aid, Criminal Procedure Act, interpreters, JPs and restorative justice.

 
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