The disputes tribunal is part of our justice system and allows for disputes of up to $15,000 to be settled. ( or up to $20,000 if both parties agree)
The process is well set out on the Ministry of Justice web site and covers How to make a claim,
The legislation which sets up the tribunal is found here
There are also many other sites which give support information such as Consumers , citizens advice ,
consumer affairs and community Law .
Disputes tribunals operate without lawyers but that does not mean that you have to go it alone . The Applicant faces the respondent , but often this does not mean that it is a level playing field . Frequently one party is far more astute with the workings of the tribunal than the other and because of this the court is misused.
Many insurance matters end up in Disputes tribunal and there have been instances where the matter has been found totally in favour of the applicant and compensation awarded against the respondent without the respondent even being aware that the matter was before the court.
One client found out only when he was served with enforcement papers to collect damages of some $15,000 for an incident he had no knowledge of.
Verisure was able to assist the client in stopping the enforcement while the matter was returned to court.
Never treat a matter going to Disputes tribunal as minor , make certain that you have all your facts right and that the other person has a valid claim or defence.
Evidence is essential as is going well prepared. Verisure offers a unique service where by we support you whether you are the claimant or respondent. If the matter can be settled outside the disputes tribunal we will certainly also assist with this but we will not support you in filing a claim if there are no grounds.
For a 15 minute consultation to see if we can help please call us 09 5201815
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