The Disputes Tribunal is currently seeking expressions of interest for the role of Disputes Tribunal Referee in Tauranga, Christchurch, Whangārei and Rotorua. 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. Most of our disputes involve contract and consumer issues, but we also deal with other civil matters, such as car accidents, or claims in negligence causing damage to property. Referees are appointed as judicial officers by warrant from the Governor General on the advice of the Associate Minister of Justice. The role is part-time, and generally involves 2-4 days a week of hearings, depending on preference and cases on hand.

Referees conduct hearings which take place either remotely or in a hearing room at the District Court.
During the hearing, the Referee assesses whether the parties can come to an agreement about their 
dispute. If not, the Referee makes a decision on the matter. This decision is provided in writing, with
reasons, 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. If you are new to the role, 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 currently paid $940.00 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, Ph: (04) 474 1568, or email disputestribunal@justice.govt.nz. Nominations must be received by this office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 4th July 2025. Late nominations are not able to be accepted.