Procedure in the Employment Court is governed by the Employment Court Regulations 2000, in some situations by the High Court Rules 2016 and the District Court Act 2016, and/or by the Practice Directions issued from time to time by the Court.

Practice directions

The following are the current Practice Directions:

Employment Court Practice Directions [PDF, 555 KB]

Employment Court Practice Directions (Mahi Aronga) [PDF, 424 KB]

The latest date of revision was 1 June 2023, to Directions numbered: Front title; 1: Front Sheets; 2: Applications to and communications with the Court; 3: Provision of copies of authorities; 4: Final submissions at hearing; 7: Applications to extend time to file documents; 8: Search and freezing orders; 10: Statements of defence to amended statements of claim; 11: Challenges to costs determinations; 13: Presence of observers at telephone or video conference hearings; 14: Prosecutions for offences under Employment Relations Authority 2000; 16: Non-publication orders; New 17: Te Reo Māori and karakia; 18: Costs – Guideline Scale.

If you want to see the previous practice directions ask the registrar by telephone or email.  Find the contact details on our page Contact and find us.

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Legislation and rules

The following pieces of legislation may also be useful.

General

Health and safety

Pay and wages

Leave

Human rights

Other

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The last date of revision was 14 December 2018, to Directions numbered:

5: Electronic Filing;

7: Applications to Extend Time to File Documents;

8: Search and Freezing Orders;

11: Amended Challenges Incorporating Costs Determinations;

14: Prosecutions for Offences Under Employment Relations Act 2000; and

15: Sealed Judgments and Certificates of Judgment for Appeals and Other Purposes.

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