How to make a claim

How to take a claim to the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal.

Before taking a claim to the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal it's a good idea to read Back on the Right Road (PDF, 1156 KB). It is important to note that this brochure is yet to be updated to reflect the increase in Jurisdictional amount ($50,000 to $100,000) and increase in filing fee amount ($50.00 to $51.11). It covers your consumer rights when buying a vehicle.

You may also find it useful to talk to your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Community Law Centre.

Be aware that costs might be awarded against you if the Tribunal thinks your claim is frivolous or vexatious.

Steps to making a claim

If after reading the guide you're satisfied that you have a legitimate claim against a trader, take the following steps:

Write to the trader and set out clearly what you want and why you believe you are entitled to ask them to provide it. Keep a copy of your letter to the trader.
If you don't get a satisfactory reply from the trader within a reasonable time, complete the Application Form (313 KB), sign and date it, and send it with the following documents to:

The Secretary
Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal
Private Bag 92020
Auckland 1142

What to include with your application

Send a cheque or money order for the $51.11 fee, made out to the Ministry of Justice. You also need to send copies of:

CIN card (Consumer Information Notice or window card displayed in the vehicle by the trader)
Vehicle Offer and Sale Agreement (the contract of sale)
clear handwritten or typed statement of what happened and what you did, in date order
a statement detailing what you want to be done to fix the problem
any report(s) you have on the condition of the vehicle
any invoices for work you had carried out on the vehicle
any finance agreement you signed to buy the vehicle.

Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal

Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal