High Court Rules 2016

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Version as at 7 April 2022

High Court Rules 2016

(LI 2016/225)

Note

The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.

Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.

These rules are administered by the Ministry of Justice.

These rules—

(a)

are deemed to form part of the Senior Courts Act 2016 under section 147 of that Act; but

(b)

are published as the High Court Rules 2016, as if they were a legislative instrument within the meaning of the Legislation Act 2012, under section 154 of the Senior Courts Act 2016.

	Part 1 Rules of general application
	Subpart 1—Objective and interpretation
1.1	Title
1.2	Objective
1.3	Interpretation
	Subpart 2—Application and compliance
1.4	Application
1.4A	Transitional, savings, and related provisions
1.5	Non-compliance with rules
1.6	Cases not provided for
1.7	Oral applications for relief
1.8	Consent instead of leave of court
1.9	Amendment of defects and errors
1.10	Security
	Subpart 3—Use of Māori language, translations, and sign language
1.11	Speaking in Māori
1.12	Translation of documents into te reo Māori
1.13	Failure to give notice
1.14	Translation may be ordered by court
1.15	Affidavit in language other than English
1.16	Sign language
	Subpart 4—Time
1.17	Calculating periods of time
1.18	When time expires when court registry is closed
1.19	Extending and shortening time
	Subpart 5—Lawyers’ obligations
1.20	Lawyers’ duties
	Subpart 6—Forms
1.21	Variation of forms
	Subpart 7—International co-operation
1.22	Communication with foreign court
	Part 2 Jurisdiction and powers of Associate Judges and Registrars
	Subpart 1—Associate Judges
2.1	Jurisdiction and powers
2.2	Interim order on transfer of proceeding
2.3	Review of decision [Revoked]
2.4	Appeal to Court of Appeal [Revoked]
	Subpart 2—Registrars
2.5	Registrars’ jurisdiction and powers relating to interlocutory applications
2.6	Additional jurisdiction for certain Registrars
2.7	Limits on jurisdiction
2.8	Powers ancillary to jurisdiction
2.9	Jurisdiction in other registries
2.10	Form of order
2.11	Review of Registrar’s decision
	Part 3 Court administration
	Subpart 1—Registry hours and court holidays
3.1	Registry hours
3.2	Court holidays
3.3	Sitting on court holidays
3.3A	Vacations
	Subpart 1A—Emergencies
3.3B	Emergencies
3.4	Closure of court or registries in emergencies
	Ensuring hearings can proceed with remote participation
3.4A	Judge may direct form of participation in hearings and at trials
	Subpart 2—Access to court documents [Revoked]
3.5	Interpretation [Revoked]
3.6	Application [Revoked]
3.7	General right of access to formal court record and certain applications under Administration Act 1969 [Revoked]
3.8	Right of parties to access court file or documents [Revoked]
3.9	Access to documents during substantive hearing stage [Revoked]
3.10	Meaning of relevant deadline in rule 3.9 [Revoked]
3.11	Access to court files, documents, and formal court record in other cases [Revoked]
3.12	Restrictions on access [Revoked]
3.13	Applications for permission to access documents, court file, or formal court record other than at hearing stage [Revoked]
3.14	Decisions on applications under rule 3.13 [Revoked]
3.15	Review of decisions by Registrar [Revoked]
3.16	Matters to be taken into account [Revoked]
	Subpart 3—Investment of funds in court
3.17	Application for order
3.18	Powers of court in relation to application
3.19	Disposal of securities and income
	Part 4 Parties
	Subpart 1—Limit on parties
4.1	Limit on parties
	Subpart 2—Plaintiffs
4.2	Plaintiffs
	Subpart 3—Defendants
4.3	Defendants
	Subpart 4—Third, fourth, and subsequent parties
4.4	Third parties
4.5	Fourth parties
4.6	Subsequent parties
4.7	Status of third, fourth, and subsequent parties
4.8	Court’s power and discretion
4.9	Application of third party notice rules to fourth and subsequent party notices
4.10	Requirements of third party notice
4.11	Filing of third party notice
4.12	Service on third party
4.13	Service on plaintiff
4.14	Filing and service of statement of defence
4.15	Service of application for leave
4.16	Setting aside third party notice
4.17	Default in filing statement of defence
	Subpart 5—Claims between defendants
4.18	Right to give notice
4.19	Statement of claim to be filed and served
4.20	Statement of defence
4.21	Form of notice
4.22	Effect of omission to give notice
	Subpart 6—Impact of certain capacities
4.23	Trustees, executors, and administrators
4.24	Persons having same interest
4.25	Partners
4.26	Person trading as firm
4.27	Representation by other persons
4.28	Relators
	Subpart 7—Incapacitated persons
4.29	Incapacitated person, litigation guardian, and minor defined
4.30	Incapacitated person must be represented by litigation guardian
4.31	Minor must be represented by litigation guardian
4.32	Minor may apply to conduct proceeding without litigation guardian
4.33	Application of rules 4.34 to 4.46 to minors
4.34	Court may set aside step in proceeding
4.35	Appointment of litigation guardian
4.36	Application to be served on person for whom litigation guardian is to be appointed
4.37	Notification of appointment
4.38	Powers of litigation guardian
4.39	Heading on documents when incapacitated person is represented
4.40	Service of documents
4.41	Representation to be disregarded in making award of costs
4.42	Award of costs enforceable against incapacitated person or litigation guardian
4.43	Liability of former litigation guardian for costs subsequently awarded against incapacitated person
4.44	Compliance with liability order
4.45	Litigation guardian may be reimbursed for costs out of property of incapacitated person
4.46	Retirement, removal, or death of litigation guardian
4.47	Procedure when person ceases to be incapacitated person
4.48	Procedure when minor attains full age
	Subpart 8—Change of parties by death, bankruptcy, or devolution
4.49	Proceeding not to come to end
4.50	Procedure on death, bankruptcy, and devolution
4.51	Devolution when proceeding pending
4.52	New parties order
4.53	Discharge or variation of new parties order
	Subpart 9—Adjusting parties
4.54	Change of name
4.55	Parties wrongly joined
4.56	Striking out and adding parties
	Subpart 10—Interpleader
4.57	Interpretation
4.58	Right to interplead
4.59	Form of application
4.60	Affidavit in support
4.61	Time for applying
4.62	Claimants to file affidavits
4.63	Powers of court
4.64	Costs of applicant
	Part 5 Commencement of proceedings and filing of documents
	Subpart 1—Proper registry of court
5.1	Identification of proper registry
5.1A	Filing generally
5.1B	When documents filed
	Subpart 2—Formal requirements for documents
5.2	Non-complying documents
5.3	Paper
5.4	Contents to be typed, etc
5.5	Margin
5.6	Signature to be original [Revoked]
5.7	Cover sheet, numbering, and fastening of document
5.8	Description of document
5.9	Heading generally
5.10	Format of cover sheet
	Subpart 3—Heading of court documents
5.11	Heading on statement of claim and counterclaim
5.12	Heading on judgment and certain orders
5.13	Heading on other documents
5.14	Division into paragraphs
5.15	Numbers
5.16	Information at foot of cover sheet
	Subpart 4—Pleadings generally
5.17	Distinct matters to be stated separately
5.18	Denial of representative character
5.19	Denial of contract
5.20	Effect of document to be stated
5.21	Notice requiring further particulars or more explicit pleading
	Subpart 5—Notice of proceeding
5.22	Notice of proceeding to be filed with statement of claim
5.23	Requirements as to notice of proceeding
5.24	When not necessary to file notice of proceeding
	Subpart 6—Statement of claim
5.25	Proceeding commenced by filing statement of claim
5.26	Statement of claim to show nature of claim
5.27	Statement of claim to specify relief sought
5.28	Inclusion of several causes of action
5.29	Joint plaintiffs
5.30	Joining claims by or against spouses or partners
5.31	Specifying relief sought
5.32	Amount of money claim
5.33	Special damages
5.34	Set-off
5.35	Representative capacity of party
	Striking out proceeding before service
5.35A	Registrar may refer plainly abusive proceeding to Judge before service
5.35B	Judge’s powers to make orders and give directions before service
5.35C	Requirement for signature and release of proceeding in certain circumstances
	Subpart 7—Authority of solicitors to act
5.36	Authority to file documents
5.36A	Authority of certain Australian solicitors in certain trans-Tasman proceedings
5.37	Solicitor’s warranty as to authorisation to file documents
5.38	Solicitor on record
5.39	Authority to sign documents
5.40	Change of representation or address for service
5.41	Withdrawal of solicitor who has ceased to act for party
5.42	Address for service of party whose solicitor has ceased to act
5.43	Solicitors to inform clients of orders or directions
	Subpart 8—Memorandum on first document
5.44	Memorandum at end of first document filed by party
	Subpart 9—Security for costs
5.45	Order for security of costs
5.46	Solicitor not to be surety
	Subpart 10—Statement of defence and appearance
5.47	Filing and service of statement of defence
5.48	Requirements of statement of defence
5.49	Appearance and objection to jurisdiction
5.50	Appearance for ancillary purposes
5.51	Appearance reserving rights
5.52	Forms
	Subpart 11—Counterclaims
5.53	Counterclaim against plaintiff only
5.54	Heading of counterclaim
5.55	Filing and service
5.56	Defence to counterclaim
5.57	Counterclaim against plaintiff and another person
5.58	Place of trial of counterclaim
5.59	Status of counterclaim if proceeding stayed
5.60	Counterclaim by counterclaim defendant
5.61	Restriction when the Crown involved
	Subpart 12—Reply
5.62	Duty to file and serve reply
5.63	Contents of reply
	Subpart 13—Proceedings and actions transferred from District Court
5.64	Application of rules
5.65	Documents to be filed in proper registry
5.66	On filing treated as proceeding
5.67	Title of documents
5.68	Time for filing statement of defence
5.69	Transfer under section 91 of District Court Act 2016
	Subpart 14—Service of statement of claim and notice of proceeding
5.70	Service generally
5.71	Personal service required
5.72	Prompt service required
5.73	Extension of time for service
5.73A	Notice of service to Registrar
	Subpart 15—Registration of users for e-filing purposes [Revoked]
5.74	Interpretation [Revoked]
5.75	Registration procedure [Revoked]
5.76	Effect of registration [Revoked]
5.77	Renewal of registration [Revoked]
	Subpart 16—E-filing documents [Revoked]
5.78	Requirements for e-filing [Revoked]
5.79	Provisional filing [Revoked]
5.80	Acceptance of provisionally filed documents [Revoked]
5.81	Affidavits and formal undertakings [Revoked]
	Part 6 Service
	Subpart 1—Methods and proof of service
6.1	Methods of service
6.1A	Power to limit acceptable methods of service in emergency
6.2	Service of copies
6.3	Notices
6.4	Personal service on spouses or partners
6.5	Service at address for service
6.6	Service by means of post office box, document exchange, fax, or email
6.7	Service under agreement
6.8	Substituted service
6.9	Notices to be given by Registrar
6.10	Proof of service
6.11	Personal service
	Subpart 2—Corporations, partners, attorneys, and agents
6.12	Personal service on New Zealand corporations
6.13	Personal service in New Zealand on foreign corporations
6.13A	Personal service on Australian corporations, partnerships, and attorneys
6.13B	Personal service in Australia on foreign corporations
6.14	Personal service on unincorporated societies
6.15	Personal service on partnership or apparent partnership
6.16	Personal service on attorney or agent of absentee
6.17	Service on representatives
6.18	Service on solicitor
6.19	Service of statement of claim on certain days void
6.20	Failure to give address for service
	Subpart 3—Foreign process
6.21	Service of foreign process
6.22	Sheriff to effect service
6.23	Method of service
6.24	Return as to service
6.25	Certification
6.26	Sealing and transmission of certificate
	Subpart 4—Service out of New Zealand
6.27	When allowed without leave
6.28	When allowed with leave
6.29	Court’s discretion whether to assume jurisdiction
6.30	Service of other documents outside New Zealand
6.31	Notice to defendant served outside New Zealand
6.32	Service outside New Zealand
6.33	Service through official channels
6.34	Service in convention countries
6.35	Time for filing defence
6.36	Subpart does not apply to service in Australia of documents for or in certain trans-Tasman proceedings
	Part 7 Case management, interlocutory applications, and interim relief
	Subpart 1—Case management
7.1AA	Outline of case management procedures for different types of proceedings
7.1	Proceedings subject of case management
7.2	Case management conferences generally
7.3	First case management review
7.3A	First case management conference
7.4	Further case management conferences
7.5	Issues conferences
7.6	Allocation of key dates
7.7	Steps after close of pleadings date restricted
7.8	Pre-trial conferences
7.9	Cancellation of conference
7.10	Limitation of right of appeal
7.11	Timetable and monitoring obligations
7.12	Lists of proceedings
7.13	Registrar’s functions in relation to hearing dates
7.14	Case management conferences for appeals
7.15	Directions for conduct of appeal
7.16	Jury notice
7.17	Case management conferences for proceedings under Part 30
7.18	No steps after setting down date without leave [Revoked]
	Subpart 2—Interlocutory applications and interlocutory orders
7.19	Contents, form, and filing of interlocutory application
7.20	Affidavit to be filed with application
7.21	Filing by post
7.22	Service of application and supporting affidavit
7.23	Application without notice
7.24	Notice of opposition to application
7.25	Affidavit to be filed with notice of opposition
7.26	Affidavit in reply
7.27	Evidence normally given by affidavit
7.28	Cross-examination of maker of affidavit
7.29	Rules governing affidavits
7.30	Statements of belief in affidavits
7.31	When admissions binding
7.32	Previous affidavits and agreed statements of fact
