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Disputes Tribunals Act 1988 (reprint as at 1 September 2017)

Reprint as at 1 September 2017

Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Public Act 1988 No 110

Date of assent 28 July 1988 Commencement see section 1(2)

Act name: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 257(a) of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Contents Page

Title [Repealed] 5 1 Title and commencement 5 1A Purpose 5 2 Interpretation 5 3 Act to bind the Crown 6

Part 1 Establishment of Tribunal

4 Disputes Tribunal is division of District Court 7 4A Offices of Tribunal 7 5 Exercise of Tribunal’s jurisdiction 7 6 Rostering and training of Referees 7 6A Appointment of Principal Disputes Referee 8 6B Acting Principal Disputes Referee 8 6C Functions and powers of Principal Disputes Referee 9 7 Appointment of Referees 9

Note Changes authorised by subpart 2 of Part 2 of the Legislation Act 2012 have been made in this official reprint.

Note 4 at the end of this reprint provides a list of the amendments incorporated.

This Act is administered by the Ministry of Justice.

Reprinted as at Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

8 Selection of candidates for appointment or reappointment as 10 Referees

8A Salary and allowances of Principal Disputes Referee 11 9 Salary and allowances 11

Part 2 Jurisdiction, functions, and orders of Tribunal

10 Jurisdiction of Tribunal 12 11 Further limitations on jurisdiction 13 12 Recovery of consequential loss 15 13 Extension of jurisdiction by agreement between the parties 15 14 Abandonment to bring claim within jurisdiction 16 15 Cause of action not to be divided 16 16 Contracting out prohibited 16 17 Exclusion of other jurisdictions 17 18 Functions of Tribunal 18 19 Orders of Tribunal 19 20 Power of Tribunal to award interest 22 21 Reasons for decisions 23 22 Orders and approved settlements to be recorded in writing 24 23 Decisions of Tribunal to be final 24

Part 3 Proceedings of Tribunal

Claims 24 Lodging of claims 25 25 Notice of claim and of hearing 25 26 Parties 26 27 Minors 26

Special provisions relating to claims where applicant or respondent insured

28 Claims for relief where applicant insured 27 29 Insurer may waive notice of proceedings 28 30 Insurer may abandon rights of subrogation 29 31 Applicant to control conduct of case where insurer a party 29 32 Insurer may prove amount of loss 29 33 Applicant to have priority in respect of uninsured loss 30 34 Insurer may apply for claim to be struck out 30 35 Insured respondent to notify insurer 32

Transfer of proceedings 36 Transfer of proceedings to District Court, etc 32 37 Transfer of proceedings from District Court, etc 33

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988

Hearings 38 Right to appear at hearings 34 39 Proceedings to be held in private 35 40 Evidence 36 41 Investigator may be appointed 36 42 Tribunal may act on evidence available 37 43 Costs 37 44 Procedure where no provision made 38

Enforcement of orders 45 Enforcement of orders except work orders 38 46 Enforcement of work orders 39 47 Enforcement of agreed settlements 39 48 No filing fee payable 40

Part 4 Rehearings and appeals

49 Rehearings 41 50 Appeals 42 51 Referee or Investigator to furnish report 43 52 Right of audience 43 53 Powers of District Court Judge on appeal 43

Part 5 Miscellaneous provisions

54 Want of form 44 55 Registrar to provide assistance 44 56 Contempt of Tribunal 44 57 Publication of orders 45 58 Protection of Referees, Investigators, etc 45 59 Referee to be employee for accident compensation purposes 46 60 Rules 46 61 Crown Proceedings Act 1950 not restricted 48

Part 6 Amendments to other Acts

Amendments to Contracts (Privity) Act 1982 [Repealed]

62 Interpretation [Repealed] 48 63 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals [Repealed] 48

Amendments to Contractual Mistakes Act 1977 [Repealed]

64 Interpretation [Repealed] 48 65 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals [Repealed] 48

Reprinted as at Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

Amendments to Contractual Remedies Act 1979 66 Interpretation [Repealed] 48 67 Statements during negotiations for a contract 49 68 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals [Repealed] 49

Amendments to Credit Contracts Act 1981 [Repealed]

69 Interpretation [Repealed] 49 70 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals [Repealed] 49

Amendments to Fencing Act 1978 71 Interpretation 49 72 Proceedings to be in accordance with District Courts Act 1947 49 73 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals 49 74 Rules 49

Amendments to Hire Purchase Act 1971 [Repealed]

75 Interpretation [Repealed] 50 76 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals [Repealed] 50

Amendments to Illegal Contracts Act 1970 [Repealed]

77 Interpretation [Repealed] 50 78 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals [Repealed] 50

Amendments to Minors’ Contracts Act 1969 79 Interpretation 50 80 Settlement of claims by minors 50 81 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals 50

Part 7 Repeals, consequential amendments, and transitional

provisions 82 Repeals and consequential amendments 51 83 References to Small Claims Tribunals, etc, deemed references to 51

Disputes Tribunal 84 Transitional provisions 51

Schedule 1 53 Powers and jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal

Schedule 2 54 Consequential amendments

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 s 2

Title [Repealed] Title: repealed, on 1 March 2017, by section 258 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

1 Title and commencement (1) This Act is the Disputes Tribunal Act 1988. (2) This Act shall come into force on 1 March 1989.

Section 1 heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 259(1) of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 1(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 259(2) of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

1A Purpose The purpose of this Act is to consolidate and amend the Small Claims Tribu- nals Act 1976. Section 1A: inserted, on 1 March 2017, by section 260 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

2 Interpretation In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— applicant means a person who lodges a claim with the Tribunal or who claims relief in any proceedings transferred to the Tribunal under section 24(3) or (4) or section 37; and includes any person who becomes a party to proceedings on any claim in the capacity of an applicant claim means a cause of action in respect of which— (a) the Tribunal has jurisdiction under sections 10 to 13; and (b) proceedings have been—

(i) commenced in the Tribunal under section 24(1); or (ii) transferred to the Tribunal under section 24(3) or (4) or section 37

intellectual property means any property right constituted by the Patents Act 2013, the Designs Act 1953, the Trade Marks Act 2002, the Copyright Act 1994, or the Plant Variety Rights Act 1987 Investigator means a person appointed under section 41(1) to inquire into, and report to the Tribunal upon, any matter of fact Minister means the Minister of Justice no claims bonus means a reduction in any premium payable by an insured under a contract of insurance, being a reduction that is made if the insured does not make a claim, or more than a certain number of claims, under that contract, or does not make a claim, or more than a certain number of claims, of a par- ticular kind under that contract prescribed means prescribed by rules made under this Act

Reprinted as at s 3 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

Principal Disputes Referee means a person holding office as such under sec- tion 6A Referee means a person holding office as such under section 7 Registrar means a Registrar of the District Court; and includes any Deputy Registrar of that court respondent means any person against whom a claim is made, and any person who becomes a party to the proceedings on that claim in the capacity of a re- spondent Tribunal means the Disputes Tribunal established as a division of the District Court under section 4 work order means an order to make good a defect in any property, or a defi- ciency in the performance of services, by doing such work or attending to such matters (including the replacement of any property) as may be specified in the order. Section 2 applicant: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 2 claim paragraph (a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 2 claim paragraph (b)(i): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 2 claim paragraph (b)(ii): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 2 intellectual property: amended, on 13 September 2014, by section 249 of the Patents Act 2013 (2013 No 68).

Section 2 intellectual property: amended, on 20 August 2003, by section 201 of the Trade Marks Act 2002 (2002 No 49).

Section 2 intellectual property: amended, on 1 January 1995, by section 236(1) of the Copyright Act 1994 (1994 No 143).

Section 2 Investigator: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 2 Principal Disputes Referee: inserted, on 3 July 1998, by section 2 of the Disputes Tribu- nals Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 84).

Section 2 Registrar: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 2 Tribunal: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Act to bind the Crown This Act binds the Crown.

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 1 s 6

Part 1 Establishment of Tribunal

Part 1 heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

4 Disputes Tribunal is division of District Court (1) The District Court has a division known as the Disputes Tribunal. (2) Each Disputes Tribunal that is in existence immediately before this section

comes into force ceases to be a division of the District Court and is constituted an office of the Tribunal. Section 4: replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

4A Offices of Tribunal The Minister may from time to time, by notice in the Gazette,— (a) establish such offices of the Tribunal as that Minister thinks fit; and (b) disestablish an office of the Tribunal and direct how the records of that

office must be dealt with. Section 4A: inserted, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

5 Exercise of Tribunal’s jurisdiction (1) The jurisdiction of the Tribunal shall be exercised by a Referee holding office

under section 7. (2) If the Referee hearing any proceedings in respect of a claim dies, or becomes

incapacitated, or is for any other reason unable or unavailable to complete the hearing or dispose of the proceedings, they shall be heard afresh by another Referee, unless the parties agree that the proceedings be disposed of in another way. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 5

Section 5(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

6 Rostering and training of Referees (1) Subject to any directions given under subsection (2), a Registrar must deter-

mine the days, times, and places of the regular sessions of the Tribunal. (2) The Chief District Court Judge is responsible for the rostering and training of

Referees and may, after consultation with the Principal Disputes Referee, give such directions as he or she considers necessary for the purpose. Section 6: substituted, on 3 July 1998, by section 3 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 84).

Section 6(1): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Reprinted as at Part 1 s 6A Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

6A Appointment of Principal Disputes Referee (1) The Governor-General may, from time to time, by warrant under his or her

hand and on the advice of the Minister of Justice, appoint a Principal Disputes Referee.

(2) No person may be appointed as Principal Disputes Referee unless that per- son— (a) holds a Bachelor of Laws from a university in New Zealand or a qualifi-

cation that the Minister considers is equivalent to such a Bachelor of Laws; and

(b) is capable, because of the person’s personal attributes, knowledge, and experience, of performing the functions of a Referee and the functions of the Principal Disputes Referee set out in section 6C.

(3) The criteria and procedures for appointment may be further prescribed by rules made under section 60; but the failure to make any such rules does not preclude the appointment or reappointment of a person as Principal Disputes Referee.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), every person appointed as Principal Disputes Referee holds office for a term of 5 years.

(5) A Principal Disputes Referee may at any time be removed from office by the Governor-General for disability affecting the performance of duty, bankruptcy, neglect of duty, or inability, or misconduct, proved to the satisfaction of the Governor-General, or may at any time resign the office of Principal Disputes Referee by notice in writing addressed to the Minister.

(6) Unless the person sooner vacates the office under subsection (5), a Principal Disputes Referee continues in office until— (a) that Principal Disputes Referee’s successor comes into office; or (b) the chief executive of the Ministry of Justice notifies the Principal Dis-

putes Referee that no successor to that Principal Disputes Referee is to be appointed.

Section 6A: inserted, on 3 July 1998, by section 3 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 84).

