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Overview
The Supreme Court is the highest court in New Zealand.
Appeals to the Supreme Court can only be heard with the leave of the court. Leave to appeal is given where the court is satisfied that it is necessary in the interests of justice.
What the Supreme Court does
The Supreme Court is the highest court in New Zealand. It focuses on interpreting the law.
Usually those involved in the case can’t present new evidence in the Supreme Court. The court will make a decision based on evidence already presented in the lower courts.
The Supreme Court is located in Wellington and will usually hear appeals there. Its decisions are legally final because it is the highest court.
In general, the Supreme Court will only hear appeals coming from the Court of Appeal. The Court may however, in exceptional circumstances, give leave to appeal a decision of a lower court.
Appeals to the Supreme Court can be heard only with the leave of the court.
Civil matters
Some civil matters may go through supreme court. For example, if you have applied for restraining orders, non-contact orders and harmful digital communication orders.
Finding legal support
You can search for a lawyer on the New Zealand Law Society website by area of practice, such as criminal and civil litigation.
Find a lawyer through the New Zealand Law Society website(external link)
Alternatively, you may be able to get free legal help through Community Law.
Find out about their services on the Community Law website(external link)
Financial help for criminal matters
If you are a victim in a criminal case, you do not pay court fees. You may be able to get help with other costs linked to taking part in the court process.
There are different services that can offer financial help depending on the situation.
Find out about what financial may be available: