A Critique of the Draft Class Action Bill: More Legal Protection for Consurmers?

Abstract

This paper deals with the use of class actions in New Zealand. First, the origin and development of class actions will be outlined. Then this paper will briefly shed some light on the ongoing reform debate. Before looking at both the current New Zealand approach and the ongoing reform debate, this paper will identify the typical advantages and disadvantages of class actions. The comparative part deals with the German approach in relation to group proceedings. Finally, the paper concludes with welcoming the reform, but also suggesting some amendments.