7.33	Allocation of hearing date
7.34	Mode of hearing
7.35	Publication about hearing in chambers
7.36	Application for summary judgment to be heard in open court
7.37	No hearing required if respondents consent or do not oppose
7.38	Respondent who consents, or who does not oppose, need not attend hearing
7.39	Synopsis of argument
7.40	Failure to attend
7.41	Certain applications may be made orally at hearing
7.42	Adjournment
7.42A	Judge’s powers to make orders and give directions on interlocutory applications
7.43	Making of interlocutory orders
7.43A	Directions as to conduct of proceedings
7.44	Power to grant interlocutory order or interlocutory relief
7.45	Interlocutory orders may be made subject to conditions
7.46	Determination of application without notice
7.47	Drawing up and sealing interlocutory order
7.48	Enforcement of interlocutory order
7.49	Order may be varied or rescinded if shown to be wrong
7.50	Order relating to management of proceeding may be varied if circumstances change
7.51	Order may be rescinded if fraudulently or improperly obtained
7.52	Limitation as to second interlocutory application
	Subpart 3—Interim relief
7.53	Application for injunction
7.54	Undertaking as to damages
7.55	Preservation of property
7.56	Sale of perishable property before hearing
7.57	Order to transfer part of property to person with interest in property
7.58	Interim payment of income to person with interest in income
	Subpart 4—Receivers
7.59	Application
7.60	Address for service
7.61	Receiver must give security
7.62	Remuneration of receiver
7.63	Accounts of receiver
7.64	Examination of accounts
7.65	Default by receiver
7.66	Powers of receiver
7.67	Accounts on death of receiver
	Subpart 5—Interim payments
7.68	Interpretation
7.69	Application for interim payment
7.70	Order for interim payment in respect of damages
7.71	Order for interim payment in respect of sums other than damages
7.72	Method of payment
7.73	Directions on interim payment application
7.74	Non-disclosure of interim payment
7.75	Adjustment on final judgment or order or on discontinuance
7.76	Counterclaims and other proceedings
	Subpart 6—Amendment of pleading
7.77	Filing of amended pleading
	Subpart 7—Recovery of specific property subject to lien
7.78	Recovery of specific property subject to lien or other security
	Subpart 8—Negotiations for settlement
7.79	Court may assist in negotiating for settlement
7.80	Arbitration by consent
	Subpart 9—Interim relief in respect of overseas proceedings
7.81	Interim relief in support of overseas proceedings
	Part 8 Discovery and inspection and interrogatories
	Subpart 1—Discovery and inspection
8.1	Interpretation
8.2	Co-operation
8.3	Preservation of documents
8.4	Initial disclosure
8.5	Discovery orders
8.6	Two kinds of discovery
8.7	Standard discovery
8.8	Tailored discovery
8.9	Presumption as to tailored discovery
8.10	Obligation of party ordered to make tailored discovery
8.11	Preparation for first case management review
8.12	Orders that may be made
8.13	Solicitor’s discovery obligations
8.14	Extent of search
8.15	Affidavit of documents
8.16	Schedule appended to affidavit of documents
8.17	Variation of discovery order
8.18	Continuing obligations
8.19	Order for particular discovery against party after proceeding commenced
8.20	Order for particular discovery before proceeding commenced
8.21	Order for particular discovery against non-party after proceeding commenced
8.22	Costs of discovery
8.23	Incorrect affidavit of documents to be amended
8.24	Who may swear affidavit of documents
8.25	Challenge to privilege or confidentiality claim
8.26	Crown documents and public interest
8.27	Inspection of documents
8.28	Privilege and confidentiality
8.29	Order facilitating inspection
8.30	Use of documents
8.31	Effect of failure to include document
8.32	Notice to produce documents or things
8.33	Enforcement of order
	Subpart 2—Interrogatories
8.34	Interrogatories by notice
8.35	Duties of party served
8.36	Limitation of interrogatories by notice
8.37	Multiple parties
8.38	Order to answer
8.39	Contents of statement
8.40	Objection to answer
8.41	Who may swear affidavit verifying statement in answer to interrogatories
8.42	Insufficient answer
8.43	Incorrect answer to be amended
8.44	Answers as evidence
8.45	Public interest
8.46	Defamation proceedings
	Subpart 3—Notice to admit facts
8.47	Notice to admit facts
8.48	Judgment on admission of facts
	Part 9 Evidence
	Subpart 1—Briefs, oral evidence directions, common bundles, and chronologies
9.1	Objective and scope
9.2	Exchange of documents and index
9.3	Timing
9.4	Preparation of common bundle
9.5	Consequences of incorporating document in common bundle
9.6	Consequence of not incorporating document in common bundle
9.7	Requirements in relation to briefs
9.8	Supplementary briefs
9.9	Exchange of chronology of facts intended to be relied upon at trial or hearing
9.10	Oral evidence directions
9.11	Compliance with Evidence Act 2006
9.12	Evidence-in-chief at trial
9.13	Briefs not given in evidence
9.14	Privilege and admissibility not affected by briefs
9.15	Cross-examination duties
9.16	Plaintiff’s synopsis of opening
	Subpart 2—Evidence by depositions
9.17	Order for examination of witness or for letters of request
9.18	Security for costs for taking evidence outside New Zealand
9.19	Documents for examiner
9.20	Procedure for examination before examiner
9.21	Examination of additional persons
9.22	Objection to question
9.23	Form of report
9.24	Depositions as evidence
9.25	Letters of request where convention exists
9.26	Issue of letters of request
9.27	Agents of parties
9.28	Consequences of non-compliance with undertaking as to expenses
9.29	Application by Solicitor-General on letters of request from abroad
	Subpart 3—Medical examinations
9.30	Order for medical examination
9.31	Report
9.32	Service of report
9.33	Evidence of medical practitioner when medical examination ordered
	Subpart 4—Inspection and testing
9.34	Order for inspection, etc
9.35	Notice of application
	Subpart 5—Experts
9.36	Appointment of court expert
9.37	Submission of question to court expert
9.38	Report of court expert
9.39	Experiments and tests
9.40	Cross-examination of court expert
9.41	Remuneration of court expert
9.42	Calling of expert witnesses
9.43	Expert witness to comply with code of conduct
9.44	Court may direct conference of expert witnesses
9.45	Status of joint witness statement by expert witnesses
9.46	Evidence of expert witnesses at trial
	Subpart 6—Preserving evidence
9.47	Right to preserve evidence
9.48	Procedures in which the Crown may have interest
9.49	Examination of witness
9.50	Subsequent admissibility
	Subpart 7—Evidence at trial
9.51	Evidence to be given orally
9.52	Issue of subpoenas
9.53	Service of subpoena
9.54	Evidence of person in custody
9.55	Affidavit evidence by agreement
9.56	Affidavit evidence under order of court
9.57	Agreed statement of facts
	Subpart 8—Evidence in Trans-Tasman proceedings
9.58	Interpretation
9.59	Issue of subpoenas by High Court for service in Australia
9.60	Leave to serve New Zealand subpoena on witness in Australia
9.61	Service of subpoena on witness in Australia
9.62	Application to set aside New Zealand subpoena
9.63	Service of documents on applicant
9.64	Hearing of application
9.65	Failure to comply with subpoena
9.66	Transmission of documents or things to Australian Court
9.67	Evidence and submissions by remote appearance medium from Australia
	Subpart 9—Procedure when evidence given by affidavit
9.68	Application of rules 9.69 to 9.74
9.69	Time for filing plaintiff’s affidavits
9.70	Time for filing defendant’s affidavits
9.71	Time for filing affidavits in reply
9.72	Use of affidavits
9.73	Swearing of affidavits
9.74	Cross-examination of person who has sworn affidavit
9.75	Person refusing to make affidavit
9.76	Form and contents of affidavits
9.77	Exhibits to affidavits
9.78	Interlineation, alteration, or erasure in affidavit
9.79	Irregularity in form of affidavit
9.80	Service copies of affidavits
9.81	Affidavit may be sworn on Sunday
9.82	Affidavits made on behalf of corporation
9.83	Affidavit by 2 or more persons
9.84	Affidavit by blind or illiterate person
9.85	Authority to take affidavits in New Zealand
9.86	Authority to take affidavits in places outside New Zealand
9.87	Meaning of authenticated deposition
9.88	Admissibility of authenticated deposition
9.89	Application of other rules
	Part 10 Trial
	Subpart 1—Place
10.1	Venue and changing it
	Subpart 2—Adjournments, methods of trial, and verdicts
10.2	Adjournment of trial
10.3	Method of trial
10.4	Court may order separate trials
10.5	Existence or accuracy of record
10.6	When neither party appears
10.7	When only plaintiff appears
10.8	When only defendant appears
10.9	Judgment following non-appearance may be set aside
10.10	When both parties appear
10.11	When proceeding tried with jury
	Subpart 3—Consolidation of proceedings
10.12	When order may be made
10.13	Application of rule 10.12
	Subpart 4—Separate decision of questions
10.14	Definition of question
10.15	Orders for decision
10.16	Removal into Court of Appeal
10.17	Agreed result
10.18	Record, etc, of decision
10.19	Disposal of proceeding if proceeding substantially affected by decision of question
10.20	Form and contents of case
10.21	Insufficient case or disputed facts or documents
	Subpart 5—Counsel assisting
10.22	Counsel assisting
	Subpart 6—Hearings by video link
10.23	Interpretation
10.24	Judge may preside at hearing of certain matters by video link
10.25	Requirements for hearing by video link
10.26	Incidental directions
	Subpart 7—Disruptive behaviour
10.27	Disruptive behaviour relating to court proceedings
	Part 11 Judgment
	Subpart 1—General provisions
11.1	Interpretation
11.2	Types of judgment
11.3	How judgment given
11.4	Time judgment given
11.5	Delivery time of written judgment
11.6	Form of judgment
11.6A	General court order
11.7	Duplicate judgments
11.8	Death or incapacity of Judge before judgment
11.8A	Further submissions after end of hearing but before judgment
11.9	Recalling judgment
11.10	Correction of accidental slip or omission
	Subpart 2—Sealing and notification
11.11	Judgments to be sealed, dated, and served
11.12	When judgment takes effect
11.13	Steps before judgment sealed
11.14	Registrar’s role on receipt of judgment
	Subpart 3—Judgment if proceeding tried with jury
11.15	Judgment after proceeding tried with jury
11.16	Leave to apply to set aside judgment
11.17	Judgment not in accordance with verdict
11.18	Application for judgment on special verdict or subject to special case
11.19	Application for judgment by both parties
	Subpart 4—Giving effect to judgments
11.20	Conduct of proceedings after judgment
11.21	Applying for dismissal because of inactivity
11.22	Judgment directing sale of property
11.23	Judgment for balance of claim over counterclaim
11.24	Judgment for balance of counterclaim
11.25	Cross judgments
11.26	Judgment if third party defends
11.27	Interest as part of judgment debt
11.28	Satisfaction of judgment
	Part 12 Summary judgment
12.1	Application of summary judgment procedure
12.2	Judgment when there is no defence or when no cause of action can succeed
12.3	Summary judgment on liability
12.4	Interlocutory application for summary judgment
12.5	Service out of New Zealand
12.6	Requirements as to notice of proceeding
12.7	Time for service
12.8	Postponement of hearing
12.9	Notice of opposition and affidavit in answer
12.10	Statement of defence
12.11	Affidavits in reply
12.12	Disposal of application
12.13	Time for filing statement of defence on dismissal of plaintiff’s application
12.14	Setting aside judgment
12.15	Discontinuance
12.16	Application to counterclaims and claims against third parties
	Part 13 Summary proceeding for recovery of land
13.1	Interpretation
13.2	Application of Part
13.3	Defendants
13.4	Affidavit in support
13.5	Service
13.6	Time for filing statement of defence
13.7	Power of court to make unlawful occupiers defendants
13.8	Judgment for possession
13.9	Possession order
	Part 14 Costs
	Subpart 1—Costs generally
14.1	Costs at discretion of court
14.2	Principles applying to determination of costs
14.3	Categorisation of proceedings
14.4	Appropriate daily recovery rates
14.5	Determination of reasonable time
14.6	Increased costs and indemnity costs
14.7	Refusal of, or reduction in, costs
14.8	Costs on interlocutory applications
14.9	Costs may be determined by different Judge or Associate Judge
14.10	Written offers without prejudice except as to costs
14.11	Effect on costs
14.12	Disbursements
14.13	Proceedings within jurisdiction of District Court
14.14	Joint and several liability for costs
14.15	Defendants defending separately
14.16	Claim and counterclaim both established
14.17	Set-off if costs allowed to both parties
	Subpart 2—Taxation of costs between parties
14.18	Appointment to tax costs
14.19	Taxation of disbursements
14.20	No charge allowed for bill of costs
14.21	Registrar sole judge of questions of fact
14.22	Direction to Registrar to ascertain expenses
14.23	Review of taxation
	Part 15 Disposal other than by trial
	Subpart 1—Dismissal or stay without trial
15.1	Dismissing or staying all or part of proceeding
15.2	Dismissal for want of prosecution
	Subpart 2—Judgment by default
15.3	Application where appearance
15.4	Affidavits to be filed
15.5	When several causes of action
15.6	When several defendants
15.7	Liquidated demand
15.8	Recovery of land or chattels
15.9	Formal proof for other claims
15.10	Judgment may be set aside or varied
15.11	Overseas service cases
15.12	Other proceedings [Revoked]
15.13	Judgment may be set aside or varied [Revoked]
15.14	Overseas service cases [Revoked]
	Subpart 3—Judgment on admission
15.15	Judgment on admission of facts
15.16	Admission of cause of action
15.17	Admission of defence
	Subpart 4—Discontinuance
15.18	Interpretation
15.19	Right to discontinue proceeding
15.20	Restrictions on right to discontinue proceeding
15.21	Effect of discontinuance
15.22	Court may set discontinuance aside
15.23	Costs
