• New Zealand Regions
      • Hawke's Bay
      • Bay of Plenty
      • Waikato
      • Whanganui
      • Manawatu
      • Northland
      • Auckland
      • Gisborne
      • Taranaki
      • Wellington
      • West Coast
      • Nelson
      • Canterbury
      • Otago
      • Marlborough
      • Southland
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      Hawke's Bay

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      Beaches, wineries and Art Deco. The Hawke's Bay has a diverse economy, including business services that support its sectors to be the second largest contributor to regional GDP in the country. A popular tourist destination, the region has some of the countries best restaurants as well as stunning scenery, markets and festivals.

      Districts

      HastingsNapier

      Bay of Plenty

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      The Bay of Plenty is officially New Zealand's sunniest destination, enjoying short-lived winters and long summer days. The Region offers some of the country's most spectacular views and many ways to enjoy the pristine scenery and natural wonders. Visitors also enjoy exploring the Bay's Māori heritage and pre-European roots.

      Districts

      OpotikiOpotiki iSiteKawerauWhakatane

      Waikato

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      The Waikato is known for its rolling plains, fertile land and the mighty Waikato River. The region is the fourth largest regional economy in New Zealand, with a strong focus on primary production and associated manufacturing.

      Districts

      South WaikatoWaikato District

      Whanganui

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      Welcome to Whanganui. This is our place; where history is full of stories, legends and rich legacy. Where a thriving arts scene, creativity and evolving culture inspire our modern lives. Where breath-taking natural landscapes capture imaginations at every turn.

      Manawatu

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      Located in the lower North Island, Manawatu is heartland New Zealand, offering an authentic Kiwi experience.

      The main in the region are Palmerston North, most notable for Massey University. Palmerston has a vibrant, arts and culture scene.

      The region's economy is based on food production and processing, research and education. The region is also home for the New Zealand defence force.

      Northland

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      Northland was originally home to some of our country's first human inhabitants. Today, it is one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand and home to nearly 189,000 people. Rich in culture and history, the region boasts a stunning natural environment.

      Auckland

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      Auckland Region stretches from the the beaches of the Pacific Ocean in the east to the expansive beaches of the rugged west coast of the Tasman Sea. Auckland City, the largest urban area in New Zealand is considered the main economic center of New Zealand and a popular destination for international students and travellers.

      Gisborne

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      Gisborne is a Region on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It's known for wineries and surf beaches such as Makorori. The region has maintained a strong Maori heritage. The region's economy is made up mainly of agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

      Taranaki

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      Taranaki is a coastal and mountainous region on the western side of New Zealand's North Island. Its landscape is dominated by Mount Taranaki, its namesake volcano, which lies within the rainforested Egmont National Park.

      The port city of New Plymouth is the area's cultural and commercial hub. Taranaki's economy is diverse and includes dairy, oil and gas. The region is the highest contributor or national GDP per capita. 

      Wellington

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      The Wellington Region covers Wellington city in the south, Upper and Lower Hutt valleys to the north-east, and Porirua to the north-west. The region takes its name from Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.

      Wellington is famous for its arts and culture scene and is also the centre of New Zealand's film industry.

      West Coast

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      The West Coast, or as some locals call it, the "Wild West", is a long thin region that runs down the South Island's west coast.

      The region has the lowest population in all of New Zealand. It is famous for its rugged natural scenery such as the Pancake Rocks, the Blue Pools of Haast, and the glaciers.

      The main industries in the region are dairy farming and mining. Tourism also plays an important role.

      Nelson – Tasman

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      Nelson Tasman is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape. With one in five people internationally born, Nelson Tasman has 48 different cultures living in its environs.

      The region prides its self on being New Zealand’s leading Research and Development areas, with the highest proportion of people working in the research, science and tech sectors out of anywhere in New Zealand.

      Canterbury

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      Canterbury is a region on New Zealand’s South Island marked by grassy plains, clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. Its largest city, Christchurch, is famed for its art scene and green spaces.

      Otago

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      There are few places in the world which will leave you with a lasting sense of difference. Central Otago is undoubtedly one of them from its landscapes, its seasons, its people, its products and experiences.

      Marlborough

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      Marlborough Region is on the north-eastern corner of the South Island. The region is well known for its winemaking industry, and the Marlborough Sounds, an extensive network of coastal waterways, peninsulas and islands.

      Apart from the wine industry, aquaculture, agriculture and tourism play an important role in the local economy.

      Southland

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      Southland is New Zealand’s most southerly region and includes the World Heritage ranked Fiordland National Park.

      The region's only city Invercargill offers a relaxed pace of life with wide streets, little traffic, spacious parks and gardens, striking Victorian and Edwardian architecture and impressive sporting facilities including New Zealand’s first indoor velodrome. Southland's location is such that views of Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights are common.

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Going to Court

Whether you are just supporting a loved one, giving evidence or defending yourself in court, it will almost always be a stressful time. It’s important to know what to expect when going to court in New Zealand, so you feel as prepared as possible and less anxious about the ordeal.

 

General Rules
Here are some general rules to remember when attending court.

  • A court in New Zealand is a very formal place. You should dress in dark, smart clothing such as a suit and tie or equivalent. Don’t wear a hat or sunglasses.
  • Don’t use your phone. Keep mobile phones on silent, do not film or take pictures whilst in court.
  • Be there on time. It’s better to arrive early and wait around than to jeopardise your case by being late
  • Don’t eat or drink in the courtroom.
  • Stand for the judge. It is customary for the people in court to stand and be silent for the arrival and departure of the judge as a sign of respect. You also must stand if the judge is directly addressing you.
  • Speak slowly and clearly*. What you say in court is an important part of the legal process. To avoid any mistakes, make sure to slow down your speaking and don’t be afraid to spell out your name if mistakes are possible.
  • Do not swear.
  • Do not talk when a witness is giving evidence.
  • Use formal titles. The judge should be referred to as Sir, Ma’am or Your Honour. Other individuals may be referred to as “Mr” or “Ms” and their surname.
  • Bring documents and copies if required. Legal proceeding require lots of paperwork, make sure you have any documents that the court requires. Bring extra copies if necessary.

*Court proceedings in New Zealand are usually conducted in English. If English is not your first language and you feel as though you need an interpreter to help you communicate your statements in court, you must fill out a ‘request for interpreter’ form. Submit the form to the court that you will be attending in advance of the hearing.

 

Self-Representation at Court
When you arrive at the court, you will have to go through security. If you are unsure of where to go after this, you can ask a member of staff at the court for directions. When in the courtroom, you may be required to swear an oath or affirmation, this is your pledge to tell the truth. After the proceedings are finished, the staff can help you with the next steps, but they cannot give you legal advice. Legal advice should only be sought from your lawyer or from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
You do not need a lawyer to represent you in court, you can opt to represent yourself if necessary. However, properly representing yourself in court will take lots of research, preparation and management over a long period of time. Most cases can take several months to resolve, but some cases can take years. Even if you win your case and are entitled to compensation, the time and money spent on self-representation will not be covered in the court costs.
Before you consider self-representation, it is usually a good idea to seek free legal advice from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau or Community Law as they can help you move in the right direction. If you want a lawyer but can’t afford one, you may be entitled to legal aid.

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