6B Acting Principal Disputes Referee (1) Whenever, by reason of illness, absence from New Zealand, or any other cause,

the Principal Disputes Referee is prevented from exercising the functions and powers of his or her office, the Governor-General may, by writing under his or her hand, appoint any other Referee to act as Principal Disputes Referee until the Principal Disputes Referee resumes his or her duties.

(2) While a person acts as Principal Disputes Referee, the person may execute the duties of that office and may exercise all the functions and powers that may be lawfully exercised by the Principal Disputes Referee. Section 6B: inserted, on 3 July 1998, by section 3 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 84).

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 1 s 7

6C Functions and powers of Principal Disputes Referee (1) The functions of the Principal Disputes Referee are—

(a) to undertake appropriate measures to ensure that the integrity of the office of Referee is maintained and that Referees operate effectively and efficiently:

(b) to oversee and maintain the integrity of the selection process for Refer- ees:

(d) to give legal advice to Referees, as appropriate, to enhance the consis- tency of decision making:

(e) to advise the Chief District Court Judge on the assessment and fulfilment of the training needs of Referees:

(f) to advise the Chief District Court Judge on the rostering of Referees: (g) to liaise, where appropriate, with interested persons on matters affecting

the Referees or Tribunal proceedings: (h) to liaise, where appropriate, with Referees: (i) to carry out such other functions as are conferred on the Principal Dis-

putes Referee by rules made under section 60. (2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the Principal Disputes Refer-

ee may sit as a Referee and exercise the jurisdiction conferred on a Referee by this Act.

(3) The Principal Disputes Referee also has such other powers as are necessary or expedient to enable the Principal Disputes Referee to perform his or her func- tions and duties. Section 6C: inserted, on 3 July 1998, by section 3 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 84).

Section 6C(1)(c): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

7 Appointment of Referees (1) The Governor-General may, from time to time, by warrant under the Governor-

General’s hand, appoint qualified persons to be Referees for the purposes of this Act.

(2) A person is qualified to be appointed or reappointed as a Referee only if— (a) that person is capable, by reason of that person’s personal attributes,

knowledge, and experience, of performing the functions of a Referee; and

(b) that person has been recommended for appointment or reappointment, as the case may require, in accordance with section 8.

Reprinted as at Part 1 s 8 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

(3) Subject to subsection (4), every person appointed as a Referee shall hold office for a term not exceeding 5 years and, subject to subsection (2), may, from time to time, be reappointed.

(4) A Referee may at any time be removed from office by the Governor-General for disability affecting the performance of duty, bankruptcy, neglect of duty, in- ability, or misconduct, proved to the satisfaction of the Governor-General, or may at any time resign the office of Referee by notice in writing addressed to the Minister.

(5) A Referee may— (a) hold any other office; and (b) engage in any other employment or calling— that, in the opinion of the Governor-General, will not impair the proper dis- charge of the functions of a Referee.

(6) Notwithstanding anything in subsection (3), every Referee shall, unless that Referee sooner vacates office under subsection (4), continue in office until— (a) that Referee’s successor comes into office; or (b) the chief executive of the responsible department notifies that Referee

that no successor to that Referee is to be appointed. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 7

Section 7(3): amended, on 5 December 2013, by section 4 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 113).

Section 7(4): amended, on 3 July 1998, by section 4 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 84).

Section 7(6)(b): amended, on 1 July 1995, pursuant to section 3(1)(b) of the Department of Justice (Restructuring) Act 1995 (1995 No 39).

8 Selection of candidates for appointment or reappointment as Referees (1) Where it is proposed to make an appointment or reappointment under section

7, the chief executive of the responsible department shall— (a) by notice publicised in the area served or to be served by the Tribunal in

respect of which the appointment or reappointment is proposed to be made, invite members of the public to submit to the chief executive of the responsible department the names of any persons whom they consid- er would be suitable for appointment as Referees; and

(b) appoint an assessment panel for the purpose of assessing the candidates for appointment or reappointment as Referees.

(2) Every assessment panel appointed under subsection (1)(b) shall consist of— (a) a Registrar; and (b) a Referee; and

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 1 s 9

(c) not more than 2 other persons, who shall be appointed to the panel by the chief executive of the responsible department by reason of their ex- pertise, training, and experience.

(3) Every assessment panel appointed under subsection (1)(b) shall, in accordance with the criteria and procedures prescribed in rules made under this Act, assess the candidates for the appointment or reappointment in respect of which that panel was appointed, and shall— (a) advise the Minister of the name of the person that it recommends for ap-

pointment or reappointment as a Referee; or (b) advise the Minister that it makes no recommendation for appointment or

reappointment in that particular case. Section 8(1): amended, on 1 July 1995, pursuant to section 3(1)(b) of the Department of Justice (Re- structuring) Act 1995 (1995 No 39).

Section 8(1)(a): amended, on 1 July 1995, pursuant to section 3(1)(b) of the Department of Justice (Restructuring) Act 1995 (1995 No 39).

Section 8(2)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 8(2)(c): amended, on 1 July 1995, pursuant to section 3(1)(b) of the Department of Justice (Restructuring) Act 1995 (1995 No 39).

8A Salary and allowances of Principal Disputes Referee (1) The Principal Disputes Referee is to be paid such remuneration as may from

time to time be fixed by the Remuneration Authority. (2) Travelling allowances and travelling expenses are to be paid to the Principal

Disputes Referee in accordance with the Fees and Travelling Allowances Act 1951, and the provisions of that Act apply accordingly. Section 8A: inserted, on 3 July 1998, by section 5 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 84).

Section 8A(1): amended, on 1 April 2003, by section 4(1) of the Remuneration Authority (Members of Parliament) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 54).

Salary and allowances There shall be paid to every Referee, out of money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose, remuneration by way of fees, salary, and allowances (including travelling allowances and expenses) in accordance with the Fees and Travelling Allowances Act 1951, and the provisions of that Act shall apply accordingly as if a Referee were a member of a statutory board within the meaning of that Act. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 8

Reprinted as at Part 2 s 10 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

Part 2 Jurisdiction, functions, and orders of Tribunal

Part 2 heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

10 Jurisdiction of Tribunal (1) Subject to this section and to sections 11 and 12, the Tribunal shall have juris-

diction in respect of— (a) a claim founded on contract or quasi-contract; and (b) a claim for a declaration that a person is not liable to another person in

respect of a claim or demand, founded on contract or quasi-contract, made against that person by that other person; and

(c) a claim in tort in respect of— (i) the destruction or loss of any property: (ii) any damage or injury to any property: (iii) the recovery of any property.

(1A) The Tribunal has jurisdiction to exercise any power conferred on a court by any enactment listed in Part 1 of Schedule 1 if— (a) the occasion for the exercise of the power arises in the course of pro-

ceedings properly before the Tribunal; and (b) subject to section 13, the total amount in respect of which an order of the

Tribunal is sought does not exceed $15,000. (2) The Tribunal shall have such other jurisdiction as is conferred upon it by any of

the enactments specified in Part 2 of Schedule 1. (3) Subject to section 13, for the purposes of subsection (1), a claim is within the

jurisdiction of the Tribunal only if the total amount in respect of which an order of the Tribunal is sought does not exceed $15,000, including,— (a) where a claim is made for the recovery of property, the value of that

property; and (b) where a claim is made for a work order, the value of the work sought to

be included in the order. (4) If it is necessary for the purposes of this Act to ascertain the value of any prop-

erty or work or to resolve any dispute as to such value (whether for the pur- poses of subsection (3) or otherwise), that value shall be determined by the Tri- bunal in such manner as it thinks fit, and the Tribunal may, for that purpose, appoint an Investigator to report to it under section 41.

(5) The Limitation Act 2010 prescribes defences in respect of claims based on an act or omission after 31 December 2010. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 9; 1985 No 38 s 2

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 2 s 11

Section 10 heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 10(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 10(1A): inserted, on 19 December 2002, by section 3(1) of the Disputes Tribunals Amend- ment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

Section 10(1A): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 10(1A)(b): amended, on 1 August 2009, by section 4 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 22).

Section 10(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 10(2): amended, on 19 December 2002, by section 3(2) of the Disputes Tribunals Amend- ment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

Section 10(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 10(3): amended, on 1 August 2009, by section 4 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 22).

Section 10(5): substituted, on 1 January 2011, by section 58 of the Limitation Act 2010 (2010 No 110).

11 Further limitations on jurisdiction (1) A debt or liquidated demand may be the subject of a declaration under section

10(1)(b), but, subject to subsection (2) of this section, a claim for a debt or li- quidated demand is not within the jurisdiction conferred by section 10(1)(a) unless— (a) the applicant satisfies the Registrar, before the claim is lodged in the Tri-

bunal, that the claim, or a part of the claim, is in dispute; or (b) the applicant either—

(i) satisfies the Registrar before the claim is lodged in the Tribunal; or

(ii) not having lodged or attempted to lodge the claim pursuant to sub- paragraph (i), satisfies the Tribunal at a hearing—

that the claim is in the nature of a counterclaim by a respondent against an applicant; or

(c) the claim is transferred to the Tribunal pursuant to section 37. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Tribunal may,—

(a) where a respondent raises a debt or liquidated demand as a defence by way of set-off, give effect to that defence:

(b) where it dismisses a claim for a declaration under section 10(1)(b) in re- spect of a debt or liquidated demand, make an order under section 19(1)(a) requiring the applicant to pay the debt or liquidated demand, or part of the debt or liquidated demand, to the respondent.

Reprinted as at Part 2 s 11 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

(3) Subject to subsection (4), no claim shall be heard and determined under this Act in respect of the destruction or loss of any property, or any damage or in- jury to any property, where any offender has been sentenced, under section 32 of the Sentencing Act 2002, to make reparation to the applicant in respect of that destruction, loss, damage, or injury.

(4) Nothing in subsection (3) shall apply in respect of any claim under this Act to recover any damages in excess of the amount ordered to be paid to the appli- cant under any sentence of reparation.

(5) Except as provided in an enactment referred to in section 10(1A) or (2), the Tribunal shall have no jurisdiction in respect of any claim— (a) for the recovery of land or any estate or interest in any land: (b) in which the title to any land, or any estate or interest in any land, or to

any franchise is in question: (c) in which there is a dispute concerning—

(i) the entitlement of any person under a will, or settlement, or on any intestacy (including a partial intestacy); or

(ii) goodwill; or (iii) any chose in action; or (iv) any trade secret or other intellectual property.

(6) In subsection (5) land does not include fixtures. (7) Without limiting section 10(1A) or (2), nothing in subsection (1) of that section

in so far as it confers jurisdiction in quasi-contract on the Tribunal shall be con- strued as authorising a claim in respect of money due under any enactment.

(8) In subsection (7) enactment means a provision of any Act or of any other in- strument that has legislative effect and that is authorised by or pursuant to any Act.

