11 Sep 2009

New process to simplify hearings of civil disputes

4:06 pm on 11 September 2009

Changes are being made to the process around civil disputes to make them more straightforward.

Courts Minister Georgina Te Heu Heu says disputing parties will be encouraged to sort out matters before a trial, including information about the facts of the claim and the remedies sought or offered.

Mrs Te Heu Heu says this will simplify the process and may result in early settlement of claims.

She says the new approach and simplified forms in "plain English" are likely to result in more civil dispute applications being filed.

The new rules will take effect on 1 November.