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New Zealand Debt Collection Guide

Filing fees, claim limits, demand letter requirements, court process, service rules, and enforcement options for collecting money in New Zealand. Verify local court rules before filing.

Verified
Source checked: 2026-04-29
Official source
Court
Disputes Tribunal
Filing Fee
NZ$61-NZ$468, depending on amount claimed
Claim Limit
NZ$60,000 (approx $35,000 USD approx.)
Timeline
4-6 weeks

Filing Instructions

  1. 1File a claim at your local Disputes Tribunal
  2. 2Pay the filing fee
  3. 3Tribunal sends notice to the respondent
  4. 4Attend a hearing before a referee (not a judge)
  5. 5Referee makes a binding decision

Required Forms

  • - Disputes Tribunal Claim Form

Service Rules

Tribunal handles service by post.

Legal Basis

Disputes Tribunal Act 1988

Enforcement Options

  • - Enforcement through the District Court
  • - Attachment order (wages/bank)
  • - Warrant to seize property

Online Filing Portal

https://disputestribunal.govt.nz/forms-and-fees/

Important Notes

Lawyers are NOT allowed. Process is intentionally informal. Referee's decision is binding. Appeals only on points of law to the District Court. Filing fees and the upper limit changed in 2026, so use the current fee table before filing.

Start with a demand letter

Document the claim before escalating to a court or tribunal.

Start Your Case