(9) The Tribunal may hear and determine a claim in the nature of a counterclaim to which subsection (1)(b) applies notwithstanding that the original claim is with- drawn, abandoned, or struck out. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 10; 1985 No 38 s 3

Section 11(1)(b)(i): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 11(1)(c): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 11(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 11(3): amended, on 30 June 2002, by section 186 of the Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9).

Section 11(5): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 11(5): amended, on 19 December 2002, by section 4(1) of the Disputes Tribunals Amend- ment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 2 s 13

Section 11(7): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 11(7): amended, on 19 December 2002, by section 4(2) of the Disputes Tribunals Amend- ment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

Section 11(9): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

12 Recovery of consequential loss (1) Any claim under section 10(1)(c) that is lodged with the Tribunal, or transfer-

red to the Tribunal under section 24(3) or (4) or section 37, before 1 June 1991 shall, subject to subsection (2), be limited to the recovery of the property in question or, as the case may require, the cost of repairing or replacing the prop- erty, and shall not include any loss or damage of a consequential nature.

(2) Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1), a claim to which that subsection applies may include— (a) the loss of a no claims bonus: (b) in the case of a claim in respect of the destruction or loss of, or any dam-

age or injury to, any means of transportation, the reasonable cost of using an alternative means of transportation until the means of transpor- tation that was destroyed, lost, damaged, or injured is replaced or, as the case may require, repaired or treated, where that cost is over and above the costs that would have been incurred if that destruction, loss, damage, or injury had not occurred.

(3) Any claim under section 10(1)(c) that is lodged with the Tribunal, or transfer- red to the Tribunal under section 24(3) or (4) or section 37, on or after 1 June 1991 may include loss or damage of a consequential nature. Section 12(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 12(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

13 Extension of jurisdiction by agreement between the parties (1) If, but for the amount or value of the subject matter claimed or in issue, a claim

would be within the jurisdiction conferred by section 10(1), (1A), or (2), and the parties, by memorandum signed by them or by their respective agents, agree that the Tribunal shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine the claim, the Tribunal shall, notwithstanding anything in subsection (3) of that section or in any other enactment, but subject to subsection (2) of this section, have juris- diction to hear and determine the claim.

(2) No agreement made pursuant to subsection (1) may confer jurisdiction on the Tribunal to hear and determine any claim where the total amount in respect of which an order of the Tribunal is sought exceeds $20,000, including,— (a) where a claim is made for the recovery of any property, the value of that

property; and

Reprinted as at Part 2 s 14 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

(b) where a claim is made for a work order, the value of the work sought to be included in that order.

(3) An agreement may be made pursuant to subsection (1) either before a claim is lodged under section 24, or, where a claim has been so lodged, at any time be- fore the Tribunal has approved an agreed settlement in respect of the claim or, as the case may require, determined the claim under section 18.

(4) Where, in respect of any claim, the applicant has abandoned part of the claim under section 14, and the parties subsequently make an agreement pursuant to subsection (1), then, subject to subsection (2), the claim shall be heard and de- termined as if that abandonment had not been made. Compare: 1947 No 16 s 37

Section 13(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 13(1): amended, on 19 December 2002, by section 5 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

Section 13(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 13(2): amended, on 1 August 2009, by section 5 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 22).

14 Abandonment to bring claim within jurisdiction A person may abandon so much of a claim as exceeds $15,000 in order to bring the claim within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal; and in that event the approval of an agreed settlement under section 18(3) or, as the case may require, an order of the Tribunal under this Act or any other enactment, in relation to the claim, shall operate to discharge from liability in respect of the amount so abandoned any other person— (a) who is a party to that agreed settlement; or (b) against whom the claim and the subsequent order are made. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 11

Section 14: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 14: amended, on 1 August 2009, by section 6 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 22).

15 Cause of action not to be divided A cause of action shall not be divided into 2 or more claims for the purpose of bringing it within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 12

Section 15: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

16 Contracting out prohibited (1) A provision in any agreement (including one made before the commencement

of this Act) to exclude or limit—

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 2 s 17

(a) the jurisdiction of the Tribunal; or (b) the right of any person to invoke that jurisdiction— shall be of no effect.

(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the Tribunal shall have juris- diction in respect of a claim notwithstanding any agreement relating to that claim that provides for— (a) the submission to arbitration of any dispute or difference; or (b) the making of an award upon such a submission to be a condition prece-

dent to any cause of action accruing to a party to the agreement. (3) Subsection (1) does not apply where a cause of action has accrued, or is be-

lieved to have accrued, to a person and that person has agreed to the settlement or compromise of the claim based on that cause of action.

(4) Despite subsection (2), the Tribunal does not have jurisdiction in respect of a claim if section 11(1) of the Arbitration Act 1996 applies. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 13

Section 16(1)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 16(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 16(4): added, on 18 October 2007, by section 11 of the Arbitration Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 94).

Section 16(4): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

17 Exclusion of other jurisdictions (1) Where a claim is lodged with the Tribunal, or transferred to the Tribunal under

section 24(3) or (4) or section 37, and the claim is within the Tribunal’s juris- diction, the issues in dispute in that claim (whether as shown in the initial claim or as emerging in the course of the hearing) shall not be the subject of proceed- ings between the same parties in any other court or tribunal unless— (a) any order is made under section 34(1)(e) or under subsection (2) or sub-

section (3) of section 36 or under section 53(1)(b); or (b) the proceedings before that other court or tribunal were commenced be-

fore the claim was lodged with or transferred to the Tribunal; or (c) the claim before the Tribunal is withdrawn, abandoned, or struck out.

(2) Where subsection (1)(b) applies to proceedings before another court or tribu- nal, the issues in dispute in the claim to which those proceedings relate (wheth- er as shown in the initial claim or emerging in the course of the hearing) shall not be the subject of proceedings between the same parties in the Tribunal un- less the proceedings are transferred to the Tribunal under section 37 or the claim before the other court or tribunal is withdrawn, abandoned, or struck out. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 14

Reprinted as at Part 2 s 18 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

Section 17(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 17(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

18 Functions of Tribunal (1) The Tribunal shall, as regards every claim within its jurisdiction, assess wheth-

er, in all the circumstances, it is appropriate for the Tribunal to assist the parties to negotiate an agreed settlement in relation to the claim.

(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), in making an assessment under that subsection, the Tribunal shall have regard to any factors that, in the Tribunal’s opinion, are likely to impair the ability of either or both of the par- ties to negotiate an agreed settlement.

(3) Where the parties reach an agreed settlement, the Tribunal may approve the settlement, and the settlement shall then take effect as if it were an order of the Tribunal made under subsection (8), and shall be enforceable in accordance with section 47.

(4) In approving an agreed settlement pursuant to subsection (3), the Tribunal shall not be bound by the monetary restrictions provided for by subsections (4) to (7) of section 19.

(4A) An agreed settlement approved by the Tribunal under subsection (3) may in- clude the terms of any agreement between the parties for payment of any amount specified in the agreed settlement to be enforced by way of an attach- ment order made under the District Court Act 2016.

(4B) If subsection (4A) applies, then section 19(1A) to (1C) apply. (5) Where—

(a) it appears to the Tribunal that it would not be appropriate for it to assist the parties to negotiate an agreed settlement in relation to the claim; or

(b) the parties are unable to reach an agreed settlement in relation to the claim; or

the Tribunal shall proceed to determine the dispute. (6) The Tribunal shall determine the dispute according to the substantial merits and

justice of the case, and in doing so shall have regard to the law but shall not be bound to give effect to strict legal rights or obligations or to legal forms or technicalities.

(7) Without limiting the generality of subsection (6), the Tribunal may, in respect of any agreement or document that directly or indirectly bears upon the dispute between the parties, disregard any provision in that agreement or document that excludes or limits—

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 2 s 19

(a) conditions, warranties, or undertakings; or (b) any right, duty, liability, or remedy that would arise or accrue in the cir-

cumstances of the dispute if there were no such exclusion or limitation. (8) To give effect to its determination of the dispute under subsection (5), or in

granting relief in respect of any claim that is not disputed (except where sub- section (3) applies), the Tribunal shall make 1 or more of the orders that it is empowered to make under section 19 or under any other enactment. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 15

Section 18(4): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 18(4A): inserted, on 14 April 2014, by section 4 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 37).

Section 18(4A): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 18(4B): inserted, on 14 April 2014, by section 4 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 37).

Section 18(7): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

19 Orders of Tribunal (1) The Tribunal may, as regards any claim within its jurisdiction, make 1 or more

of the following orders: (a) the Tribunal may order a party to the proceedings to pay money to any

other party: (b) the Tribunal may make an order declaring that a person is not liable to

another in respect of a claim or demand described in section 10(1)(b): (c) the Tribunal may order a party to deliver specific property to another

party to the proceedings: (d) the Tribunal may make a work order against any party to the proceed-

ings: (e) where it appears to the Tribunal that an agreement between the parties,

or any term of any such agreement, is harsh or unconscionable, or that any power conferred by an agreement between them has been exercised in a harsh or unconscionable manner, the Tribunal may make an order varying the agreement, or setting it aside (either wholly or in part):

(f) where it appears to the Tribunal that an agreement between the parties has been induced by fraud, misrepresentation, or mistake, or any writing purporting to express the agreement between the parties does not accord with their true agreement, the Tribunal may make an order varying, or setting aside, the agreement or the writing (either wholly or in part):

(g) the Tribunal may make an order dismissing the claim.

Reprinted as at Part 2 s 19 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

(1A) The Tribunal may record in an order made under subsection (1)(a) (a money order) that the parties have agreed to enforce the payment of the amount speci- fied in that order by way of an attachment order made under the District Court Act 2016 if— (a) the money order was made at a hearing at which both parties were

present; and (b) the party ordered to pay money consented to the payment of the money

being enforced by way of an attachment order; and (c) both parties agreed on the terms of the attachment order, including the

details specified in subsection (1B). (1B) If subsection (1A) applies, the money order must include the following details:

(a) the employer to whom the attachment order will relate; and (b) whether deductions are to be made every week, fortnight, or month, or

by reference to some other period (the earnings period); and (c) the amount or percentage to be deducted from salary or wages for the

earnings period; and (d) the amount or percentage below which the net amount paid for the earn-

ings period must not fall; and (e) the name and address of the person to whom the amounts deducted are

to be paid; and (f) that the attachment order is to remain in force until the amount specified

in the money order has been paid in full or, if the attachment order is to remain in force for a fixed period, that period.

(1C) Nothing in subsection (1B)(d) allows the parties to agree on a net amount to be paid for an earnings period that would otherwise derogate from section 157(3) of the District Court Act 2016.

(1D) If subsection (1B) is complied with, the money order may be filed in the Dis- trict Court and, if so filed, sections 139(2) and 154 to 162 of the District Court Act 2016 apply to the extent they are applicable and subject to any necessary modifications.

(1E) In this section, employer and salary or wages have the same meanings as in section 154 of the District Court Act 2016.

