Courts remain an essential service throughout all COVID-19 restrictions, but may operate differently.
For more information for court users, see: Information for all court and tribunal users
In this section you will find:
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.
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.
Most cases start when a statement of claim is filed. Find out more about the process for cases brought to the civil court.
The forms and fees required for civil cases.
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.
You can apply for a Restraining Order if you are being harassed by another person.
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.
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.
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.
Control Orders allow for restrictions to be placed on an individual in the community.
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