15.24	Restriction on subsequent proceedings
15.25	Certain remedies not affected
	Part 16 Accounts and inquiries
16.1	Interpretation
16.2	Orders for accounts and inquiries
16.3	Directions
16.4	Summary order for accounts
16.5	Mutual accounts
16.6	Account-taker
16.7	Direction as to evidence
16.8	Remuneration of accountant
16.9	Form and verification of account
16.10	Filing and service of account
16.11	Notice of receipt that is not admitted
16.12	Notice of error
16.13	Admission of items
16.14	Appointment and notice for taking accounts
16.15	Parties to attend account hearing
16.16	Adjournment of account hearing
16.17	Power of summary decision
16.18	Examination of accounting party
16.19	Production of documents
16.20	Interest on debts of deceased person
16.21	Interest on legacies
16.22	Accounting and estimates
16.23	Directions for inquiries
16.24	Powers of persons taking accounts or making inquiries
16.25	Duty of persons summoned to attend
16.26	Time for proving claims
16.27	Statement of claim to be filed
16.28	Failure to claim within time
16.29	Result to be certified
16.30	Party may ask for court’s decision
16.31	Certificate when approved to be signed by Judge
16.32	Effect of certificate when filed
16.33	Distribution before all persons entitled are ascertained
16.34	Payment of share carried over to separate trust account
	Part 17 Enforcement
	Subpart 1—General provisions
17.1	Interpretation
17.2	Method of enforcing orders
17.3	Method of enforcing judgments
17.4	No excessive recovery
17.5	No enforcement against the Crown
17.6	Enforcement by or against non-parties
17.7	Enforcement against partners or alleged partners
17.8	Issuing enforcement process as of right
17.9	When leave to issue enforcement process necessary
	Subpart 2—Obtaining information from liable party for enforcement purposes
17.10	Notice to liable party to complete financial statement
17.11	Interpretation
17.12	Order for examination
17.13	Service of order for examination
17.14	Examining party’s affidavit
17.15	Procedure for examination
17.16	Adjournment of hearing
17.17	Orders by court
17.18	Failure to comply with order for examination
17.19	Certification of breach of arrest order
17.20	Discharge of arrest order
	Subpart 3—Preparation and issue of enforcement process
17.21	Enforcement process to conform with judgment
17.22	Preparation and issue of enforcement processes
17.23	Date of enforcement process
17.24	Currency and renewal of enforcement processes (except for charging orders)
17.25	Expenses of enforcement
17.26	Concurrent enforcement processes
17.27	Return of enforcement process
17.28	Reissue of enforcement process
17.29	Stay of enforcement
17.30	Enforcement process may be set aside
	Subpart 4—Attachment orders
17.31	Interpretation
17.32	Effect of attachment order
17.33	When attachment order may be issued
17.34	Attachment order to be served on employer
17.35	Priority of attachment order
17.36	Protected earnings amount
17.37	Liability of employer
17.38	Attachment orders in State services
17.39	Variation, suspension, and discharge of attachment orders
	Subpart 5—Charging orders
17.40	Effect of charging order
17.41	Leave to issue charging order
17.42	Issue of charging order without leave after judgment
17.43	Charging order where amount involved small
17.44	Application for relief by persons prejudicially affected
17.45	Claim of third party on property charged
17.46	Apportionment when more than 1 charging order
17.47	Charging order for land final when issued
17.48	Registration of charging order under Land Transfer Act 1952
17.49	Registration of charging order not under Land Transfer Act 1952
17.50	Sale before registration of charging order
17.51	Discharge of land from charging order
17.52	Lapse of charging order after 2 years
17.53	Personal property may be charged
17.54	Interim charging order in first instance
17.55	Effect of interim charging order
17.56	Liability of persons breaching interim charging order
17.57	Money may be paid into court
17.58	Court may order sale of property affected
17.59	Application to make final charging order after judgment
17.60	Execution after charging order made final
17.61	Discharge of person served with order
	Subpart 6—Sale orders and possession orders
17.62	Effect of sale order
17.63	When sale order may be issued
17.64	Execution for less than full amount of judgment
17.65	Recovery of money owing on cheques and other securities
17.66	Discharge of person paying on cheque or other security
17.66A	Personal property securities register must be checked
17.66B	Claim by secured party
17.66C	Court’s power to deal with claim
17.66D	Purchaser of personal property obtains good title
17.67	Disposal of proceeds
17.68	Not necessary to seize land
17.69	Moving seized chattels
17.70	Place of sale
17.71	Advertising of notice of sale
17.72	Service of notice of sale on liable party
17.73	Contents of notice of sale
17.74	Method and conditions of sale
17.75	Powers of enforcing officer in relation to sale by auction
17.76	Power of enforcing officer to seize title deeds
17.77	Order of sale of land and chattels
17.78	Power of liable party or mortgagee to give directions concerning sale of land
17.79	Transfers, etc, to purchaser
17.80	Effect of possession order
17.81	When possession order may be issued
17.82	Combined sale and possession order
	Subpart 7—Arrest orders and sequestration orders
17.83	Effect of arrest order
17.84	Power to issue arrest order
17.85	Court may impose sanctions for non-compliance with original court order or enforceable undertaking
17.86	Effect of sequestration order
17.87	Court may issue sequestration order
	Subpart 8—Absconding debtors and imprisonment for debt
17.88	Arrest of absconding debtor
17.89	Process for order to arrest and imprison defendant
17.90	Security by absconding debtor
17.91	Orders about security
17.92	Discharge on payment
	Part 18 Applications in equity and under statutes
	Subpart 1—Application
18.1	Types of proceedings
18.2	Limited application of this Part to proceedings under Property (Relationships) Act 1976
18.3	This Part subject to rules under other Acts
18.4	Commencement of proceedings
	Subpart 2—Special provisions concerning pleadings, directions, and affidavits
18.5	Naming of defendants in cases involving deceased estates or trusts
18.6	Persons served by direction of court need not be named as defendant
18.7	Applications for directions as to service
18.8	Orders giving directions as to service
18.9	Proceeding without service
18.10	Time for serving claimant’s affidavit in proceedings under Family Protection Act 1955
18.11	Time for serving affidavit in support of appearance
18.12	Statement of defence to be filed
	Subpart 3—Multiple claims, joinders, and consolidations of claims
18.13	Joining in proceedings under Family Protection Act 1955 and Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act 1949
18.14	Joinder of claims and consolidation
18.14A	Procedure under section 174 of Companies Act 1993
18.14B	Service of order made under section 174 of Companies Act 1993
	Subpart 4—Evidentiary requirements
18.15	Evidence generally by agreed statement of facts or affidavit
	Part 19 Originating applications
	Subpart 1—Proceedings eligible to be commenced by originating application
19.1	Meaning of originating application
19.2	Applications under certain enactments
19.3	Application of this Part to certain kinds of proceeding
19.4	Certain directions may be sought by originating application
19.4A	Application under rule 19.4(f)
19.5	Court may permit proceeding to be commenced by originating application
19.5A	Directions as to filing of statement of claim and defence
19.6	Certain proceedings must be commenced by interlocutory application
	Subpart 2—Procedure for originating applications
19.7	Commencement of proceeding
19.8	Memorandum relating to filing and address for service
19.9	Heading of documents
19.10	Application of rules relating to interlocutory applications
19.11	Directions as to parties and conduct of applications
19.12	Originating applications relating to certain proceedings under Companies Act 1993
19.12A	Special provisions for service of applications to remove caveats or set aside statutory demands
	Subpart 3—Evidence in originating applications
19.13	Evidence
19.14	Cross-examination of person making affidavit
	Part 20 Appeals
	Subpart 1—Preliminary provisions
20.1	Application of this Part
20.2	Interpretation
	Subpart 2—Application for leave to appeal
20.3	Application for leave to appeal to court
	Subpart 3—Commencement of appeal
20.4	Time for appeal if there is right of appeal
20.5	Commencement of periods in rules 20.3 and 20.4
20.6	When appeal brought
20.7	Power to dispense with service
20.8	Filing notice of appeal
20.9	Contents of notice of appeal
20.9A	When to name decision-maker as respondent to appeal
20.10	Stay of proceedings
20.11	Cross-appeal
20.12	Dismissal or stay or abandonment of appeal or cross-appeal
20.13	Security for appeal
	Subpart 4—Matters leading up to hearing
20.14	Order for transcript of evidence
20.15	Report by decision-maker
20.16	Further evidence
	Subpart 5—Conduct of appeal
20.17	Decision-maker entitled to be heard on appeal [Revoked]
20.18	Appeal is rehearing
20.19	Powers of court on appeal
20.20	Repayment of judgment sum and interest
20.21	Registrar to notify result of appeal
	Subpart 6—Appeals to Court of Appeal
20.22	Applications for leave
	Part 21 Cases stated
21.1	Application
21.2	Some rules in Part 20 apply
21.3	Interpretation
21.4	Method of commencing appeal or reference
21.5	Time for appeal
21.6	Notice of appeal
21.7	Place for filing notice
21.8	Lodging of draft case stated
21.9	Contents of case
21.10	Order for transcription of evidence
21.11	When case deemed to be stated
21.12	Power to amend case
21.13	Security for costs
21.14	Determination of questions
	Part 22 Patents
22.1	Interpretation
	Subpart 1—Scientific advisers
22.2	Appointment
22.3	Nominating scientific adviser and settling questions and instructions
22.4	Report
22.5	Cross-examination
22.6	Experiment or test
22.7	Further or supplementary report
22.8	Remuneration
	Subpart 2—Amending specification
22.9	Application of subpart to application under section 89
22.10	Notifying Commissioner
22.11	Advertisement
22.12	Right to be heard
22.13	Time for making application
22.14	Service of notice of interlocutory application
22.15	Duty of court to give directions
22.16	Procedure when amendment allowed
	Subpart 3—Revoking patent
22.17	Application by originating application
22.18	Respondent begins proceeding
	Subpart 4—Objections
22.19	Particulars if validity of patent disputed
22.20	Particulars if want of novelty alleged
22.21	Service of notice on Solicitor-General
22.22	Particulars supplied by plaintiff
22.23	Particulars supplied by defendant [Revoked]
22.24	Evidence restricted to particulars delivered
22.25	Amendment of particulars
	Subpart 5—Appeals
22.26	Application of Part 20
22.27	Method and time of bringing appeal
22.28	Contents of notice of appeal
22.29	Grounds of appeal
22.30	Service of notice of appeal
22.31	Commissioner to transmit papers
22.32	Contentions raised by respondent
22.33	Respondent’s notice
22.34	Appeal by way of rehearing
22.35	Proceeding heard and determined in public
22.36	Documentary evidence
22.37	Cross-examination of witnesses
	Subpart 6—Costs
22.38	Costs
	Part 23 Enforcement between jurisdictions
	Subpart 1—Enforcement under Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments Act 1934
23.1	Scope and interpretation
23.2	Application of other Parts
23.3	Subpart subject to Orders in Council
23.4	Method of application for registration
23.5	Title and content of application
23.6	Place of filing
23.7	Supporting affidavits
23.8	Copy judgment and translation
23.9	Judicial notice of authentication of judgment
23.10	Evidence of exchange rates and interest
23.11	Evidence of right to registration
23.12	Further evidence
23.13	Registration of part of judgment
23.14	Security for costs
23.15	Order for registration
23.16	Method of registration
23.17	Date of registration
23.18	Notice of registration
23.19	Contents of notice of registration
23.20	Application to set aside registration
23.21	Determination of certain questions
23.22	Enforcement of judgments
23.23	Form of enforcement process
	Subpart 2—Certified copy procedure
23.24	Method of application
23.25	Issue of certified copy
	Subpart 3—Enforcement of certain judgments and orders of Federal Court of Australia [Revoked]
23.26	Interpretation [Revoked]
23.27	Scope [Revoked]
23.28	Application of other Parts [Revoked]
23.29	Method of application [Revoked]
23.30	Title of proceeding [Revoked]
23.31	Place of filing [Revoked]
23.32	Evidence of exchange rates and interest [Revoked]
23.33	Method of registration [Revoked]
23.34	Notice of registration [Revoked]
23.35	Contents of notice of registration [Revoked]
23.36	Service of copy of judgment, order, or injunction [Revoked]
23.37	Copy of judgment, order, or injunction to be filed if facsimile produced [Revoked]
23.38	Application to set aside registration or for stay of enforcement [Revoked]
	Part 24 Insolvency
	Subpart 1—Scope
24.1	Interpretation
24.2	Application of Part
24.3	Application of general rules and practice of court
	Subpart 2—Proceedings generally
24.4	Forms
24.5	General requirements of documents filed in court
24.6	Advertising of notices or proceedings
24.7	Discretion of court as to method of taking evidence
	Subpart 3—Bankruptcy notices
24.8	Issue of bankruptcy notice
24.9	Service of bankruptcy notice in New Zealand
24.10	Setting aside bankruptcy notice
	Subpart 4—Adjudication proceedings
24.11	Application for adjudication by creditor
24.12	Verification of creditor’s application
24.13	Where application for adjudication to be filed
24.14	Registrar to fix hearing date for creditor’s application
24.15	Court may alter hearing date for creditor’s application
24.16	Service of creditor’s application on debtor
24.17	Service of creditor’s application on trustee or supervisor
24.18	Debtor’s notice of intention to oppose adjudication
24.19	Affidavit evidence of applicant creditor
24.20	Applicant creditor’s solicitor’s certificate as to unpaid debt
24.21	Death of debtor against whom application filed
	Subpart 5—Appointment of Official Assignee
24.22	Applicant to deposit sum for Official Assignee’s expenses
24.23	Official Assignee may seek additional sum where original deposit insufficient
24.24	Notification of order appointing Official Assignee as receiver and manager
24.25	Repayment of deposits after order of adjudication
24.26	Dismissal of application after order appointing Official Assignee as manager and receiver
	Subpart 6—Contributions from bankrupt
24.27	Application for order under section 147
24.28	Official Assignee’s report
24.29	Official Assignee to notify employer, etc, about proposed assignment or charge
24.30	Official Assignee to serve order of assignment, etc
	Subpart 7—Compositions during bankruptcy
24.31	Application for order approving composition
24.32	Notice to Official Assignee of application to approve composition
24.33	Notice of application to approve composition
24.34	Official Assignee to account when composition approved
	Subpart 8—Irregular transactions
24.35	Applications by Official Assignee for cancellation of irregular transactions or retransfer of property or payment of value
	Subpart 9—Discharge of bankrupt
24.36	Filing and service of objection to discharge
24.37	Service, etc, of notice of application for discharge
24.38	Report of Official Assignee
24.39	Opposition by creditor to discharge
24.40	Conditions affecting salary, etc, after order of discharge
24.41	Annulment of adjudication to be advertised
	Subpart 10—Proposals
24.42	Proposal and statement of affairs and affidavit
24.43	Trustee’s report on proposal
	Subpart 11—Insolvent deceased estates
24.44	Application for order to administer under Part 6 of Act
24.45	Application by creditor or beneficiary
24.46	Duty of Registrar when order made
24.47	Duty of administrator when order made
24.48	Person who has intermeddled in estate may be ordered to give particulars
24.49	Administration election
	Subpart 12—Appeals
24.50	Applications to vary or discharge order or decision of Registrar or District Court Judge
24.51	Appeals to Court of Appeal
	Subpart 13—Official Assignee
24.52	Applications to court by Official Assignee
24.53	Official Assignee’s liability for costs
	Subpart 14—District Court filings
24.54	Filing decisions of District Court
	Subpart 15—Cross-border proceedings
24.55	Interpretation
24.56	Applications for recognition of foreign proceedings
24.57	Other procedural requirements
24.58	Relief after recognition
24.59	Modification or termination
	Subpart 16—Voluntary administration
24.60	Appointment of administrator under section 239L of Companies Act 1993
24.61	Applications in course of administration
24.62	Proper registry of court
	Part 25 Admiralty
	Subpart 1—Preliminary provisions
25.1	Interpretation
25.2	Scope of this Part
25.3	Application of other rules and practice of court
25.4	Parties can apply for directions if procedure not prescribed
25.5	Form of application
	Subpart 2—Starting proceedings in admiralty
25.6	Action in personam or in rem, or both, started by notice of proceeding
25.7	Notice of proceeding for action in personam
25.8	Notice of proceeding for action in rem
25.9	Notice of proceeding for action both in rem and in personam
25.10	How to serve notice of proceeding in action in rem on ship, cargo, or other property
25.11	Other provisions about service in action in rem
25.12	Defendant must enter appearance
25.13	Content of memorandum
25.14	Time limits for entering appearance
25.15	Provisions about filing
25.16	Service of memorandum
25.17	Defendant may apply for orders
25.18	Solicitor’s undertaking
25.19	Substituted defendants, third parties, and interveners
25.20	Statement of claim
25.21	Statement of defence
	Subpart 3—Procedure in collision cases
25.22	Meaning of preliminary act
25.23	Preliminary acts to be filed in collision cases
25.24	Proceedings against party in default where other party fails to lodge preliminary act
	Subpart 4—Limitation of liability under Part 7 of Maritime Transport Act 1994
25.25	Actions for limitation of liability
25.26	Plaintiff must apply to court within 5 working days
25.27	Protection against other parties
25.28	Order limiting plaintiff’s liability
	Subpart 5—Judgment by default
25.29	Who may seek judgment by default in action in personam
25.30	Default in filing and service of statement of claim
25.31	Third parties
25.32	Application for judgment by default in action in rem
25.33	Judgment by default in action in rem
	Subpart 6—Arrest, release, and sale of property
	Arrest of property
25.34	Application for warrant of arrest of property
25.35	Issue of warrant of arrest
25.36	Service of warrant
25.37	Currency of warrant
25.38	Notice of arrest of property
25.39	No Crown indemnity required
25.40	Breach of court order to move ship under arrest
25.41	Application for directions concerning property under arrest
25.42	Request for caveat against arrest of property
25.43	Entry of caveat
25.44	Request for instrument of release
25.45	Issue of release
25.46	Caveat against release and payment
25.47	Discharge of cargo under arrest from ships not under arrest and of cargo not under arrest
25.48	Security
25.49	Payment out of court
25.50	Interveners
25.51	Appraisement and sale of property
25.52	Determination of priority of claims where court orders sale of ship
	Subpart 7—Miscellaneous provisions
25.53	Inspection of ship, etc
25.54	Consent orders
25.55	Registrar may seek court’s assistance
25.56	Parties may seek review of Registrar’s decision
	Part 26 Arbitration Act 1996
	Subpart 1—Preliminary provisions
26.1	Interpretation
26.2	Application
	Subpart 2—Appeals under clause 5(1)(a) or (b) of Schedule 2
26.3	Originating application to commence appeal
26.4	Affidavit to be filed in support
26.5	Service
26.6	Amending appeal grounds
26.7	Notice of opposition to application
26.8	Cross-appeal
26.9	Record of arbitration
26.10	Service and filing of record
26.11	Transcript of evidence
26.12	Service and filing of transcript
26.13	Hearing of appeal
26.14	Leave to appeal to Court of Appeal
	Subpart 3—Leave to appeal under clause 5(1)(c) of Schedule 2
26.15	Applications for leave to appeal
26.16	Submissions
26.17	Granting leave
26.18	Refusing leave
26.19	Applying to Court of Appeal for leave to appeal
	Subpart 4—Entry of award as judgment under article 35 of Schedule 1
26.20	Entry of judgment if all parties agree
26.21	Entry of judgment in other cases
26.22	Application for entry of award as judgment
26.23	Affidavit to be filed in support
26.24	Service
26.25	Entry as judgment without notice in exceptional circumstances
26.26	Entry as judgment if defendant takes no steps
26.27	Opposition to entry as judgment
	Part 27 Administration (including probate)
	Subpart 1—General
27.1	Wills and intestacies to which this Part applies
27.2	Interpretation
	Subpart 2—Applications for administration
27.3	Kinds of applications for grants
27.4	Applications without notice
27.5	Restrictions if possibly invalid will exists
	Applications in solemn form
27.6	Applications in solemn form
27.7	Respondents and additional parties
27.8	Compromises
27.9	Pleadings
27.10	Where application is filed
27.11	Where caveat is lodged
27.12	Evidence of death
27.13	Sale of perishable property
27.14	Registrars may make some orders
27.15	Application of rules 27.16 to 27.28
27.16	Evidence as to execution
27.17	Evidence of validity
27.18	Doubt as to will-maker’s understanding
27.19	Doubt as to originality of signature
27.20	Doubt as to date
27.21	Changes
27.22	Revocations or revivals by other document
27.23	Revocation
27.24	Duplicate wills
	Subpart 3—Administration with will annexed
27.25	Circumstances in which grant may be made
27.26	Priority of potential administrators for purposes of rule 27.25
27.27	Proving entitlement to grant
27.28	Grant while executor is minor
	Subpart 4—Grants
27.29	Time for making grant
27.30	Grants to attorneys
27.31	Common or solemn form
	Subpart 5—Inventories and accounts
27.32	Inventory and account filed by administrator
	Subpart 6—Overseas assets
27.33	Administration of overseas assets
	Subpart 7—Recall of grant
27.34	Recall of grant
	Subpart 8—Priorities on intestacy
27.35	Order of priority for grant in case of intestacy
27.36	Justification of entitlement to grant
	Subpart 9—Commission
27.37	Form of application for commission
27.38	Affidavit in support
27.39	Documents to be filed and verified
27.40	Power to adopt previous accounts
27.41	Power to refer matter to Registrar for inquiry
27.42	Notice of inquiry by Registrar
27.43	Evidence before Registrar
27.44	Costs
27.45	Power to dispense with rules
	Part 28 Trans-Tasman competition proceedings
28.1	Interpretation
28.2	Commencement of New Zealand proceedings
28.3	Registry of court in which proceedings to be commenced
28.4	Issue of subpoenas for service in Australia
28.5	Service of subpoena
28.6	Subpoenas for production
28.7	Setting aside subpoena issued in New Zealand proceeding
28.8	Failure to comply with subpoena in New Zealand proceeding
28.9	Payment of additional amounts to persons complying with subpoena in New Zealand proceeding
28.10	Transmission of documents to Federal Court
28.11	Certification of judgments, orders, and injunctions in New Zealand proceedings
28.12	Evidence and submissions by video link and telephone conference
	Part 29 Commercial panel
29.1	Interpretation
29.2	Procedure for assignment of panel Judge
29.3	Cancellation of assignment
29.4	Heading of documents
29.5	Registry for filing and registry for hearings
29.6	Application of other rules
	Part 29 Commercial list [Revoked]
29.1	Interpretation [Revoked]
29.2	Application of this Part [Revoked]
29.3	Entry on commercial list by endorsement [Revoked]
29.4	Entry on commercial list by order [Revoked]
29.5	Entry on commercial list of appeals against determinations of Commerce Commission [Revoked]
29.6	Entry on commercial list of applications for directions by liquidators or receivers [Revoked]
29.7	Documents to be served on and filed and served by defendant [Revoked]
29.8	Heading of documents [Revoked]
29.9	Interlocutory applications [Revoked]
29.10	Application for directions [Revoked]
29.11	Response to application for directions [Revoked]
29.12	Hearing of application for directions [Revoked]
29.13	Removal from list [Revoked]
29.14	Proceedings in other registries [Revoked]
29.15	Memorandum that decision will be final [Revoked]
29.16	Additional powers of commercial list Judge [Revoked]
29.17	Disputes concerning construction [Revoked]
29.18	Form of documents [Revoked]
	Part 30 Judicial review
30.1	Crown Proceedings Act 1950 not affected
30.2	Interpretation
30.3	Procedure
30.4	Interim orders
	Part 31 Companies: Liquidation
31.1	Application
31.2	Hearing of applications
31.3	Applications to be made by statement of claim
31.4	Proper registry of court
31.5	Notice of proceeding and verifying affidavit
31.6	Date of hearing
31.7	Exclusion of rules relating to setting down [Revoked]
31.8	Directions [Revoked]
31.9	Advertisement of application
31.10	Restriction on advertising of proceeding
31.11	Power to stay liquidation proceedings
31.12	Service of proceeding
31.13	Affidavit of service
31.14	Evidence of advertising
31.15	Entitlement to copy of statement of claim, etc
31.16	Statement of defence
31.17	Time for filing statement of defence
31.18	Appearance
31.19	Time for filing appearance
31.20	Effect of failure to file statement of defence or appearance
31.21	Evidence as to unpaid debts
31.22	Interlocutory applications
31.23	Power to appoint interim liquidator
31.24	Additional and substituted plaintiffs in liquidation proceeding
31.25	Consolidation of proceedings
31.26	Discontinuance of proceeding
31.27	Requirements in relation to order appointing interim liquidator
31.28	Costs, charges, and expenses of interim liquidator and Official Assignee
	Order to put company into liquidation
31.29	Obligation to send notice of order appointing liquidator or interim liquidator of company
31.30	Order and copies to be sealed
31.31	Contents of order putting company into liquidation
31.32	Transmission of order putting company into liquidation
31.33	Service of order made under section 174 of Companies Act 1993 [Revoked]
31.34	Service of notice to officer executing process that company being put into liquidation
31.35	Procedure in respect of miscellaneous applications
31.36	Applications involving allegations of fraud, negligence, misfeasance, or similar behaviour
31.37	Liquidator’s notice to set aside voidable transaction or voidable charge
31.38	Proper registry of court
31.39	Transitional provision for companies registered under the Companies Act 1955
	Part 32 Freezing orders
32.1	Interpretation
32.2	Freezing order
32.3	Ancillary order
32.4	Respondent need not be party to proceeding
32.5	Order against judgment debtor or prospective judgment debtor or third party
32.6	Form and further terms of freezing order
32.7	Duration of freezing order
32.8	Discharge or variation of freezing order
32.9	Jurisdiction
32.10	Costs
	Part 33 Search orders
33.1	Interpretation
33.2	Search order
33.3	Requirements for grant of search order
33.4	Restriction on entrants
33.5	Applicant’s undertaking and duty
33.6	Terms of search order
33.7	Independent solicitors
33.8	Review of search
33.9	Costs
	Schedule 1AA Transitional, savings, and related provisions
	Schedule 1 Forms
	Schedule 2 Appropriate daily recovery rate
	Schedule 3 Time allocations
	Schedule 4 Code of conduct for expert witnesses
	Schedule 5 Matters for consideration at case management conference
	Schedule 6 Standard directions for appeals
	Schedule 7 Standard directions for appeals by way of case stated and references under Part 21
	Schedule 8 Matters for consideration at pre-trial conference for proceedings on standard track [Revoked]
	Schedule 9 Discovery checklist and the listing and exchange protocol
	Schedule 10 Issues to be addressed at case management conference in proceedings under Part 30
	Notes