(2) Any order made by the Tribunal may be unconditional, or subject to such con- ditions (whether as to the time for, or mode of, compliance, or otherwise) as the Tribunal thinks fit to impose.

(3) Where the Tribunal makes a work order against a party, it shall, where the order is made under section 18(8) or section 46(2), at the same time make an order under subsection (1)(a) of this section to be complied with as an alterna- tive to compliance with the work order.

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 2 s 19

(4) Subject to section 20, the Tribunal shall not make an order under this Act that exceeds any of the monetary restrictions specified in subsection (5), and any order that exceeds any such restriction shall be entirely of no effect.

(5) Subject to subsection (7), the monetary restrictions that apply for the purposes of subsection (4) are as follows: (a) an order under subsection (1)(a) or under section 47(3)(b) shall not re-

quire payment of money exceeding $15,000: (b) a declaration under subsection (1)(b) shall not relate to a claim or de-

mand exceeding $15,000: (c) an order under subsection (1)(c) shall not relate to any property exceed-

ing $15,000 in value: (d) the work to be done or matters to be attended to under a work order shall

not exceed $15,000 in value: (e) an order under paragraph (e) or paragraph (f) of subsection (1) shall not

be made in respect of an agreement if the total amount in respect of which an order of the Tribunal is sought exceeds $15,000.

(6) Except as provided in subsection (3), and subject to subsection (7), the Tribu- nal shall not, in respect of a claim, make more than 1 of the orders authorised by paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (1), or by any other enactment, if the ag- gregate amount or value of those orders exceeds $15,000, and every order so made contrary to this subsection shall be entirely of no effect.

(7) Where, in respect of any claim, the jurisdiction of the Tribunal has been exten- ded under an agreement made pursuant to section 13, subsections (5) and (6) shall be read as if every reference in those subsections to $15,000 were a refer- ence to $20,000.

(8) Nothing in subsection (1) shall restrict the making by the Tribunal of any order that it is authorised to make by any other enactment. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 16; 1985 No 38 s 2

Section 19(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 19(1A): inserted, on 14 April 2014, by section 5 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 37).

Section 19(1A): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 19(1B): inserted, on 14 April 2014, by section 5 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 37).

Section 19(1C): inserted, on 14 April 2014, by section 5 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 37).

Section 19(1C): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 19(1D): inserted, on 14 April 2014, by section 5 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 37).

Reprinted as at Part 2 s 20 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

Section 19(1D): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 19(1E): inserted, on 14 April 2014, by section 5 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 37).

Section 19(1E): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 19(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 19(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 19(4): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 19(5)(a): amended, on 1 August 2009, by section 7(1) of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 22).

Section 19(5)(b): amended, on 1 August 2009, by section 7(1) of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 22).

Section 19(5)(c): amended, on 1 August 2009, by section 7(1) of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 22).

Section 19(5)(d): amended, on 1 August 2009, by section 7(1) of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 22).

Section 19(5)(e): amended, on 1 August 2009, by section 7(1) of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 22).

Section 19(6): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 19(6): amended, on 1 August 2009, by section 7(1) of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 22).

Section 19(7): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 19(7): amended, on 1 August 2009, by section 7(1) of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 22).

Section 19(7): amended, on 1 August 2009, by section 7(2) of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 22).

Section 19(8): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

20 Power of Tribunal to award interest (1) Subject to subsection (2), where the Tribunal makes an order under section

19(1)(a) or section 47(3)(b) that a party to the proceedings pay money to anoth- er party to the proceedings, the Tribunal may, if it thinks fit, order that there shall be included in the amount so ordered to be paid interest at such rate, not exceeding the prescribed rate, as it thinks fit on the whole or any part of that amount for the whole or any part of the period between the date when the cause of action arose and the date of the making of the order.

(2) Subsection (1) does not— (a) authorise the giving of interest upon interest; or

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 2 s 21

(b) apply in relation to any debt upon which interest is payable as of right, whether by virtue of any agreement, enactment, or rule of law, or other- wise.

(3) Where the Tribunal makes an order under section 19(1)(a) in respect of a debt upon which interest is payable as of right, and in respect of which the rate of interest is not agreed upon, prescribed, or ascertained under any agreement, en- actment, or rule of law, or otherwise, there shall be included in the amount ordered to be paid interest at such rate, not exceeding the prescribed rate, as the Tribunal thinks fit for the period between the date as from which interest be- came payable and the date of the making of the order.

(4) The monetary restrictions provided for by section 10(1A) and (3), section 13(2), and subsections (4) to (7) of section 19 do not apply in respect of any interest claimed, payable, or ordered to be paid under this section.

(5) In this section the term the prescribed rate means the rate of 11% per annum, or such other rate as may from time to time be prescribed for the purposes of this section by the Governor-General by Order in Council. Compare: 1947 No 16 s 62B; 1982 No 130 s 4

Section 20(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 20(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 20(4): amended, on 19 December 2002, by section 6 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

Section 20(5): 5.0% per year prescribed as the rate for the purposes of section 20(5), on 1 July 2011, by clause 4 of the Disputes Tribunals (Prescribed Rate of Interest) Order 2011 (SR 2011/175).

21 Reasons for decisions (1) The Tribunal shall in all proceedings give its reasons for its final decision in

the proceedings. (2) The Tribunal shall give its reasons for its final decision—

(a) orally, at the conclusion of the hearing; or (b) in writing, as soon as practicable after the conclusion of the hearing.

(3) Where the Tribunal gives its reasons for its final decision orally, the Tribunal may of its own motion, and shall if any party to the proceedings so requests, record those reasons in writing.

(4) A request made by a party under subsection (3),— (a) if made at the conclusion of the hearing, may be made orally: (b) if made after the conclusion of the hearing, shall be made—

(i) in writing; and (ii) within 28 days of the conclusion of the hearing, or within such

further time as a District Court Judge may, on application, allow.

Reprinted as at Part 2 s 22 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

(5) Where, pursuant to subsection (2) or subsection (3), the Tribunal gives its rea- sons for its final decision in writing, every party to the proceedings shall, on request, be entitled to a copy of those reasons. Section 21(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 21(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 21(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 21(5): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

22 Orders and approved settlements to be recorded in writing (1) The Tribunal shall make or cause to be made a written record of the terms of—

(a) every agreed settlement approved by it under section 18(3): (b) every order made by it under section 18(8) or section 34(1) or section

46(2) or section 47(3)(b): (c) every variation of a term of an agreed settlement under section 47(3)(a).

(2) The Tribunal shall, at the conclusion of the hearing, provide every party to the proceedings who is present at the hearing with a copy of every record made under subsection (1) in those proceedings.

(3) The Registrar shall send a copy of every record made under subsection (1) in any proceedings to every party to those proceedings who is not present at the hearing. Section 22(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

23 Decisions of Tribunal to be final Every agreed settlement approved by the Tribunal under section 18(3), and every order made by the Tribunal under section 18(8) or section 46(2) or sec- tion 47(3)(b), and every variation of a term of an agreed settlement under sec- tion 47(3)(a), shall be final and binding on all parties to the proceedings in which that settlement is approved or the order or variation is made, as the case may require, and, except as provided in section 50, no appeal shall lie in re- spect of any such order or variation or approved settlement. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 17

Section 23: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 3 s 25

Part 3 Proceedings of Tribunal

Part 3 heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Claims

24 Lodging of claims (1) Proceedings shall be commenced by the lodging of a claim in the prescribed

form, together with the prescribed fee, with the appropriate office of the Tribu- nal.

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), the appropriate office of the Tribunal for the purpose of subsection (1) is that which is nearest by the most practicable route to the place where the applicant resides.

(3) Where a claim is lodged with an office of the Tribunal, or transferred to that office under section 37, and the Tribunal is satisfied that the claim can be more conveniently or fairly heard in some other office of the Tribunal, the Tribunal may order that the proceedings be transferred to that other office.

(4) Where a claim is lodged with an office of the Tribunal, or transferred to that office under section 37, the Registrar may, on the application of any party, if all the parties to the claim consent, order that the proceedings be transferred to an- other office of the Tribunal. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 18

Section 24(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 24(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 24(3): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 24(4): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

25 Notice of claim and of hearing (1) When a claim is lodged in accordance with section 24, the Registrar shall—

(a) fix a time and place of hearing and give notice of those details in the pre- scribed form to the applicant; and

(b) as soon as is reasonably practicable, give notice of the claim and of the time and place of hearing in the prescribed form to— (i) the respondent; and (ii) every other person who appears to the Registrar to have a suffi-

cient connection with the proceedings on the claim in the capacity of an applicant or a respondent.

Reprinted as at Part 3 s 26 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

(2) Where the Tribunal finds that a person who appears to it to have a sufficient connection with the proceedings on a claim in the capacity of an applicant or a respondent has not been given notice of the proceedings, it may direct the Registrar to give, and the Registrar shall give, to such person notice of the claim, and of the time and place for hearing.

(3) For the purposes of this section, a person has a sufficient connection with the proceedings on a claim if that person’s presence as an applicant or a respondent is necessary to enable the Tribunal to effectually and completely determine the questions in dispute in the claim or to grant the relief that it considers to be due.

(4) Where a claim to which section 11(1)(b)(ii) applies is made at a hearing, the Tribunal may, in relation to that claim, dispense with the requirements of this section and of section 24(2), or any of those requirements, if it appears to the Tribunal that neither the respondent in the claim nor any other person will be prejudiced thereby. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 19

Section 25(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

26 Parties (1) Subject to subsection (2), the applicant, the respondent, and every person to

whom notice of a claim has been given under section 25(1)(b)(ii) or section 25(2) shall be the parties to the proceedings on that claim.

(2) The Tribunal may, at any time, order that the name of a person who appears to it to have been improperly joined as a party be struck out from the proceedings. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 20

Section 26(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

27 Minors (1) Subject to this section, a minor may be a party to, and shall be bound by, pro-

ceedings in the Tribunal as if the minor were a person of full age and capacity. (2) Where a minor who has not attained the age of 18 years is a party to any pro-

ceedings in the Tribunal, the Tribunal may, if it considers that it would be in the interests of the minor to do so,— (a) at any time appoint to represent the minor a person who is willing to do

so and who is not disqualified by section 38(7), and authorise that person to control the conduct of the minor’s case; or

(b) when approving a representative under section 38(3), or at any time thereafter, authorise that representative to control the conduct of the mi- nor’s case.

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 3 s 28

(3) A person empowered by or under this section to control the conduct of the case of a minor may do all such things in the proceedings as that person could do if that person were a party to the proceedings in place of that minor.

(4) Nothing in this section shall restrict the application of sections 103 to 110 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 to— (a) any settlement agreed to by, or on behalf of, a minor; or (b) any payment made or proposed to be made by, or on behalf of, or to, or

for the benefit of, a minor— after proceedings have been commenced in the Tribunal.

