The Disputes Tribunal is currently seeking expressions of interest for the role of Disputes Tribunal Referee in the Auckland region. The Disputes Tribunal is a division of the District Court. It hears a range of civil claims up to a value of $30,000.00. The jurisdiction is expected to rise to $60,000.00 upon the enactment of the Disputes Tribunal Amendment Bill. Disputes Tribunal claims cover a range of civil matters, including contract, commercial, consumer and property damage claims. For more information on the Tribunal and the role of a Referee see the latest Annual Report for 2024 available at: https://www.disputestribunal.govt.nz/disputes-tribunal-annual-reports/
Referees are appointed as judicial officers by warrant from the Governor- General on the advice of the Associate Minister of Justice. Most Referees begin by sitting between 2-4 days a week. This is flexible.
Referees conduct hearings either remotely or in a hearing room at the District Court. During the hearing, the Referee may facilitate a resolution, or if this is not possible, makes a decision on the matter. This decision is provided in writing and has the status of a District Court order. As a judicial officer working in a Tribunal setting, you would need to have strong legal and analytical abilities, hold relevant qualifications in law, mediation or arbitration, and enjoy working with people from all walks of life to help them resolve their differences. Full training is provided.
Successful candidates will show abilities in listening, assessing information, making decisions, relating to a wide variety of people, responding sensitively to cultural differences, expressing themselves clearly, and be able to engage in alternative ways of resolving disputes. A Referee also needs to show common sense and practical judgement and must be able to act with fairmindedness and impartiality. The criteria for assessment are set out in R38 of the Disputes Tribunal Rules 1989.
Referees are paid $960.00 per sitting day. To begin the application process, a person within the community needs to nominate you for the role. Nominations must be sent in writing or by email. A nomination must contain the name, address, telephone number and email address of both the nominator and the person being nominated. Once a nomination has been received, the person who is nominated will be sent an application pack with details relating to the position and how to apply for it.
Nominations are to be made to the Principal Disputes Referee, DX SX 11159, Wellington, or by email to disputestribunal@justice.govt.nz. Nominations must be received by this office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 31 October 2025. Late nominations are not able to be accepted.