Rules

Part 1 Rules of general application

Subpart 1—Objective and interpretation

1.1 Title

These rules are the High Court Rules.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 1

High Court Rules 2016: replaced, on 1 February 2009, by section 8(1) of the Judicature (High Court Rules) Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 90).

1.2 Objective

The objective of these rules is to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of any proceeding or interlocutory application.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 4

1.3 Interpretation

(1)

In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,—

Act means the Senior Courts Act 2016

address for service, in relation to a party, means the address of a place in New Zealand at which a document may be left for that party, or to which it may be sent by post to that party, under these rules or, if the party is a defendant as defined in section 4(1) of the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010 who is served in Australia under section 13 of that Act with an initiating document for a proceeding, the address of a place in New Zealand or Australia that, under section 18 of that Act, is or is to be treated as the defendant’s address for service for the proceeding

appearance means a document that states a person’s address for service, and is either—

(a)

an appearance and objection to the jurisdiction of the court under rule 5.49; or

(b)

an appearance for ancillary purposes under rule 5.50; or

(c)

an appearance reserving rights under rule 5.51; or

(d)

an appearance authorised by any other rule

application without notice has the same meaning as in rule 7.23

case management conference means a conference conducted under subpart 1 of Part 7

chattels includes all things that are not land

civil means not criminal

civil proceedings, in relation to the Crown, has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Crown Proceedings Act 1950

control, in relation to a document, means—

(a)

possession of the document; or

(b)

a right to possess the document; or

(c)

a right, otherwise than under these rules, to inspect or copy the document

court means the High Court; and includes—

(a)

a Judge of the High Court; and

(b)

an Associate Judge of the High Court exercising the jurisdiction conferred on an Associate Judge by the Act or by rules made under section 148 of the Act

court holiday means a day that is a holiday under rule 3.2

the Crown has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Crown Proceedings Act 1950

defendant means a person served or intended to be served with a proceeding (other than a third or subsequent party served with a proceeding under rule 4.12)

document means—

(a)

any material, whether or not it is signed or otherwise authenticated, that bears symbols (including words and figures), images, or sounds, or from which such symbols, images, or sounds can be derived, and includes—

(i)

a label, marking, or other writing that identifies or describes a thing of which it forms part, or to which it is attached:

(ii)

a book, map, plan, graph, or drawing:

(iii)

a photograph, film, or negative; and

(b)

information electronically recorded or stored, and information derived from that information

electronic includes electrical, digital, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, biometric, and photonic, and electronically has a corresponding meaning

emergency has the meaning set out in rule 3.3B

expert means a person who has specialised knowledge or skill based on training, study, or experience

expert evidence means the evidence of an expert based on the specialised knowledge or skill of that expert and includes evidence given in the form of an opinion

to file, in relation to any document, means to file the document pursuant to rule 5.1A in the proper registry of the court

hearing date, in relation to an interlocutory application or a proceeding, means the date on which, and the time at which, the application or the proceeding is to be heard

hearing in chambers means a hearing that takes place in circumstances in which the general public is not admitted, except with the leave of the Judge, and includes any conference held under these rules

interlocutory application means an application made in accordance with rule 7.19 or 7.41

interlocutory order—

(a)

means an order or a direction of the court that—

(i)

is made or given for the purposes of a proceeding or an intended proceeding; and

(ii)

concerns a matter of procedure or grants some relief ancillary to that claimed in a pleading; and

(b)

includes—

(i)

an order for a new trial; and

(ii)

an order striking out the whole or part of a pleading; and

(iii)

an order varying or rescinding an interlocutory order

Judge means a Judge of the High Court; and includes an Associate Judge of the High Court exercising the jurisdiction conferred on an Associate Judge by the Act or by rules made under section 22 of the Act

land includes any estate, right, title, or interest in land

lawyer has the same meaning as in section 6 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006

Māori means a person of the Māori race of New Zealand; and includes any descendant of that person

nearer or nearest, in relation to any place, means nearer or nearest by the most practicable route

notice of proceeding means a notice filed under rule 5.22

opinion, in relation to a statement offered in evidence, means a statement of opinion that tends to prove or disprove a fact

opposite party means, in relation to any party, any other party whose interests are opposed to those of that party

party means any person who is a plaintiff or a defendant or a person added to a proceeding

plaintiff means the person by whom or on whose behalf a proceeding is brought

pleading includes a statement of claim, a statement of defence, a reply, and a counterclaim

proceeding means any application to the court for the exercise of the civil jurisdiction of the court other than an interlocutory application

property includes real and personal property, and any estate or interest in any property real or personal, and any debt, and any thing in action, and any other right or interest

Registrar includes a Deputy Registrar

respondent, in relation to an interlocutory application, means a party on whom the application has been served

these rules means the High Court Rules 2016

trial includes a hearing before a Judge alone

working day means any day of the week other than—

(a)

Saturday, Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Labour Day, the Sovereign’s birthday, and Waitangi Day; and

(b)

a day in the period commencing with 25 December in any year and ending with 15 January in the following year; and

(c)

if Waitangi Day or Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday.

(2)

A word or an expression in a rule or form in these rules not defined in these rules but defined in an enactment dealing with the subject matter of that rule or form, unless the context otherwise requires, has the meaning given to it by that enactment.

(3)

In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to a numbered form is a reference to the form so numbered in Schedule 1 of these rules.

(4)

In a judgment, order, direction, or other document forming part of a proceeding or of an interlocutory application, unless the context otherwise requires,—

month means a calendar month

working day has the same meaning as in subclause (1).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 3

Rule 1.3(1) Act: replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

Rule 1.3(1) address for service: amended, on 11 October 2013, by rule 4 of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

Rule 1.3(1) application without notice: inserted, on 1 September 2017, by rule 4 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

Rule 1.3(1) case management conference: amended, on 4 February 2013, by rule 4 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

Rule 1.3(1) court paragraph (b): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

Rule 1.3(1) emergency: inserted, on 7 April 2022, by rule 4 of the High Court Amendment Rules 2022 (SL 2022/59).

