Hearing Process
What happens at a hearing of the Trans-Tasman Occupations Tribunal.
After receiving your application, the Trans-Tasman Occupations Tribunal may request a pre-hearing conference. This conference is used to set out the Tribunals expectations and explain the process for the hearing.
Time and location
The Tribunal will tell you the date, time, and place of your hearing. If you, one of your witnesses or your lawyer isn't available on this date, you need to let us know in writing immediately and provide a copy of the letter to the other parties.
If you don't let us know in advance that you would like to adjourn the hearing, you may be liable to pay costs.
Hearings before the Tribunal are formal and open to the public unless there is good reason for it being held in private.
Who attends a hearing
Participants at the hearing include the Tribunal members, you and your lawyer or agent (unless you are representing yourself), the other parties and their lawyer/s, and any witnesses.
What happens at the hearing
All parties will have the opportunity to present their case, present witnesses, ask questions and discuss anything that has been said.
The decision
The Tribunal will let you know its decision and reasons in writing after the hearing.
Appeals
If you are dissatisfied with the Tribunal's decision and believe it has made a legal error, you can appeal to the High Court. Your appeal must be filed within 20 working days after the Tribunal's decision is given.
