Highlights of this report


How they work


What Disputes Tribunals do and how much they cost. Read more

Making a good claim


How to prepare, and what happens during the hearing. Read more

The outcome


Decisions, disagreements and appeals. Read more


Join now

Get full access to all Consumer reports for as little as $1.85 a week

  • Over 500 reports plus interactive tools and calculators
  • Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
  • Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal

Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services

  • Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
  • Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
  • Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal

from just $28

Join now
Read what our members say

Disputes-tribunals-hero

Disputes Tribunals are a very useful way to settle consumer grievances.

They hear disputes over faulty goods or workmanship, pricing, fencing of boundaries, car accidents, and loss or damage to other property.

The tribunals are cheap and easy to use, have few delays and no lawyers. There's a referee to make sure you get a fair go, and who must try to resolve issues on the wider basis of natural justice.

We explain how the tribunal works, your rights at the hearing, and how to file a case.