Rule 1.3(1) to file: replaced, on 9 April 2020, by rule 4 of the High Court (COVID-19 Preparedness) Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/59).

Rule 1.3(1) Judge: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

Rule 1.3(1) these rules: amended, on 18 October 2016, by section 183(c) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

Rule 1.3(1) working day paragraph (b): amended, on 1 July 2015, by rule 4(1) of the High Court Amendment Rules 2015 (LI 2015/102).

Rule 1.3(1) working day paragraph (c): inserted, on 1 July 2015, by rule 4(2) of the High Court Amendment Rules 2015 (LI 2015/102).

Subpart 2—Application and compliance

1.4 Application

(1)

The practice and procedure of the court in all civil proceedings and interlocutory applications is regulated by these rules.

(2)

Despite subclause (1), these rules do not apply to—

(a)

appeals to the Court of Appeal; or

(b)

appeals to the Supreme Court.

(3)

These rules are subject to—

(a)

the enactments referred to in section 146(5) of the Act:

(b)

the Evidence Act 2006:

(c)

any statute prescribing the practice and procedure of the court in a proceeding or an appeal or application for leave to appeal under that statute:

(d)

rules made under section 148 of the Act prescribing the procedure applicable in respect of any class of civil proceedings.

(4)

If in any civil proceedings any question arises as to the application of any provision of these rules, the court may, either on the application of a party or on its own initiative, determine the question and give any directions it thinks just.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 2

Rule 1.4(3)(a): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

Rule 1.4(3)(d): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

1.4A Transitional, savings, and related provisions

The transitional, savings, and related provisions set out in Schedule 1AA have effect according to their terms.

Rule 1.4A: inserted, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

1.5 Non-compliance with rules

(1)

A failure to comply with the requirements of these rules—

(a)

must be treated as an irregularity; and

(b)

does not nullify—

(i)

the proceeding; or

(ii)

any step taken in the proceeding; or

(iii)

any document, judgment, or order in the proceeding.

(2)

Subject to subclauses (3) and (4), the court may, on the ground that there has been a failure to which subclause (1) applies, and on any terms as to costs or otherwise that it thinks just,—

(a)

set aside, either wholly or in part,—

(i)

the proceeding in which the failure occurred; or

(ii)

any step taken in the proceeding in which the failure occurred; or

(iii)

any document, judgment, or order in the proceeding in which the failure occurred; or

(b)

exercise its powers under these rules to allow any amendments to be made and to make any order dealing with the proceeding generally as it thinks just.

(3)

The court must not wholly set aside any proceeding or the originating process by which the proceeding was begun on the ground that the proceeding was required by the rules to be begun by an originating process other than the one employed.

(4)

The court must not set aside any proceeding or any step taken in a proceeding or any document, judgment, or order in any proceeding on the ground of a failure to which subclause (1) applies on the application of a party unless the application is made within a reasonable time and before the party applying has taken any fresh step after becoming aware of the irregularity.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 5

1.6 Cases not provided for

(1)

If any case arises for which no form of procedure is prescribed by any Act or rules or regulations or by these rules, the court must dispose of the case as nearly as may be practicable in accordance with the provisions of these rules affecting any similar case.

(2)

If there are no such rules, it must be disposed of in the manner that the court thinks is best calculated to promote the objective of these rules (see rule 1.2).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 9

1.7 Oral applications for relief

(1)

A Judge may grant relief on an oral application if the case is urgent and the interests of justice so require.

(2)

This rule applies despite any rule requiring a written application.

(3)

Relief may be granted on terms and conditions considered just.

1.8 Consent instead of leave of court

(1)

When, by these rules, the leave of the court is required in any matter of procedure, and all parties and persons who are affected consent to the grant of leave, a party may file a memorandum signed by all those parties and persons evidencing that consent and its terms and conditions.

(2)

The Registrar must either—

(a)

make and seal an order in terms of the memorandum; or

(b)

refer the memorandum to the court, in which case the memorandum must be treated as an interlocutory application for the leave.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 10

1.9 Amendment of defects and errors

(1)

The court may, before, at, or after the trial of any proceeding, amend any defects and errors in the pleadings or procedure in the proceeding, whether or not there is anything in writing to amend, and whether or not the defect or error is that of the party (if any) applying to amend.

(2)

The court may, at any stage of a proceeding, make, either on its own initiative or on the application of a party to the proceedings, any amendments to any pleading or the procedure in the proceeding that are necessary for determining the real controversy between the parties.

(3)

All amendments under subclause (1) or (2) may be made with or without costs and on any terms the court thinks just.

(4)

This rule is subject to rule 7.7 (which prohibits steps after the close of pleadings date without leave).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 11

Rule 1.9(4): replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 5 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

1.10 Security

(1)

An officer who is empowered to take security from a person for any purpose may determine the appropriate number of sureties and the form and the amount of the security.

(2)

Any person required to give security may appeal to the court against any decision under subclause (1).

(3)

If a surety becomes bankrupt or insolvent, or makes a composition with that surety’s creditors, the court may stay all further steps in the proceeding by the principal party to the security until another surety has been found.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 rr 16, 17

Subpart 3—Use of Māori language, translations, and sign language

1.11 Speaking in Māori

(1)

This rule applies to a person entitled under section 7(1) of Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016/the Māori Language Act 2016 to speak Māori in a proceeding or at the hearing of an interlocutory application.

(2)

If a person to whom this rule applies wishes to speak Māori in a proceeding or at the hearing of an interlocutory application, that person, or, if the person is a witness, the party intending to call that person, must file and serve on every other party to the proceeding a notice of his or her intention to speak Māori.

(3)

The notice must state that the person intends to speak Māori at—

(a)

all case management conferences and hearings; or

(b)

all case management conferences and hearings held after a specified case management conference or hearing; or

(c)

a specified case management conference or hearing.

(4)

The notice must be in form G 12.

(5)

The notice must be filed and served,—

(a)

if the person intends to speak Māori at all case management conferences and hearings, not less than 10 working days before the first case management conference or hearing; or

(b)

if the person intends to speak Māori at case management conferences and hearings held after a particular case management conference or hearing, not less than 10 working days before the first case management conference or hearing at which the person intends to speak Māori; or

(c)

if the person intends to speak Māori at a particular case management conference or hearing, not less than 10 working days before the case management conference or hearing.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 65A

Rule 1.11(1): amended, on 30 April 2016, by section 50 of Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016/the Māori Language Act 2016 (2016 No 17).

1.12 Translation of documents into te reo Māori

(1)

A person upon whom a document is served in any proceeding is entitled to receive a translation of the document into the Māori language if he or she—

(a)

applies, orally or in writing, to the Registrar in the place where the proceeding is pending, within 10 working days after the date of service, for a translation into the Māori language of the document; and

(b)

states a postal address for the service of the translation (if an address for service has not already been given); and

(c)

satisfies the Registrar that he or she is unable to read the document but could read it if it were translated into the Māori language.

(2)

The Registrar must require that translation to be prepared by the party or person on whose behalf the document was served.

(3)

The translation must be certified correct by a person holding an endorsed certificate of competency under clause 4 of Schedule 6 of Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016/the Māori Language Act 2016.

(4)

The translation may be served—

(a)

personally; or

(b)

at the address for service (if any) of the person entitled to the translation; or

(c)

by sending it by registered post addressed to that person at the stated postal address.

(5)

When the translation is sent by registered post, it is to be treated as having been served when it would be delivered or available for delivery at its address in the ordinary course of registered post.

(6)

The costs of preparing, certifying, and serving the translation are in the discretion of the court as costs in the proceeding.

(7)

Unless the court otherwise orders,—

(a)

the document is deemed not to have been served until the translation is served in accordance with subclause (4); and

(b)

the proceeding in which the document is issued must be stayed as far as the person entitled to the translation is concerned until the translation is so served; and

(c)

every subsequent document served on that person in the proceeding and every execution process or other process issued against that person to enforce any judgment entered or order made in the proceeding must, unless that person is at the time represented by a solicitor, be accompanied by a translation into the Māori language complying with this rule.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 rr 62–64

Rule 1.12(3): amended, on 30 April 2016, by section 50 of Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016/the Māori Language Act 2016 (2016 No 17).

1.13 Failure to give notice

A failure to comply with rule 1.11 does not prevent a person speaking Māori at a case management conference or pre-trial conference or hearing, but—

(a)

the court may adjourn the conference or hearing to enable the Registrar to arrange for a person who holds a certificate of competency under clause 1(2)(a) or (c) of Schedule 6 of Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016/the Māori Language Act 2016 or some other person competent to interpret Māori to be available at the adjourned case management conference or hearing:

(b)

the court may treat the failure to comply as a relevant consideration in an award of costs.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 65B

Rule 1.13(a): amended, on 30 April 2016, by section 50 of Te Ture mō Te Reo Māori 2016/the Māori Language Act 2016 (2016 No 17).

1.14 Translation may be ordered by court

(1)

The court may at any time order that a translation into the Māori language, complying with rule 1.12(2) to (7), of any document served, before or after the making of the order, upon a Māori concerned in a proceeding be served on that Māori, whether or not he or she has applied for it under rule 1.12(1).

(2)

An order may be made subject to such terms and conditions as the court thinks just.

(3)

The court may, on ordering a translation under this rule, grant an adjournment of the proceeding if justice so requires.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 65

1.15 Affidavit in language other than English

(1)

An affidavit in a language other than English (non-English language affidavit) may be filed in a proceeding.

(2)

The non-English language affidavit must be accompanied by an affidavit by an interpreter to which is exhibited—

(a)

a copy of the non-English language affidavit; and

(b)

the interpreter’s translation of the non-English language affidavit.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 512

1.16 Sign language

(1)

Any person permitted by the New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006 to use New Zealand Sign Language in a proceeding or at the hearing of any interlocutory application or at a case management or pre-trial conference must give the court and all other parties 10 working days’ notice of that person’s intention to do so.

(2)

A Judge may at any time, on application by or on behalf of a party, make any order thought just relating to—

(a)

providing, with the Registrar’s assistance, a competent interpreter, and ensuring that the interpreter is available; and

(b)

the interpretation of the sign language into English or Māori and the interpretation of English or Māori words used in court into sign language; and

(c)

the cost of any interpretation ordered and its incidence; and

(d)

the method of making and recording the sign language communication.

(3)

A failure to give notice as required by subclause (1) does not prevent any permitted person using New Zealand Sign Language, however—

(a)

the failure is a relevant consideration in an award of costs; and

(b)

the Judge may adjourn the conference or hearing or trial to enable the Registrar to arrange for a competent interpreter to be available at the adjourned conference or hearing or trial.

(4)

In this rule, competent interpreter means an interpreter who meets the standards of competency specified in regulations made under the New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006; and in the absence of such regulations means a person whom the Judge is satisfied is competent to translate from English or Māori (as the case requires) into New Zealand Sign Language and from New Zealand Sign Language into English or Māori (as the case requires).

Subpart 4—Time

1.17 Calculating periods of time

(1)

A period of time fixed by the rules or by a judgment, order, or direction or by a document in a proceeding must be calculated in accordance with this rule and rule 1.18.

(2)

When a time of 1 day or a longer time is to be reckoned by reference to a given day or event, the given day or the day of the given event must not be counted.

(3)

Nothing in this rule or in rules 1.18 and 1.19 affects the reckoning of a period of time fixed by the Limitation Act 2010 or any other statute or the application of the Interpretation Act 1999 in relation to the Limitation Act 2010 or any other statute.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 13

Rule 1.17(3): amended, on 1 January 2011, by rule 17 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2010 (SR 2010/394).

1.18 When time expires when court registry is closed

When the time for doing any act at a registry of the court expires on a day on which that registry is closed, so that that act cannot be done on that day, the act is in time if done on the next day on which that registry is open.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 15

1.19 Extending and shortening time

(1)

The court may, in its discretion, extend or shorten the time appointed by these rules, or fixed by any order, for doing any act or taking any proceeding or any step in a proceeding, on such terms (if any) as the court thinks just.