(5) In this section proceedings in the Tribunal means— (a) proceedings in the Tribunal or on appeal from the Tribunal: (b) a settlement agreed to in the course of proceedings referred to in para-

graph (a): (c) proceedings under section 45(1) or section 47(1) for enforcement of an

order or the term of an agreed settlement— and includes any order made in proceedings as so defined. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 24

Section 27(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 27(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 27(4): amended, on 1 September 2017, by section 347 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (2017 No 5).

Section 27(4): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 27(5): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 27(5)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Special provisions relating to claims where applicant or respondent insured

28 Claims for relief where applicant insured (1) This section applies to any claim for relief made by an applicant who has been,

or is entitled to be, or seeks to be, indemnified (whether in whole or in part) by an insurer (in this section and in sections 29 to 34 referred to as the applicant’s insurer) for any loss caused by or arising out of the act, omission, or event on which the claim is based.

(2) Where, in any proceedings lodged in the Tribunal, or transferred to the Tribu- nal under section 24(3) or (4) or section 37, the applicant makes a claim for relief to which this section applies, the applicant shall, at the time when the claim is lodged, or, in the case of a claim that is transferred to the Tribunal, as

Reprinted as at Part 3 s 29 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

soon as practicable after the claim is transferred, notify the Registrar of the name and address of the applicant’s insurer.

(3) Subject to sections 25(4) and 29(3), where, in any proceedings before the Tri- bunal, a Registrar receives notice of the name and address of the applicant’s in- surer under subsection (2), the Registrar shall give notice of the proceedings to that insurer in accordance with section 25(1)(b)(ii).

(4) Where, pursuant to subsection (3), an insurer receives notice of any proceed- ings before the Tribunal, that insurer shall be deemed, for the purposes of this Act, to be a party to those proceedings.

(5) Where— (a) any claim for relief to which this section applies is made in any proceed-

ings before the Tribunal; and (b) the applicant’s insurer has not received notice of those proceedings pur-

suant to subsection (3); and (c) an acknowledgement signed by the applicant and the applicant’s insurer

has not been lodged with the Tribunal pursuant to section 29(1),— the Tribunal or a Registrar shall, on the application of the applicant’s insurer, order that that insurer be joined as a party to the proceedings. Section 28(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 28(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 28(4): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 28(5)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

29 Insurer may waive notice of proceedings (1) Where, in any proceedings lodged in the Tribunal, or transferred to the Tribu-

nal under section 24(3) or (4) or section 37, the applicant makes a claim for relief to which section 28 applies, the applicant may, at the time when the claim is lodged, or, in the case of a claim that is transferred to the Tribunal, as soon as practicable after the claim is transferred, lodge with the Tribunal an acknow- ledgement from the applicant’s insurer that that insurer does not require notice of the proceedings under section 25.

(2) Every acknowledgement lodged under subsection (1) shall be in the prescribed form, and shall be signed by the applicant and by the applicant’s insurer.

(3) Where, in any proceedings before the Tribunal, an acknowledgement from the applicant’s insurer is lodged pursuant to subsection (1),— (a) notwithstanding anything in section 28(3), the Registrar shall not be re-

quired to give notice of those proceedings to that insurer; and

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 3 s 32

(b) that insurer shall be deemed, for the purposes of this Act, to be a party to those proceedings.

Section 29(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 29(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

30 Insurer may abandon rights of subrogation (1) In any acknowledgement lodged with the Tribunal under section 29(1) an in-

surer may, in respect of such sum as is specified in the acknowledgement, abandon the exercise of its rights of subrogation in relation to the cause of ac- tion that is the subject of the claim.

(2) Where, pursuant to subsection (1), an insurer abandons its rights of subrogation in respect of a specified sum,— (a) the applicant shall be deemed to have abandoned so much of the appli-

cant’s claim as is equal to that specified sum; and (b) the approval of an agreed settlement under section 18(3) or, as the case

may require, an order of the Tribunal under this Act or any other enact- ment, in relation to the claim, shall operate to discharge from liability in respect of the amount so abandoned— (i) the applicant, so far as the applicant might otherwise be liable to

the applicant’s insurer for that amount; and (ii) any other person who is a party to that agreed settlement, or

against whom the claim and the subsequent order are made, as the case may require.

Section 30(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

31 Applicant to control conduct of case where insurer a party Where, in any proceedings before the Tribunal, a claim for relief to which sec- tion 28 applies is made, the applicant shall, subject to section 27 and sections 32 to 34, be entitled to control the conduct of the applicant’s case, notwith- standing that the applicant’s insurer becomes a party to those proceedings pur- suant to section 28(4) or (5) or section 29(3). Section 31: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

32 Insurer may prove amount of loss Notwithstanding anything in section 31, where, in any proceedings before the Tribunal,— (a) a claim for relief to which section 28 applies is made; and (b) the applicant’s insurer becomes a party to those proceedings pursuant to

section 28(4) or (5) or section 29(3),—

Reprinted as at Part 3 s 33 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

the applicant’s insurer shall, subject to this Act, be entitled— (c) to prove, as part of the applicant’s claim, any amount, or part of any

amount, paid by the insurer to or for the benefit of the applicant as an indemnity for any loss arising out of the cause of action that is the sub- ject of the claim:

(d) to apply to the Tribunal for an order that the amount specified in the claim for relief be increased to include the amount to which paragraph (c) applies, where the claim for relief does not include that amount, and the Tribunal shall make such an order.

Section 32: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

33 Applicant to have priority in respect of uninsured loss (1) Where, in any proceedings before the Tribunal,—

(a) a claim for relief to which section 28 applies is made; and (b) the applicant’s insurer becomes a party to those proceedings pursuant to

section 28(4) or (5) or section 29(3); and (c) the Tribunal makes an order under section 19(1)(a) that a party to the

proceedings pay money to any other party,— the Tribunal, where the evidence before it enables it to do so, shall indicate in that order what part of that amount relates to loss for which the applicant has not been indemnified by the applicant’s insurer.

(2) Where, in any order made under section 19(1)(a), the Tribunal indicates that part of the amount ordered to be paid relates to loss for which the applicant has not been indemnified by the applicant’s insurer,— (a) that part of that amount shall be paid to the applicant, who shall not be

required to account for it to the applicant’s insurer; and (b) the applicant’s insurer shall not be entitled to any payment under that

order unless paragraph (a) has been complied with. Section 33(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 33(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

34 Insurer may apply for claim to be struck out (1) Where, in any proceedings before the Tribunal,—

(a) a claim for relief to which section 28 applies is made; and (b) the applicant’s insurer becomes a party to those proceedings pursuant to

section 28(4) or (5) or section 29(3); and (c) the claim would not be within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal if the

amount sought to be proved by the applicant’s insurer under section 32(c) were included in the claim,—

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 3 s 34

the Tribunal may,— (d) on the application of the applicant’s insurer, strike out the claim; or (e) if the parties so agree, order that the proceedings be transferred to the

District Court in its ordinary civil jurisdiction. (2) In striking out a claim pursuant to subsection (1), or in ordering the transfer of

a claim pursuant to that subsection, the Tribunal may require the applicant’s in- surer to give a written undertaking that— (a) the insurer will, with due diligence and expedition, commence, and (ex-

cept where the proceedings are settled) prosecute to trial and judgment, proceedings in an appropriate court to recover all recoverable losses of the applicant (including all losses for which the insurer is not liable to indemnify the applicant)— (i) arising out of the cause of action on which the claim that is struck

out or transferred is based; and (ii) that were sought to be recovered in that claim; and

(b) the insurer will not settle any proceedings commenced in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (a) unless that settlement makes pro- vision for the payment, to the applicant, of an amount equal to all losses of the applicant— (i) that arose out of the cause of action on which the claim that is

struck out or transferred is based; and (ii) that were sought to be recovered in that claim; and (iii) that would have been recoverable in the proceedings that are set-

tled; and (iv) for which the insurer is not liable to indemnify the applicant; and

(c) before retaining any amount awarded in any judgment entered in any proceedings commenced in accordance with the requirements of para- graph (a), or any payment made pursuant to any settlement of those pro- ceedings, the insurer will pay to the applicant an amount equal to all los- ses of the applicant that are recovered in those proceedings, or provided for in any settlement of those proceedings, and for which the insurer is not liable to indemnify the applicant.

(3) An undertaking given by an insurer pursuant to subsection (2) is binding on the insurer, and is deemed to be a contract between the insurer and the applicant.

(4) Any provision in any agreement (including one made before the commence- ment of this Act) that is inconsistent with any provision of this section or of sections 28 to 33, or that purports to exclude, modify, or restrict the operation of any such provision, shall be of no effect. Section 34(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Reprinted as at Part 3 s 35 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

Section 34(1)(e): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

35 Insured respondent to notify insurer (1) This section applies to any claim lodged in the Tribunal, or transferred to the

Tribunal under section 24(3) or (4) or section 37, that is against a respondent who, if the claim were successful, might be entitled to be indemnified (in whole or in part) in respect of that claim by any insurer (in this section referred to as the respondent’s insurer).

(2) Where any respondent receives notice of a claim to which this section applies, the respondent shall, as soon as practicable after receiving such notice, notify the respondent’s insurer of that claim.

(3) At the commencement of a hearing of a claim, the Tribunal shall ascertain whether the claim is a claim to which this section applies, and if so, whether the respondent has notified the respondent’s insurer of that claim.

(4) Where, pursuant to subsection (3), the Tribunal ascertains that the respondent has not notified the respondent’s insurer of the claim, the Tribunal may adjourn the proceedings, and upon such adjournment the Registrar shall forthwith noti- fy the respondent’s insurer of the claim.

(5) Where a claim is made in the course of any proceedings before the Tribunal, the Tribunal shall ascertain whether the claim is a claim to which this section applies, and if so, may adjourn the proceedings, and upon such adjournment the Registrar shall notify the respondent’s insurer of that claim.

(6) Where a claim to which this section applies is made in any proceedings before the Tribunal, the Tribunal or a Registrar shall, on the application of any insurer who is entitled, under this section, to be notified of that claim, order that the insurer be joined as a party to those proceedings. Section 35(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 35(5): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 35(6): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Transfer of proceedings

36 Transfer of proceedings to District Court, etc (1) Where any proceedings have been commenced in, or transferred under section

24(3) or (4) or section 37 to, the Tribunal, and the Tribunal has no jurisdiction to hear and determine those proceedings, the Tribunal may, instead of striking out the proceedings, order that they be transferred to the District Court in its ordinary civil jurisdiction.

(2) Where any proceedings have been commenced in, or transferred under section 24(3) or (4) or section 37 to, an office of the Tribunal, the Tribunal or a Regis-

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 3 s 37

trar may, on the application of a party (other than an insurer who has become a party to those proceedings pursuant to section 28(4) or (5) or section 29(3) or section 35(6)) or of the Tribunal’s or that Registrar’s own motion, order that the proceedings be transferred to the District Court in its ordinary civil jurisdiction if, in the opinion of the Tribunal or that Registrar, the proceedings would more properly be determined in the District Court.

