Legal matters for Australians in New Zealand

Access to Judicial Process

Generally, the residency and/or citizenship qualifications of parties to a judicial process are not relevant. The jurisdiction of the court or tribunal is determined by the legislation being cited and this usually relates to where (in New Zealand or not) the act has taken place.

Divorce proceedings instigated according to local New Zealand law between people married in Australia will be recognised as legal in New Zealand, and vice-versa.

For further information on legal matters contact:

New Zealand Law Society

Law Society Building
26 Waring Taylor Street
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND

Mailing Address:
PO Box 5041
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND

Telephone: +64 - (0)4 - 472 7837
Facsimile: +64 - (0)4 - 473 7909
Website: www.lawsoc.org.nz

Community Law Centres around New Zealand can also provide basic legal advice and can sometimes represent those who cannot access those services through conventional law firms. For further information check the ( New Zealand Yellow Pages).

Eligibility for Legal Aid

Australian citizens and permanent residents living in New Zealand are eligible for legal aid in respect of New Zealand proceedings but, like New Zealanders, are subject to means and merit tests.

In the case of criminal proceedings, approval for legal aid is through the Registrar or Deputy Registrar of the Court where the matter is being held. In other proceedings (such as civil matters), the application is made through a solicitor and handled by the nearest Legal Services Agency branch office.

For further information contact:

Legal Services Agency

BDS House
86-90 Lambton Quay
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND

Mailing Address:
PO Box 5333
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND

Telephone: +64 - (0)4 - 495 5910
Facsimile: +64 - (0)4 - 495 5912
Website: www.lsa.govt.nz