(2)

The court may order an extension of time although the application for the extension is not made until after the expiration of the time appointed or fixed.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 6

Subpart 5—Lawyers’ obligations

1.20 Lawyers’ duties

(1)

The duties imposed by these rules on lawyers do not limit a lawyer’s obligations to a client or another lawyer or the court under the rules of conduct and client care for lawyers in New Zealand or other applicable ethical rules or guidelines.

(2)

A lawyer who acts for a party to a proceeding, or is a party to any proceeding, must not, without the leave of the court, act for any other party to the proceeding who does not have the same interest in the subject matter of the proceeding.

(3)

In this rule, lawyer includes the partner of a solicitor to whom subclause (1) applies.

(4)

In applying these rules, the court may have regard to the obligations referred to in subclause (1).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 41A

Subpart 6—Forms

1.21 Variation of forms

(1)

Variations may be made to any form directed or authorised by these rules to be used, as the circumstances of a particular case require.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not apply if a Judge orders that a court document be prepared in a particular format or with prescribed content.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 7

Subpart 7—International co-operation

1.22 Communication with foreign court

(1)

This rule applies if, and to the extent that, the court is required, or wishes, to seek the co-operation of a court in another country when dealing with an application under these rules.

(2)

The court is entitled to communicate with the foreign court if—

(a)

the parties consent; and

(b)

the communication is not prohibited by the law of the other country.

(3)

When the court acts under subclause (2) it must give the parties to the proceeding an opportunity to be heard on the form of the communication.

(4)

The communication and any reply must be treated as part of the record of the proceeding or interlocutory application.

Part 2 Jurisdiction and powers of Associate Judges and Registrars

Subpart 1—Associate Judges

2.1 Jurisdiction and powers

(1)

An Associate Judge has the jurisdiction and powers of a Judge in chambers conferred by the Act or these rules or another enactment.

(2)

The jurisdiction and powers referred to in subclause (1) are in addition to the jurisdiction and powers conferred by section 20 of the Act.

(3)

Despite subclause (1), an Associate Judge does not have jurisdiction or powers—

(a)

in relation to the matters specified in section 22(4) of the Act; or

(b)

under rules 5.35A to 5.35C.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 61A

Rule 2.1(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

Rule 2.1(3): replaced, on 1 September 2017, by rule 5 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

2.2 Interim order on transfer of proceeding

An Associate Judge who refers a proceeding or a matter arising in a proceeding to a Judge under section 26(1) of the Act may, before the final disposal of the proceeding or matter, make any interim order he or she considers just.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 61B

Rule 2.2: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

2.3 Review of decision

[Revoked]

Rule 2.3: revoked, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

2.4 Appeal to Court of Appeal

[Revoked]

Rule 2.4: revoked, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

Subpart 2—Registrars

2.5 Registrars’ jurisdiction and powers relating to interlocutory applications

A Registrar (not including a Deputy Registrar) has the jurisdiction and powers of a Judge to do the following:

(a)

hear and determine an application to extend or shorten the time for filing a statement of defence or notice of interlocutory application:

(b)

hear and determine an application under rule 6.28 (relating to service out of New Zealand):

(c)

adjourn a trial, reserving to the court the costs of, or arising out of, the adjournment:

(d)

order a stay on an application made to vary or rescind an order or a decision of a Registrar:

(e)

make an order in an interlocutory application on notice—

(i)

if the consent of all relevant parties is endorsed on the application or filed; or

(ii)

on receiving a draft order consented to in writing by all relevant parties or by their solicitor or counsel.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 270

2.6 Additional jurisdiction for certain Registrars

The Registrar (not including a Deputy Registrar) at the Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, or Dunedin registry has the jurisdiction and powers given to a Judge by the following:

(a)

rule 1.19, so far as it applies to—

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(b)

(c)

(d)

subpart 2 of Part 17:

(e)

rule 17.24.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 271

Rule 2.6(a)(ii): replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 6 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

2.7 Limits on jurisdiction

(1)

A Registrar must exercise jurisdiction under rules 2.5 and 2.6—

(a)

in chambers; and

(b)

subject to any judicial direction.

(2)

However, a Registrar may exercise his or her jurisdiction under those rules without further direction.

(3)

In exercising a jurisdiction conferred by these rules a Registrar is not subject to direction by any person except a Judge acting under rule 2.11.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 272

2.8 Powers ancillary to jurisdiction

A Registrar may exercise powers ancillary to jurisdiction under rules 2.5 and 2.6 if a Judge may exercise those ancillary powers in the same circumstances.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 273

2.9 Jurisdiction in other registries

A Registrar may exercise jurisdiction under rules 2.5 and 2.6 in respect of an application filed in a registry of the court other than the one at which he or she is Registrar.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 274

2.10 Form of order

An order made by a Registrar under rule 2.5 or 2.6 must—

(a)

be headed “Before the Registrar at [place], in chambers”; and

(b)

be signed by a Registrar or Deputy Registrar, and sealed with the seal of the court; and

(c)

state the rule under which it is made.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 275

2.11 Review of Registrar’s decision

(1)

An affected party to a proceeding or an intended proceeding may apply to a Judge by interlocutory application for a review of any of the following:

(a)

a Registrar’s exercise of jurisdiction:

(b)

a Registrar’s refusal to file a document tendered for filing:

(c)

a Registrar’s refusal to perform a duty placed on him or her under these rules.

(2)

The Judge may, on review, make any orders he or she thinks just.

(3)

It is not necessary to apply for an order for an extraordinary remedy under Part 30 or to make an application for review under the Judicial Review Procedure Act 2016 when seeking a review under subclause (1)(b) or (c).

(4)

Notice of an application for review must be filed,—

(a)

if it is made by a party who was present or represented when the decision or refusal of the Registrar was given, within 5 working days of the decision or refusal; or

(b)

if it is made by a party who was not present or represented, within 5 working days after the receipt by the party of notice of the decision or refusal.

(5)

An application for review under this rule is not a stay of proceeding or a step in the proceeding, unless a Judge, or a Registrar acting under rule 2.5, so directs.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 276

Rule 2.11(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

Part 3 Court administration

Subpart 1—Registry hours and court holidays

3.1 Registry hours

The court’s registries must be open from 9 am to 5 pm on every day that is not a court holiday.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 22

3.2 Court holidays

(1)

The following are court holidays for the court and the court’s registries:

(a)

the period beginning on Good Friday and ending on the close of the Tuesday after Easter:

(b)

the period beginning on 24 December and ending on the close of 3 January:

(c)

Saturdays and Sundays:

(d)

the Sovereign’s birthday:

(e)

Anzac Day:

(f)

Labour Day:

(g)

Waitangi Day:

(ga)

if Anzac Day or Waitangi Day falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the following Monday:

(h)

the anniversary day of the region in which the court is situated:

(i)

in each place where a registry of the court is situated, any day which is in that place—

(i)

a public holiday; or

(ii)

a proclaimed holiday; or

(iii)

a day observed by the Government as a holiday:

(j)

any days on which the court and its registries are closed under an order made under rule 3.4.

(2)

The Holidays Act 2003 overrides subclause (1).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 rr 18, 19

Rule 3.2(1)(ga): inserted, on 18 October 2016, by section 183(c) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

3.3 Sitting on court holidays

(1)

The court may sit on a court holiday if a Judge considers it desirable to do so in order to dispose of business.

(2)

Despite subclause (1), the court may sit on a Sunday, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, or Good Friday only if a Judge is of the view that the business to be disposed of is extremely urgent.

(3)

If the court sits on a court holiday, it may—

(a)

authorise the receipt or issue of any document complying with these rules; and

(b)

authorise the service of any document received or issued under paragraph (a).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 21

Rule 3.3(3)(b): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

3.3A Vacations

(1)

There is to be a long vacation beginning on 20 December and ending with the close of 31 January.

(2)

There is to be an Easter vacation beginning on the day before Good Friday and ending with the close of the Saturday following Easter.

Rule 3.3A: inserted, on 1 December 2009, by rule 4 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2009 (SR 2009/334).

Subpart 1A—Emergencies

Subpart 1A heading: inserted, on 7 April 2022, by rule 5 of the High Court Amendment Rules 2022 (SL 2022/59).

3.3B Emergencies

(1)

For the purposes of these rules, an emergency exists in relation to a place if,—

(a)

in relation to that place,—

(i)

a state of emergency is declared, or a transition period is notified, under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002; or

(ii)

an emergency is declared under other legislation; or

(iii)

an epidemic notice is in force under section 5 of the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006; or

(b)

the Chief High Court Judge, being satisfied of the following, gives notice that an emergency exists in relation to that place for the purposes of these rules:

(i)

that a situation exists that is the result of any happening, whether natural or otherwise, including, without limitation, any explosion, earthquake, eruption, tsunami, land movement, flood, storm, tornado, cyclone, serious fire, leakage or spillage of any dangerous gas or substance, technological failure, infestation, plague, epidemic, failure of or disruption to an emergency service or a lifeline utility, or actual or imminent attack or warlike act; and

(ii)

that the situation affects, or may affect, the operation of the court or any registry of the court.

(2)

A notice is given for the purposes of subclause (1)(b) when it is published in the manner the Chief High Court Judge directs.

(3)

The Chief High Court Judge must—

(a)

keep a notice given for the purposes of subclause (1)(b) under review; and

(b)

revoke the notice when satisfied that the emergency has ended.

(4)

Subclause (3)(b) does not limit the Chief High Court Judge’s powers to revoke a notice sooner.

(5)

For the purposes of subclause (1), place includes the whole of New Zealand.

(6)

If an emergency exists, see rules 3.4, 3.4A, 5.1A(6), 5.1B(2)(d), 6.1A, and 9.73(4) to (6).

(7)

See also sections 24 and 24A of the Epidemic Preparedness Act 2006 if an epidemic notice is in force.

Rule 3.3B: inserted, on 7 April 2022, by rule 6 of the High Court Amendment Rules 2022 (SL 2022/59).

3.4 Closure of court or registries in emergencies

(1)

Despite rule 3.1, the Chief High Court Judge may order that the court or one or more of its registries be closed for a period not exceeding one week specified in the order if an emergency exists in the place where the court or one or more of its registries is located.

(2)

For the avoidance of doubt, the Chief High Court Judge may make orders under subclause (1) in respect of consecutive periods of time.

(3)

[Revoked]

(4)

A Registrar must ensure that an order made under subclause (1) is immediately advertised in the manner the Judge directs.

(5)

For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this rule, or any other provision of these rules, relating to the powers of a Judge in respect of a proceeding in circumstances in which an emergency exists is intended to limit the court’s inherent jurisdiction.

Rule 3.4: replaced, on 9 April 2020, by rule 5 of the High Court (COVID-19 Preparedness) Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/59).

Rule 3.4 heading: replaced, on 7 April 2022, by rule 7(1) of the High Court Amendment Rules 2022 (SL 2022/59).

Rule 3.4(3): revoked, on 7 April 2022, by rule 7(2) of the High Court Amendment Rules 2022 (SL 2022/59).

Ensuring hearings can proceed with remote participation

Heading: inserted, on 9 April 2020, by rule 5 of the High Court (COVID-19 Preparedness) Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/59).

3.4A Judge may direct form of participation in hearings and at trials

(1)

Where an emergency exists in any part of New Zealand, a Judge may make a direction as to the form of participation by counsel, parties, witnesses, and other persons at any hearing or trial conducted pursuant to these rules, by—

(a)

dispensing with any requirement for a person to be physically present in the court and make provision for an alternative means of complying with any such requirement:

(b)

directing particular methods of attendance at, and participation in, a hearing or trial (for example, in person, by telephone, or by audio-visual link) that will be permitted, required, or excused:

(c)

directing where and how any person attending or participating in a hearing or trial in person must conduct themselves in respect of their physical proximity to other persons in attendance:

(d)

requiring any person attending or participating in a hearing or trial in person to be attired in a particular manner.

(2)

No direction may be made under subclause (1) that modifies any requirement imposed by another provision of these rules more than is reasonably necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of those required or compelled to attend or participate in a hearing or trial, having regard also to,—

(a)

the requirements of natural justice; and

(b)

the rights affirmed by the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.

