About the tribunal

COVID-19 UPDATE 18 August 2021

During all levels of the response to COVID-19, the Weathertight Homes Tribunal office will be open for electronic filing. Courier and post deliveries will also be received although our preference is to receive information by email to WHTenquiries@justice.govt.nz.

Any conferences or hearings that had been scheduled may have been cancelled. You will be informed of any cancellations but if unsure you should email the Weathertight Homes Tribunal office. New hearing dates will be scheduled when we return to business as normal.

The contact phone number for the office is 0800 777 757 and we will respond to any voice mail message that is left. Thank you for your co-operation.

Weathertight Homes Tribunal COVID-19 Protocol [PDF, 113 KB]

The Weathertight Homes Tribunal was established in 2007 under the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Act 2006. The government recognised the difficulties with resolving leaky home claims and set up the Weathertight Homes Tribunal, giving it powers to resolve disputes faster.

What we do

The Weathertight Homes Tribunal provides independent adjudication services where all parties are treated impartially. The chair and members of the Weathertight Homes Tribunal (also called judicial officers) act as adjudicators of leaky home disputes and are supported by Ministry of Justice staff who provide registration, case management and other administrative services.

Introduction to the Weathertight Homes Tribunal [PDF, 528 KB]

Relevant legislation

The Weathertight Homes Resolution Services Act 2006 establishes:

the eligibility criteria in order to bring a claim
the process for lodging a claim to determine eligibility
the procedure for applying to the Weathertight Homes Tribunal
the processes and procedures to be followed by the Weathertight Homes Tribunal in adjudicating claims.