Page 12 Advertisement 1

Tu Tangata, Issue 7, 1 August 1982, Page 12

Small Claims Tribunals & £ Do you feel it’s not worth the time and money to take a small dispute to court? Are you frustrated because you haven’t been able to put it right yourself? r 0 fy] W The Small Claims Tribunal could be just what you are looking for. A quick and private way to settle small disputes you can’t solve yourself. • It’s cheap—just $5.00 to lodge your claim • It’s informal—no lawyers • Just you, the other party in the dispute and an independent Referee What kind of disputes? Disputes can be over many things, for instance, faulty goods, poor repair jobs, landlord-tenant disagreements, or layby funds. You can make a claim for up to SSOO. The Tribunal may appoint someone (not a lawyer) to represent children or people with a special disability. justice Department of Justice NEW ZEALAND What happens? You file a claim and the Tribunal will inform you of the time and place of the hearing. You and the other party sit with the Referee and try to come to an agreement. If you can’t the Referee makes a decision, called an order, that binds both parties. The Referee may make some more inquiries before coming to a decision. Orders vary according to the situation—from a money award, a replacement or repairs, all up to the value of SSOO, to no action at all. More information? Pick up a leaflet on Small Claims Tribunals from your District Court or Community Advice Bureau. The Registrar of the District Court or his deputy will advise you whether your case can be heard by the Small Claims Tribunals. Take details with you when you visit the court. Phone your District Court at Auckland, Otahuhu, North Shore, Henderson, Hamilton, Gisborne, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Palm. North, Lower Hutt, / Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill. 7883