Dispute Tribunals: A "Rush to Justice" or Efficient Consumer Redress?

Abstract

This paper is concerned with consumer redress in New Zealand. It critically evaluates Disputes Tribunals, a forum for disputes involving small amounts of money, frequently used by consumers. It assesses the characteristics and efficiency of this special branch of jurisdiction from a consumer’s point of view. The author reveals deficiencies in the procedure currently in force and suggests how Disputes Tribunals could be improved to meet consumers’ needs as far as possible.