From 24 January 2026, the Disputes Tribunal’s jurisdiction doubled from $30,000 to $60,000, reshaping how many medium-sized disputes can be resolved. The change is intended to improve access to justice by allowing more claims to be heard in a forum that is typically faster, cheaper, and less formal than the District Court.

Under the previous limit, claimants with disputes valued between $30,000 and $60,000 often faced an unpalatable choice: pursue costly court proceedings or abandon part of their claim to fit within the Tribunal’s cap. The increased threshold removes that compromise and means many disputes that once required formal litigation can now be dealt with more pragmatically.

While the dollar limit has changed, the Tribunal’s approach has not. Hearings remain informal and inquisitorial, with an emphasis on achieving substantial fairness rather than applying strict legal rules. Lawyers still cannot appear at hearings, although parties are entitled to seek legal advice beforehand, and appeal rights remain narrow.

For businesses, this flexibility can be both a benefit and a concern. Higher-value disputes are now being decided in a forum without formal discovery, where referees are not always legally trained and outcomes can be less predictable than in the District Court. For claims approaching $60,000, these risks can be commercially significant.

It is also important to note that claims filed before 24 January 2026 under the old $30,000 limit cannot be amended or refiled to take advantage of the higher threshold.

As the Tribunal begins to deal with larger disputes, preparation becomes critical. Clear evidence, well-structured submissions, and a coherent narrative can make a decisive difference. Businesses involved in disputes of up to $60,000 may benefit from obtaining legal advice before lodging a claim or response, to identify risks and avoid costly mistakes.

If you are involved in a dispute of up to $60,000 and need assistance preparing for the Disputes Tribunal, Smith and Partners can help.

For tailored advice, contact Nathan Tetzlaff 

P: 09 837 6886 or E: nathan.tetzlaff@smithpartners.co.nz