(3) The Tribunal may order that proceedings commenced in, or transferred to, the Tribunal may be transferred to a Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal specified by it if the proceedings— (a) are within the jurisdiction of a Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal constitu-

ted under section 82 of the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003; and (b) would, in the opinion of the Tribunal, more properly be determined by a

Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal. (4) Any order made by the Tribunal under subsection (3) is to be treated as if it

were an application filed at the office of the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal. (5) The Tribunal shall not make an order under subsection (1) or subsection (2) in

respect of a claim if any agreement of a kind described in section 16(2) re- quires that the claim be submitted to arbitration. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 22

Section 36(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 36(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 36(3): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 36(4): substituted, on 15 December 2003, by section 145 of the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003 (2003 No 12).

Section 36(4): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

37 Transfer of proceedings from District Court, etc (1) Where proceedings within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal have been com-

menced in the District Court before a claim in respect of the same issues be- tween the same parties has been lodged in the Tribunal, or transferred to the Tribunal under this section, a District Court Judge or Registrar may, on the ap- plication of either party or of that Judge’s or that Registrar’s own motion, order that the proceedings be transferred to the Tribunal.

(2) Where proceedings within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal have been com- menced in the High Court before a claim in respect of the same issues between the same parties has been lodged in the Tribunal, or transferred to the Tribunal under this section, that court or a Judge of that court may, on the application of either party or of its or that Judge’s own motion, order that the proceedings be transferred to the Tribunal.

Reprinted as at Part 3 s 38 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

(3) The Tribunal to which proceedings are transferred under subsection (1) or sub- section (2) may have regard to any notes of evidence transmitted to it and it shall not be necessary for that evidence to be given again in the Tribunal unless the Tribunal so requires. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 23

Section 37(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 37(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 37(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Hearings

38 Right to appear at hearings (1) At the hearing of a claim every party shall be entitled to attend and be heard. (2) Subject to subsection (3), no party shall be entitled to be represented at a hear-

ing by a representative unless it appears to the Tribunal to be proper in all the circumstances to so allow, and the Tribunal approves such representative.

(3) The following parties may be represented by a representative who is approved by the Tribunal: (a) the Crown, if the representative is an officer or employee of the Crown: (b) a corporation or an unincorporated body of persons, if the representative

is an officer or employee or a member of the corporation or body or holds a majority interest in it:

(c) a person jointly liable or entitled with another or others, if the represen- tative is one of the persons jointly liable or entitled or, in the case of a partnership, is an employee of those persons:

(d) a minor, or other person under disability: (e) any other person, if the Tribunal is satisfied that for sufficient cause that

person is unable to appear in person or is unable to present his or her case adequately.

(4) Where a representative of a party is proposed for the Tribunal’s approval, the Tribunal shall satisfy itself that the person proposed has sufficient knowledge of the case and sufficient authority to bind the party.

(5) The Tribunal may permit any person nominated by a party to be present at the hearing and to assist the party in the presentation of his or her case if it appears to the Tribunal to be proper in all the circumstances to so permit, and the Tribu- nal approves such person.

(6) No person approved by the Tribunal under subsection (5) shall be entitled to be heard at the hearing, and the Tribunal may exclude any such person from the hearing at any time.

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 3 s 39

(7) The Tribunal shall not— (a) appoint under section 27(2)(a); or (b) approve as a representative under subsection (2) or subsection (3); or (c) approve under subsection (5)— any person who is, or has been, enrolled as a barrister and solicitor, or who, in the opinion of the Tribunal, is, or has been, regularly engaged in advocacy work before other tribunals; but this prohibition does not apply where— (d) the person proposed for approval under subsection (3) is a person or one

of the persons jointly liable or entitled with another or others; or (e) the party seeking to be represented is a company and the person pro-

posed for approval under subsection (3) is the majority shareholder of the company.

(8) Where the Tribunal appoints any person under section 27(2)(a) or approves any person under subsection (2) or subsection (3) or subsection (5) of this section, the Tribunal may impose in respect of any such appointment or approval such conditions as it considers necessary to ensure that any other party to the pro- ceedings is not substantially disadvantaged by that appointment or approval. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 24; 1986 No 120 s 93

Section 38(4): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 38(5): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 38(6): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 38(7): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 38(8): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

39 Proceedings to be held in private (1) All proceedings before the Tribunal shall be held in private. (2) Nothing in subsection (1) shall prevent the Tribunal from hearing 2 or more

claims together if it appears to the Tribunal that it would be convenient to the Tribunal and the parties to do so.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the Tribunal may permit to be present at any proceedings a person who has a genuine and proper interest either in those pro- ceedings or in the proceedings of the Tribunal generally. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 25

Section 39(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 39(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Reprinted as at Part 3 s 40 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

Section 39(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

40 Evidence (1) Evidence tendered to the Tribunal by or on behalf of a party to any proceedings

need not be given on oath, but the Tribunal may at any stage of the proceedings require that such evidence, or any specified part of such evidence, be given on oath, whether orally or in writing.

(2) The Tribunal may, on its own initiative, seek and receive such other evidence and make such other investigations and inquiries as it thinks fit.

(3) All evidence and information received or ascertained under subsection (2) shall be disclosed to every party, and every party shall be given an opportunity to comment on it.

(4) The Tribunal may receive and take into account any relevant evidence or infor- mation, whether or not that evidence or information would normally be admis- sible in a court of law. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 26

Section 40(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 40(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 40(4): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

41 Investigator may be appointed (1) The Tribunal may, if it thinks fit, appoint a person to inquire into, and report to

it upon, any matter of fact having a bearing on any proceedings and may give such directions as to the nature, scope, and conduct of the inquiry as it thinks fit.

(2) Where, in any proceedings before the Tribunal, a person is appointed under subsection (1) to report to the Tribunal on any matter,— (a) the Registrar shall ensure that a copy of the report is made available to

every party to those proceedings as soon as practicable after it is presen- ted to the Tribunal; and

(b) the hearing of those proceedings shall not begin or, as the case may re- quire, resume until at least 10 days have elapsed after the date on which the report is made available to the parties.

(3) A person appointed under subsection (1) shall be paid, out of money appropri- ated by Parliament for the purpose, such fees and expenses as are fixed by the Registrar. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 27

Section 41(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 3 s 43

Section 41(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

42 Tribunal may act on evidence available (1) Where the case of any party is not presented to the Tribunal, after reasonable

opportunity has been given to that party to do so, the issues in dispute in the proceedings may be resolved by the Tribunal, or relief in respect of an undispu- ted claim may be granted by it, on such evidence or information as is before it, including evidence or information obtained pursuant to section 40(2).

(2) An order made by the Tribunal in the circumstances described in subsection (1) shall not be challenged on the ground that the case of the party was not presen- ted to the Tribunal, but the party may apply for a rehearing under section 49 on the ground that there was sufficient reason for that party’s failure to present that party’s case. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 28

43 Costs (1) Except as provided in this section, costs shall not be awarded against a party to

any proceedings before the Tribunal. (2) Where, in the opinion of the Tribunal, a claim made by a party is frivolous or

vexatious, it may, subject to any rules made under this Act, order that party to pay— (a) to the Crown, the fees and expenses of any witness, or of an Investigator,

that have been paid by the Crown: (b) to a party, the costs of that party in connection with the proceedings.

(3) Where, in the opinion of the Tribunal, any party has— (a) lodged a claim knowing that the claim is not within the jurisdiction of

the Tribunal; or (b) unnecessarily prolonged any proceedings by engaging in conduct inten-

ded to impede the prompt resolution of the proceedings,— the Tribunal may, subject to any rules made under this Act, order that party to pay to any other party the costs, or part of the costs, of that other party in con- nection with the proceedings.

(4) Where— (a) any proceedings within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal have been com-

menced in the District Court; and (b) those proceedings have been transferred to the Tribunal under section

37(1); and (c) the Tribunal is satisfied that those proceedings were commenced in that

court and not in the Tribunal on account of any act or omission of any party to those proceedings that was intended or likely to induce the party

Reprinted as at Part 3 s 44 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

who commenced those proceedings to believe that the proceedings were not within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal,—

the Tribunal may order the first-mentioned party to pay to the party who com- menced the proceedings— (d) the fee paid by the latter party in respect of the filing of those proceed-

ings in the District Court; and (e) any solicitor’s costs incurred by the latter party in respect of the prepar-

ation of the documents necessary for the filing of those proceedings, which costs shall not exceed the amount prescribed in relation to that matter under rules made under the District Court Act 2016.

Compare: 1976 No 35 s 29

Section 43(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 43(3)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 43(4)(a): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 43(4)(b): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 43(4)(c): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 43(4)(e): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

44 Procedure where no provision made Subject to this Act and to any rules made under this Act, the Tribunal shall adopt such procedure as it thinks best suited to the ends of justice. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 30

Section 44: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Enforcement of orders

45 Enforcement of orders except work orders (1) Every order made by the Tribunal requiring a party to pay money or deliver

specific property to another party is taken to be an order of the District Court and, subject to this section, may be enforced accordingly.

(2) Where application is made to the District Court for the issue of any process to enforce an order provided for by section 19(3) (requiring a party to pay money to another as an alternative to compliance with a work order), the Registrar shall give notice of the application to the party against whom enforcement is sought.

(3) If that party does not file in the court, within the period prescribed for so doing, a notice of objection in the prescribed form, the order may, after the expiry of that period, be enforced pursuant to subsection (1).

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 3 s 47

(4) The notice referred to in subsection (3) may only be given on the ground that it is the belief of the party that the order of the Tribunal has been fully complied with and that that party therefore disputes the entitlement of the applicant to enforce it.

(5) If the party against whom enforcement is sought files the notice referred to in subsection (3) within the prescribed time, the Registrar shall refer the matter to the Tribunal to be heard and determined under section 46(2). Compare: 1976 No 35 s 31(1)–(5)

Section 45(1): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 45(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

46 Enforcement of work orders (1) Where—

(a) a party in whose favour a work order has been made considers that the work order has not been complied with by the other party; and

(b) that other party has not complied with the alternative money order provi- ded for by section 19(3),—

the party in whose favour the work order was made may, instead of applying to the District Court for the issue of a process for enforcement pursuant to section 45(1), lodge in the Tribunal a request in the prescribed form that the work order be enforced.

(2) Subsequent proceedings shall be taken on a request for enforcement under sub- section (1) and on a notice under section 45(5) as if such request or notice were a claim lodged under section 24; and upon the hearing of the matter the Tribu- nal may— (a) vary the work order, or make a further work order, or any other order

that is authorised by section 19: (b) grant leave to the party in whose favour the work order was made to en-

force the alternative money order provided for by section 19(3), or so much of that order as the Tribunal may allow, and either subject to or without compliance with the provisions of section 45(2):

(c) discharge any order previously made by the Tribunal. (3) After the expiration of 12 months from the date of a work order, it shall not be

enforced without the leave of the Tribunal. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 32

47 Enforcement of agreed settlements (1) Where a term of an agreed settlement approved by the Tribunal under section

18(3) provides for a party to pay money or deliver specific property to another

Reprinted as at Part 3 s 48 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

party, that term is taken to be an order of the District Court and, subject to this section, may be enforced accordingly.

(2) Where— (a) a term of an agreed settlement approved by the Tribunal under section

18(3) provides for a party to make good a defect in any property, or a deficiency in the performance of services, by doing such work or attend- ing to such matters (including the replacement of any property) as may be specified in the agreement; and

(b) a party who would benefit by the enforcement of that term considers that the term has not been complied with by the other party,—

the party who would benefit by the enforcement of the term may lodge in the Tribunal a request in the prescribed form for that term to be enforced.

(3) Subsequent proceedings shall be taken on a request for enforcement under sub- section (2) as if such request were a claim lodged under section 24; and upon the hearing of the matter the Tribunal may— (a) if the parties so agree, vary the term of the agreed settlement that is

sought to be enforced, or any other term of that settlement: (b) strike out the term of the agreed settlement that is sought to be enforced

and, subject to section 19(4), order the party against whom enforcement of the term is sought to pay money to the party seeking to enforce it.

Section 47(1): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 47(2)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

48 No filing fee payable Notwithstanding section 219 of the District Court Act 2016, no filing fee shall be payable by a person who, pursuant to section 45(1) or section 47(1), seeks to enforce an order or a term of an agreed settlement, but any fee that would otherwise be payable therefor shall be recoverable from the opposite party for the credit of a Crown Bank Account. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 31(6)

Section 48: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 48: amended, on 25 January 2005, pursuant to section 65R(3) of the Public Finance Act 1989 (1989 No 44).

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 4 s 49

Part 4 Rehearings and appeals

49 Rehearings (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Tribunal may, upon the application of a party to

any proceedings, order the rehearing of a claim, to be had upon such terms as it thinks fit.

(2) A rehearing may be ordered under subsection (1) only— (a) where an order has been made under section 18(8); or (b) where an order has been made under section 46(2) or section 47(3)(b), or

a term of an agreed settlement has been varied under section 47(3)(a), and, in all such cases, shall be limited to rehearing the enforcement pro- ceedings taken under those sections; or

(c) where an agreed settlement has been approved by the Tribunal under section 18(3) and, after the hearing, a party to the settlement discovers facts directly relevant to the dispute that could not, with reasonable dili- gence, have been obtained before the hearing and that, if known at the time, would have had a bearing on whether that party agreed to the settlement.

(3) Every application for a rehearing shall be made within 28 days after the Tribu- nal’s order (or, in the case of an agreed settlement, the Tribunal’s approval of the settlement or the variation of a term of that settlement under section 47(3)(a), as the case may require) or within such further time as the Tribunal may, on application, allow, and shall be served upon the other parties to the proceedings.

(4) Upon a rehearing being granted,— (a) the Registrar shall notify all parties to the proceedings of the making of

the order and of the time and place appointed for the rehearing; and (b) the order or approval or variation made or given by the Tribunal upon

the first hearing shall cease to have effect. (5) Notwithstanding subsection (4)(b), if the party on whose application a rehear-

ing is ordered does not appear at the time and place for the rehearing or at any time and place to which the rehearing is adjourned, the Tribunal may, without rehearing or further rehearing the claim, direct that the original order or appro- val or variation, as the case may be, be restored to full force and effect.

(6) This Act shall apply to a rehearing in all respects as it applies to an original hearing. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 33

Section 49(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Reprinted as at Part 4 s 50 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

Section 49(2)(c): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

50 Appeals (1) Any party to proceedings before the Tribunal may appeal to the District Court

against an order made by the Tribunal under section 18(8) or section 46(2) or section 47(3)(b), or against the approval by the Tribunal of an agreed settle- ment under section 18(3), or against the variation of a term of an agreed settle- ment under section 47(3)(a), on the grounds that— (a) the proceedings were conducted by the Referee; or (b) an inquiry was carried out by an Investigator— in a manner that was unfair to the appellant and prejudicially affected the result of the proceedings.

(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), a Referee shall be deemed to have conducted the proceedings in a manner that was unfair to the appellant and prejudicially affected the result if— (a) the Referee fails to have regard to any provision of any enactment that is

brought to the attention of the Referee at the hearing; and (b) as a result of that failure, the result of the proceedings is unfair to the

appellant. (3) An appeal shall be brought by a party by the filing of a notice of appeal, in the

prescribed form, in the District Court within 28 days of the making or giving of the order or approval or variation appealed against, or within such further time as a District Court Judge may, on application, allow.

(4) As soon as practicable after such notice of appeal has been filed, the Registrar shall lodge a copy of the notice in the Tribunal’s records relating to the pro- ceedings.

(5) The Registrar shall fix the time and place for the hearing of the appeal and shall notify the appellant.

(6) A copy of every notice of appeal together with a notice of the time and place for hearing the appeal shall be served by the Registrar on every other party to the proceedings before the Tribunal, and each such party may appear and be heard.

(7) The filing of a notice of appeal against an order or the approval of an agreed settlement or the variation of a term of an agreed settlement shall operate as a stay of any process for the enforcement of that order or that settlement or that variation, as the case may require, but the Tribunal may at any time, on the ap- plication of a party to the proceedings, order that any process may be resumed or commenced or, the process having been resumed or commenced, order that it be further stayed. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 34

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 4 s 53

Section 50(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 50(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

51 Referee or Investigator to furnish report (1) Within 28 days after the notice of appeal has been lodged in the Tribunal’s re-

cords under section 50(4), the Referee who heard the proceedings and, where applicable, the Investigator, shall furnish to the Registrar a report on the man- ner in which the proceedings were, or where applicable the inquiry was, con- ducted and the reasons therefor.

(2) A Referee shall keep a record of the proceedings of the Tribunal sufficient to enable that Referee, if required, to furnish a report under subsection (1), and an Investigator shall do likewise in relation to an inquiry conducted by that Inves- tigator.

(3) Where, for any reason, the Referee who heard the proceedings or, where ap- plicable, the Investigator, is unavailable to furnish the report, the report shall be compiled by the Registrar from such information as that Registrar is able to collect from the records of the Tribunal or otherwise.

(4) The Registrar shall ensure that a copy of the report furnished or compiled under subsection (1) or subsection (3) is made available to the appellant, and to every other party to the proceedings, a reasonable time before the hearing of the appeal. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 35

Section 51(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

52 Right of audience For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that section 107 of the District Court Act 2016 shall apply in respect of the hearing of every appeal under sec- tion 50. Section 52: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

53 Powers of District Court Judge on appeal (1) On the hearing of the appeal a District Court Judge may—

(a) quash the order or the approval or the variation, as the case may be, and order a rehearing of the claim in the Tribunal on such terms as the Judge thinks fit; or

(b) quash the order or the approval or the variation, as the case may be, and transfer the proceedings to the District Court for hearing; or

bunal such directions as the Judge thinks fit as to the conduct of the rehearing.

Reprinted as at Part 5 s 54 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

(3) An appeal under this section shall be heard by a District Court Judge in cham- bers and, subject to this Act and to any rules made under this Act, the proced- ure at any such hearing shall be such as the Judge may determine. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 36

Section 53(1)(b): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Part 5 Miscellaneous provisions

54 Want of form No proceedings of the Tribunal, or order or other document of the Tribunal shall be set aside or quashed for want of form. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 37

Section 54: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

55 Registrar to provide assistance A Registrar shall ensure that assistance is reasonably available, either from that Registrar himself or herself, or from that Registrar’s staff, to any person who seeks it in completing the forms required by this Act, or by any rules made under this Act, in relation to the lodging of a claim in the Tribunal, an applica- tion for a rehearing, an appeal against an order or approval or variation made or given by the Tribunal, or the enforcement of an order or an agreed settlement in the Tribunal or in the District Court. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 38

Section 55: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

56 Contempt of Tribunal (1) Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not ex-

ceeding $1,000 who— (a) wilfully assaults, insults, or obstructs a Referee, or any witness or any

officer of the Tribunal during a sitting of the Tribunal or while a Referee, a witness, or an officer is going to, or returning from, a sitting of the Tri- bunal; or

(b) wilfully assaults, insults, or obstructs any person in attendance at a sit- ting of the Tribunal; or

(d) wilfully and without lawful excuse disobeys any order or direction of the Tribunal (other than an order mentioned in section 18(3) or section 18(8) or section 46(2) or section 47(3)(b)) in the course of the hearing of any proceedings.

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 5 s 58

(2) A Referee may order the exclusion from a sitting of the Tribunal of any person whose behaviour, in the opinion of the Referee, constitutes an offence against subsection (1), whether or not such person is charged with the offence; and any Registrar, or officer under a Registrar’s control, or constable may take such steps as are reasonably necessary to enforce such exclusion. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 39

Section 56(1): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).

Section 56(1)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 56(1)(b): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 56(1)(c): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 56(1)(d): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 56(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

57 Publication of orders The Registrar shall cause to be published, in such manner as the Minister from time to time directs, such particulars relating to proceedings in the Tribunal as the Minister specifies in the direction. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 40

Section 57: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

58 Protection of Referees, Investigators, etc (1) A Referee, in the performance of his or her duties under this Act, shall have

and enjoy the same protection as a Justice of the Peace acting in his or her criminal jurisdiction has and enjoys under sections 4A to 4F of the Justices of the Peace Act 1957.

(2) For the avoidance of doubt as to the privileges and immunities of Referees, parties, representatives, and witnesses in the proceedings of the Tribunal it is hereby declared that such proceedings are judicial proceedings.

(3) The privileges and immunities referred to in subsection (2) shall extend and apply to— (a) the Tribunal acting under section 40(2); and (b) an Investigator acting under section 41; and (c) a person who gives information, or makes any statement, to the Investi-

gator or Tribunal on any such occasion. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 41; 1979 No 144 s 3

Section 58(1): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).

Reprinted as at Part 5 s 59 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

Section 58(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 58(3)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

59 Referee to be employee for accident compensation purposes A Referee, while acting as such, is an employee employed by the Crown for the purposes of the Injury Prevention, Rehabilatation, and Compensation Act 2001. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 42

Section 59: amended, on 1 April 2002, by section 337(1) of the Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Act 2001 (2001 No 49).

60 Rules (1) The Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council, make

rules— (a) regulating the practice and procedure of the Tribunal: (b) prescribing such things (including fees) as are required by this Act to be

prescribed: (c) prescribing such matters as are necessary for carrying out the provisions

of this Act. (2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), rules may be made providing

for the following: (a) the criteria and procedures for assessing candidates for recommendation

for appointment or reappointment as Principal Disputes Referee or as Referees:

(b) the keeping of records by the Tribunal and the form of such records: (c) the form of documents to be issued by the Tribunal and the sealing of

such documents: (d) the form and content of documents to be used by parties and intending

parties, and the service of documents and the giving of notices by such persons:

(e) the functions, powers, and duties of the Tribunal and Registrars in rela- tion to— (i) the service of documents and giving of notices: (ii) the enlargement of dates of hearing: (iii) the adjournment of proceedings: (iv) the reports of Investigators:

(f) the withdrawal and amendment of claims: (g) the summonsing of witnesses, and the payment of witnesses from public

funds or otherwise:

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 5 s 60

(ga) the giving of evidence to the Tribunal, including the giving of evidence from a distance (for example by video link or telephone conference):

(h) the commission of offences by, and punishment of, persons who refuse to give evidence or obey a summons to witness:

(i) the functions, powers, and duties of Investigators: (j) the costs that may be awarded under section 43: (k) the transfer of proceedings—

(i) from the District Court or the High Court to the Tribunal: (ii) from the Tribunal to the District Court or a Motor Vehicle Dis-

putes Tribunal referred to in section 36(3): (iii) from one office of the Tribunal to another:

(l) the removal of orders of, or agreed settlements approved by, the Tribunal into the District Court for enforcement:

(m) the searching of the records of the Tribunal. (3) Notwithstanding section 61, rules made under this section may make particular

provision for— (a) the giving of notices to, and service of documents on, the Crown; and (b) the length of the notice to be given to the Crown before proceedings to

which the Crown is a party may be heard. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 43

Section 60(1)(a): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 60(2)(a): amended, on 3 July 1998, by section 9 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 84).

Section 60(2)(b): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 60(2)(c): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 60(2)(e): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 60(2)(ga): inserted, on 30 March 1995, by section 2 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 1995 (1995 No 8).

Section 60(2)(ga): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 60(2)(k): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 60(2)(n( � replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 60(2)(m): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Reprinted as at Part 5 s 61 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

61 Crown Proceedings Act 1950 not restricted Nothing in this Act shall limit or restrict the operation of the Crown Proceed- ings Act 1950. Compare: 1976 No 35 s 44

Part 6 Amendments to other Acts

Amendments to Contracts (Privity) Act 1982 [Repealed]

Heading: repealed, on 19 December 2002, pursuant to section 7 of the Disputes Tribunals Amend- ment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

62 Interpretation [Repealed] Section 62: repealed, on 19 December 2002, by section 7 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

63 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals [Repealed] Section 63: repealed, on 19 December 2002, by section 7 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

Amendments to Contractual Mistakes Act 1977 [Repealed]

Heading: repealed, on 19 December 2002, pursuant to section 7 of the Disputes Tribunals Amend- ment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

64 Interpretation [Repealed] Section 64: repealed, on 19 December 2002, by section 7 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

65 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals [Repealed] Section 65: repealed, on 19 December 2002, by section 7 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

Amendments to Contractual Remedies Act 1979

66 Interpretation [Repealed] Section 66: repealed, on 19 December 2002, by section 7 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 6 s 74

67 Statements during negotiations for a contract Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

68 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals [Repealed] Section 68: repealed, on 19 December 2002, by section 7 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

Amendments to Credit Contracts Act 1981 [Repealed]

Heading: repealed, on 1 April 2005, by section 139 of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (2003 No 52).

69 Interpretation [Repealed] Section 69: repealed, on 1 April 2005, by section 139 of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (2003 No 52).

70 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals [Repealed] Section 70: repealed, on 5 March 1999, by section 3 of the Credit Contracts Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 2).

Amendments to Fencing Act 1978

71 Interpretation Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

72 Proceedings to be in accordance with District Courts Act 1947 Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

73 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

74 Rules Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

Reprinted as at Part 6 s 75 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

Amendments to Hire Purchase Act 1971 [Repealed]

Heading: repealed, on 1 April 2005, by section 139 of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (2003 No 52).

75 Interpretation [Repealed] Section 75: repealed, on 1 April 2005, by section 139 of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (2003 No 52).

76 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals [Repealed] Section 76: repealed, on 5 March 1999, by section 3(a) of the Hire Purchase Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 6).

Amendments to Illegal Contracts Act 1970 [Repealed]

Heading: repealed, on 19 December 2002, pursuant to section 7 of the Disputes Tribunals Amend- ment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

77 Interpretation [Repealed] Section 77: repealed, on 19 December 2002, by section 7 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

78 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals [Repealed] Section 78: repealed, on 19 December 2002, by section 7 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

Amendments to Minors’ Contracts Act 1969

79 Interpretation Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

80 Settlement of claims by minors Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

81 Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunals Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Part 7 s 84

Part 7 Repeals, consequential amendments, and transitional provisions

82 Repeals and consequential amendments (1) The following enactments are hereby repealed, namely:

(a) the Small Claims Tribunals Act 1976: (b) the Small Claims Tribunals Amendment Act 1979: (c) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s): (d) the Contractual Mistakes Amendment Act 1985: (e) the Contractual Remedies Amendment Act 1985: (f) the Hire Purchase Amendment Act 1985: (g) the Illegal Contracts Amendment Act 1985: (h) the Minors’ Contracts Amendment Act 1985: (i) the Small Claims Tribunals Amendment Act 1985.

(2) The enactments specified in Schedule 2 are hereby consequentially amended in the manner indicated in that schedule.

(3) The repeal by subsection (1) of sections 5 and 6 of, and the Schedule of, the District Courts Amendment Act 1982 shall not affect the validity of anything validated by those sections or that schedule.

83 References to Small Claims Tribunals, etc, deemed references to Disputes Tribunal Every reference to a Small Claims Tribunal in any enactment (other than an en- actment to which sections 62 to 81 apply or an enactment specified in Schedule 2) passed before the commencement of this section or in any document exe- cuted before that date, shall, after the commencement of this section, be deemed for all purposes to be a reference to the Disputes Tribunal established under this Act, and every reference to a Referee of a Small Claims Tribunal shall, after the commencement of this section, be deemed for all purposes to be a reference to a Referee of the Disputes Tribunal established under this Act. Section 83 heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Section 83: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

84 Transitional provisions (1) Every Small Claims Tribunal established under section 4 of the Small Claims

Tribunals Act 1976 before the commencement of this section shall, if that Tri- bunal was subsisting immediately before the commencement of this section, be deemed for all purposes to have been established as a Disputes Tribunal under this Act.

Reprinted as at Part 7 s 84 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

(2) Every person who, immediately before the commencement of this section, held office as a Referee pursuant to section 7 of the Small Claims Tribunals Act 1976 shall, without further appointment, be deemed as from the commence- ment of this section for all purposes to have been appointed as a Referee under this Act, and that person’s warrant of appointment shall be construed accord- ingly.

(3) All proceedings commenced under the Small Claims Tribunals Act 1976, and pending or in progress at the commencement of this section, may be continued, completed, and enforced under this Act.

(4) Any form that was printed, before the commencement of this section, in the form prescribed by or under, and for the purposes of, the Small Claims Tribu- nals Act 1976 may be used for the purposes of this Act after the commence- ment of this section, and it shall not be necessary, merely because of any of the provisions of this Act, to alter any printed material in any such form.

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Schedule 1

Schedule 1 Powers and jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal

s 10(1A), (2)

Schedule 1: substituted, on 19 December 2002, by section 8 of the Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 80).

Schedule 1 heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Part 1 Enactments under which Disputes Tribunal may exercise powers

Schedule 1 Part 1: replaced, on 1 September 2017, by section 347 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (2017 No 5).

Subparts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Part 2 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017

Part 2 Enactments that confer jurisdiction on Disputes Tribunal Schedule 1 Part 2 heading: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).

Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 Fair Trading Act 1986 Fencing Act 1978 Friendly Societies and Credit Unions Act 1982 Motor Vehicle Securities Act 1989 Subpart 6 of Part 2 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017

Schedule 1 Part 2: amended, on 1 September 2017, by section 347 of the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (2017 No 5).

Schedule 1 Part 2: amended, on 6 June 2015, by section 82 of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 33).

Schedule 1 Part 2: amended, on 1 April 2005, by section 139 of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (2003 No 52).

Reprinted as at Schedule 2 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

Schedule 2 Consequential amendments

Crown Proceedings Act 1950 (1950 No 54) (RS Vol 2, p 23) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

District Courts Act 1947 (1947 No 16) (RS Vol 5, p 1) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

Fair Trading Act 1986 (1986 No 121) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

Friendly Societies and Credit Unions Act 1982 (1982 No 118) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

Inferior Courts Procedure Act 1909 (1909 No 13) (RS Vol 3, p 13) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

Maori Language Act 1987 (1987 No 176) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

Oaths and Declarations Act 1957 (1957 No 88) (RS Vol 4, p 1) Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).

s 82(2)

Reprinted as at 1 September 2017 Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 Notes

Reprints notes

1 General This is a reprint of the Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 that incorporates all the amendments to that Act as at the date of the last amendment to it.

2 Legal status Reprints are presumed to correctly state, as at the date of the reprint, the law enacted by the principal enactment and by any amendments to that enactment. Section 18 of the Legislation Act 2012 provides that this reprint, published in electronic form, has the status of an official version under section 17 of that Act. A printed version of the reprint produced directly from this official elec- tronic version also has official status.

3 Editorial and format changes Editorial and format changes to reprints are made using the powers under sec- tions 24 to 26 of the Legislation Act 2012. See also http://www.pco.parlia- ment.govt.nz/editorial-conventions/.

4 Amendments incorporated in this reprint Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (2017 No 5): section 347

District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49): sections 257–261

Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Amendment Act 2014 (2014 No 33): section 82

Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 113)

Patents Act 2013 (2013 No 68): section 249

Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81): section 413

Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 37)

Disputes Tribunals (Prescribed Rate of Interest) Order 2011 (SR 2011/175): clause 4

Limitation Act 2010 (2010 No 110): section 58

Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2009 (2009 No 22)

Arbitration Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 94): section 11

Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (2003 No 52): section 139

Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003 (2003 No 12): section 145

Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 80)

Remuneration Authority (Members of Parliament) Amendment Act 2002 (2002 No 54): section 4(1)

Trade Marks Act 2002 (2002 No 49): section 201

Sentencing Act 2002 (2002 No 9): section 186

Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Act 2001 (2001 No 49): section 337(1)

Hire Purchase Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 6): section 3(a)

Credit Contracts Amendment Act 1999 (1999 No 2): section 3

Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 1998 (1998 No 84)

Department of Justice (Restructuring) Act 1995 (1995 No 39): section 3(1)(b)

Reprinted as at Notes Disputes Tribunal Act 1988 1 September 2017

Disputes Tribunals Amendment Act 1995 (1995 No 8)

Public Finance Act 1989 (1989 No 44): section 65R(3)

Wellington, New Zealand:

Published under the authority of the New Zealand Government—2017

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Disputes Tribunals Act 1988 (reprint as at 1 September 2017)