High Court of New Zealand

High Court of New Zealand
Te Kōti Matua o Aotearoa (Māori)
Established1841
JurisdictionNew Zealand New Zealand
LocationAuckland, Wellington, Christchurch and other main centres
Authorised bySenior Courts Act 2016
Appeals toCourt of Appeal
Appeals from Various tribunals
Number of positions39 judges and 7 associate judges
Websitehttp://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/
Chief High Court Judge of New Zealand
CurrentlyThe Hon Justice Sally Fitzgerald
Since2023

The High Court of New Zealand (Māori: Te Kōti Matua o Aotearoa) is the superior court of New Zealand. It has general jurisdiction and responsibility, under the Senior Courts Act 2016, as well as the High Court Rules 2016, for the administration of justice throughout New Zealand. There are 18 High Court locations throughout New Zealand, and one stand-alone registry.

The High Court was established in 1841.[1] It was originally called the "Supreme Court of New Zealand", but the name was changed in 1980[2] to make way for the naming of an eventual new Supreme Court of New Zealand.[3]

The High Court is a court of first instance for serious criminal cases such as homicide, civil claims exceeding $350,000 and certain other civil cases. In its appellate function, the High Court hears appeals from the District Court, other lower courts and various tribunals.

  1. ^ "Judicature Amendment Act 1979". New Zealand Legislation. 30 January 2018. Retrieved 8 May 2021.
  2. ^ "History and role – Courts of New Zealand". www.courtsofnz.govt.nz. Retrieved 25 January 2017.