Disputes Tribunal NZ: taking an unpaid invoice to claim (2026)

What is the Disputes Tribunal?

The Disputes Tribunal is New Zealand's fast, low-cost forum for resolving money disputes without a lawyer. For a tradie owed an unpaid invoice, it is usually the single most practical way to recover the debt - faster and cheaper than the District Court, and its decisions are legally binding and enforceable. The Tribunal helps you recover money you're owed; it's separate from covering yourself if a job goes wrong - see tradie insurance for that side.

This guide covers the claim limits, the step-by-step process, and the 6-year time limit you need to know before you file.

Claim limits and filing fees

The Disputes Tribunal can hear claims up to $60,000 (raised from $30,000, effective 24 January 2026). Both parties can agree in writing to raise the limit to $100,000 for a specific claim, though this is rare.

Filing fees (current, from January 2026):

For invoices above $60,000, the District Court is the appropriate venue - see our guide to your legal rights when chasing unpaid invoices.

The Disputes Tribunal process, step by step

1. File online. Apply at disputes.govt.nz or at any District Court registry. The online form takes about 20 minutes.
2. Gather your evidence. You'll need your invoice(s) and any contract or quote, proof the work was completed (photos, sign-off emails, completion messages), and a record of your attempts to collect (emails, call logs, written demands).
3. Get the respondent's details right. You need their full legal name and address - for a company, the registered name from the Companies Register at companiesoffice.govt.nz.
4. Wait for a hearing date. Hearings are usually scheduled 6-8 weeks after filing. Both parties are notified.
5. Attend the hearing. It's informal - no lawyers are allowed in most cases, and there are no formal rules of evidence. A trained referee hears both sides, asks questions, and usually decides on the day.
6. Get your order. If the respondent doesn't show up, the referee can still make an order in your favour.
7. Enforce if needed. If the client still doesn't pay, the order is enforceable through the District Court using a collections warrant - it's treated as a court judgment.

Before you file: what strengthens a claim

A well-documented claim is rarely successfully disputed. Bring:

• A signed contract or accepted quote (email acceptance counts)
• Photos or messages showing the work was completed
• Every follow-up: reminder emails, call records, your formal written demand
• A clear, itemised breakdown of what's owed

For the full recovery playbook before you get to this stage, see what to do when a client refuses to pay.

The 6-year limitation period

Under the Limitation Act 2010, you have 6 years from the date the debt became due to take legal action - including a Disputes Tribunal claim. The clock starts from the invoice's due date, not the invoice date, so a debt from 2-3 years ago is not automatically out of reach. That said, recovery rates fall sharply after 30-60 days, so don't wait to find out - file as soon as other collection attempts have failed.

Disputes Tribunal vs other options

• Construction Contracts Act adjudication - faster and can handle larger amounts, but only applies to construction-related work. See adjudication for unpaid invoices.
• District Court - required above $60,000, or where a claim needs a more formal process.
• A debt recovery agency or professional follow-up call - often resolves the debt before a claim is needed. See choosing a debt recovery agency.

FAQ

Do I need a lawyer for the Disputes Tribunal? No. It's specifically designed for self-represented parties, and lawyers aren't allowed to appear in most cases.

What if the other party doesn't show up to the hearing? The tribunal can still make a binding order in your favour based on the evidence you present.

Can I use the Disputes Tribunal against a company? Yes - against individuals, sole traders, or companies. You'll need the respondent's full legal name and address.

What happens if the client still doesn't pay after an order is made? You can enforce the order through the District Court, including a collections warrant, attachment of earnings, or a charging order over property.

Is there a cost if I lose? Costs are rarely awarded either way in the Disputes Tribunal - it's designed to be low-risk for both sides, unlike the District Court.

Sources

• Ministry of Justice - Disputes Tribunal jurisdiction
• Disputes Tribunal - forms and fees
• Limitation Act 2010

Update log

• 14 August 2026 - Guide first published.