(3)

Subject to subclause (2), the power in subclause (1) may be exercised notwithstanding that it is contrary to any other provision of these rules, regulation, or rule of law.

Rule 3.4A: inserted, on 9 April 2020, by rule 5 of the High Court (COVID-19 Preparedness) Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/59).

Subpart 2—Access to court documents

[Revoked]

Subpart 2: revoked, on 1 September 2017, by rule 19(2) of the Senior Courts (Access to Court Documents) Rules 2017 (LI 2017/193).

3.5 Interpretation

[Revoked]

Rule 3.5: revoked, on 1 September 2017, by rule 19(2) of the Senior Courts (Access to Court Documents) Rules 2017 (LI 2017/193).

3.6 Application

[Revoked]

Rule 3.6: revoked, on 1 September 2017, by rule 19(2) of the Senior Courts (Access to Court Documents) Rules 2017 (LI 2017/193).

3.7 General right of access to formal court record and certain applications under Administration Act 1969

[Revoked]

Rule 3.7: revoked, on 1 September 2017, by rule 19(2) of the Senior Courts (Access to Court Documents) Rules 2017 (LI 2017/193).

3.8 Right of parties to access court file or documents

[Revoked]

Rule 3.8: revoked, on 1 September 2017, by rule 19(2) of the Senior Courts (Access to Court Documents) Rules 2017 (LI 2017/193).

3.9 Access to documents during substantive hearing stage

[Revoked]

Rule 3.9: revoked, on 1 September 2017, by rule 19(2) of the Senior Courts (Access to Court Documents) Rules 2017 (LI 2017/193).

3.10 Meaning of relevant deadline in rule 3.9

[Revoked]

Rule 3.10: revoked, on 1 September 2017, by rule 19(2) of the Senior Courts (Access to Court Documents) Rules 2017 (LI 2017/193).

3.11 Access to court files, documents, and formal court record in other cases

[Revoked]

Rule 3.11: revoked, on 1 September 2017, by rule 19(2) of the Senior Courts (Access to Court Documents) Rules 2017 (LI 2017/193).

3.12 Restrictions on access

[Revoked]

Rule 3.12: revoked, on 1 September 2017, by rule 19(2) of the Senior Courts (Access to Court Documents) Rules 2017 (LI 2017/193).

3.13 Applications for permission to access documents, court file, or formal court record other than at hearing stage

[Revoked]

Rule 3.13: revoked, on 1 September 2017, by rule 19(2) of the Senior Courts (Access to Court Documents) Rules 2017 (LI 2017/193).

3.14 Decisions on applications under rule 3.13

[Revoked]

Rule 3.14: revoked, on 1 September 2017, by rule 19(2) of the Senior Courts (Access to Court Documents) Rules 2017 (LI 2017/193).

3.15 Review of decisions by Registrar

[Revoked]

Rule 3.15: revoked, on 1 September 2017, by rule 19(2) of the Senior Courts (Access to Court Documents) Rules 2017 (LI 2017/193).

3.16 Matters to be taken into account

[Revoked]

Rule 3.16: revoked, on 1 September 2017, by rule 19(2) of the Senior Courts (Access to Court Documents) Rules 2017 (LI 2017/193).

Subpart 3—Investment of funds in court

Subpart 3: replaced, on 12 June 2009, by rule 4 of the High Court (Access to Court Documents) Amendment Rules 2009 (SR 2009/133).

3.17 Application for order

(1)

Subclause (2) applies if money has been, or is to be, paid into court in a proceeding under—

(a)

an order of the court; or

(b)

a provision of these rules.

(2)

If this subclause applies, a party to the proceeding may apply to the court for an order directing the Registrar to invest the money on whatever security or securities the court thinks just.

(3)

Unless the court otherwise orders, an application may not be made until 15 working days after the money has been paid into court.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 69

Rule 3.17: inserted, on 12 June 2009, by rule 4 of the High Court (Access to Court Documents) Amendment Rules 2009 (SR 2009/133).

3.18 Powers of court in relation to application

(1)

The court may, when making an order for investment of money under rule 3.17,—

(a)

direct that the security on which the money is invested must be taken in the name of the Registrar alone or with another person the court nominates; and

(b)

also give—

(i)

directions as to the form and the terms of the security; and

(ii)

any other directions as may appear necessary or expedient.

(2)

An order may be varied by the court on the application of a party to the proceeding.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 70

Rule 3.18: inserted, on 12 June 2009, by rule 4 of the High Court (Access to Court Documents) Amendment Rules 2009 (SR 2009/133).

3.19 Disposal of securities and income

(1)

The court may, on the application of a party to a proceeding, direct that—

(a)

the security on which money is invested under rule 3.17 be transferred to a party or parties in the shares or proportions the court thinks just; or

(b)

the security be converted into money and the resulting capital and income be paid to a party or parties in the shares or proportions the court thinks just; or

(c)

the capital be paid to a party or parties and the income be paid to another party or parties in the shares or proportions the court thinks just.

(2)

An application may be made—

(a)

at the time of making an order under rule 3.17; or

(b)

at a later time.

(3)

Unless the court directs otherwise, the income received from an investment under an order under rule 3.17 must be paid to the party or parties who are found by the court to be entitled to the capital, in the shares or proportions the court thinks just.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 71

Rule 3.19: inserted, on 12 June 2009, by rule 4 of the High Court (Access to Court Documents) Amendment Rules 2009 (SR 2009/133).

Part 4 Parties

Subpart 1—Limit on parties

4.1 Limit on parties

The number of persons named or joined as parties to a proceeding must be limited, as far as practicable, to—

(a)

persons whose presence before the court is necessary to justly determine the issues arising; and

(b)

persons who ought to be bound by any judgment given.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 76

Subpart 2—Plaintiffs

4.2 Plaintiffs

(1)

Persons may be joined jointly, severally, or in the alternative as plaintiffs,—

(a)

if it is alleged that they have a right to relief in respect of, or arising out of, the same transaction, matter, event, instrument, document, series of documents, enactment, or bylaw; and

(b)

if each of those persons brought a separate proceeding, a common question of law or fact would arise.

(2)

On the application of a defendant, the court may, if it considers a joinder may prejudice or delay the hearing of a proceeding, order separate trials or make any order it thinks just.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 73

Subpart 3—Defendants

4.3 Defendants

(1)

Persons may be joined jointly, individually, or in the alternative as defendants against whom it is alleged there is a right to relief in respect of, or arising out of, the same transaction, matter, event, instrument, document, series of documents, enactment, or bylaw.

(2)

It is not necessary for every defendant to be interested in all relief claimed or every cause of action.

(3)

The court may make an order preventing a defendant from being embarrassed or put to expense by being required to attend part of a proceeding in which the defendant has no interest.

(4)

A plaintiff who is in doubt as to the person or persons against whom the plaintiff is entitled to relief may join 2 or more persons as defendants with a view to the proceeding determining—

(a)

which (if any) of the defendants is liable; and

(b)

to what extent.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 74

Subpart 4—Third, fourth, and subsequent parties

4.4 Third parties

(1)

A defendant may issue a third party notice if the defendant claims any or all of the following:

(a)

that the defendant is entitled to a contribution or an indemnity from a person who is not a party to the proceeding (a third party):

(b)

that the defendant is entitled to relief or a remedy relating to, or connected with, the subject matter of the proceeding from a third party and the relief or remedy is substantially the same as that claimed by the plaintiff against the defendant:

(c)

that a question or issue in the proceeding ought to be determined not only between the plaintiff and the defendant but also between—

(i)

the plaintiff, the defendant, and the third party; or

(ii)

the defendant and the third party; or

(iii)

the plaintiff and the third party:

(d)

that there is a question or an issue between the defendant and the third party relating to, or connected with, the subject matter of the proceeding that is substantially the same as a question or an issue arising between the plaintiff and the defendant.

(2)

A third party notice must be issued within—

(a)

10 working days after the expiry of the time for filing the defendant’s statement of defence; or

(b)

a longer time given by leave of the court.

(3)

A third party notice may be issued only with the leave of the court if an application for judgment is pending under rule 12.2 or 12.3.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 75(1), (5)

Rule 4.4(3): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

4.5 Fourth parties

(1)

A third party claiming any or all of the matters in rule 4.4(1) in relation to a person who is not a party to the proceeding (a fourth party) may issue a fourth party notice.

(2)

A fourth party notice must be issued within—

(a)

10 working days after the expiry of the time for filing the third party’s statement of defence; or

(b)

a longer time given by leave of the court—

(i)

on an application on notice to all existing parties; or

(ii)

with the written consent of all existing parties.

(3)

Rule 4.4(3) applies to fourth party notices.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 75(2)

4.6 Subsequent parties

(1)

A fourth party who claims any or all of the matters in rule 4.4(1) in relation to a person who is not a party to the proceeding (a subsequent party) may issue a subsequent party notice and so on.

(2)

A subsequent party notice may be issued only with—

(a)

the written consent of all existing parties; or

(b)

the leave of the court made on an application on notice to all existing parties.

(3)

Rules 4.4(3) and 4.5(2) apply, with all necessary modifications, to subsequent party notices.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 rr 75(2), 162

Rule 4.6(3): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

4.7 Status of third, fourth, and subsequent parties

(1)

A third, fourth, or subsequent party is a party to the proceeding from the time a notice is served on that party.

(2)

A third, fourth, or subsequent party has the same rights of defence as a defendant to the proceeding.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 75(3)

4.8 Court’s power and discretion

(1)

On an application seeking leave to issue a third, fourth, or subsequent party notice, the court must have regard to all relevant circumstances, including delay to the plaintiff.

(2)

On the making of an application of that kind, the court may grant or refuse leave or grant leave on just terms.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 75(4)

4.9 Application of third party notice rules to fourth and subsequent party notices

Rules 4.10 to 4.17 apply, with all necessary modifications, to fourth and subsequent party notices.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 162

4.10 Requirements of third party notice

(1)

A third party notice must be signed by the defendant and inform the third party of—

(a)

the plaintiff’s claim against the defendant; and

(b)

the defendant’s claim against the third party; and

(c)

the steps the third party is required to take if the third party wishes to dispute either claim; and

(d)

the consequences that will follow if the third party fails to dispute either claim.

(2)

A third party notice may be in form G 14.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 154

4.11 Filing of third party notice

(1)

A third party notice must be filed in the court together with a statement of the defendant’s claim against the third party.

(2)

The statement of claim must—

(a)

comply with rules 5.27 to 5.35; and

(b)

state the nature of the question or issue to be determined; and

(c)

state the nature and extent of any relief or remedy claimed against the third party.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 155

4.12 Service on third party

A defendant must, within 25 working days after the date of the filing of the third party notice or the date of the order granting leave to issue the third party notice, serve the following on the third party:

(a)

a copy of the third party notice:

(b)

a copy of the defendant’s statement of claim against the third party:

(c)

a copy of the plaintiff’s statement of claim:

(d)

a copy of the notice of proceeding:

(e)

a copy of the defendant’s statement of defence or appearance:

(f)

a list of other documents that have been served—

(i)

by the plaintiff on the defendant; or

(ii)

by the defendant on the plaintiff.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 156

4.13 Service on plaintiff

(1)

The defendant must, within 25 working days after the date of the filing of the third party notice or the date of the order granting leave to issue the third party notice, serve the plaintiff with—

(a)

a copy of the third party notice; and

(b)

a copy of the defendant’s statement of claim against the third party.

(2)

The plaintiff must not, without the leave of the court, do the following until the expiry of the time for the third party to file a defence:

(a)

enter judgment in the proceeding; or

(b)

apply for the allocation of a hearing date for the proceeding.

(3)

An application for leave to the court must be made on notice—

(a)

to the defendant; and

(b)

if the third party has been served, to the third party.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 157

4.14 Filing and service of statement of defence

(1)

A statement of defence by a third party must be filed and served within 25 working days after the date of service of the third party notice.

(1A)

Subclause (1) is subject to rule 6.35 (which, unless the court otherwise orders, requires a defendant who has been served out of New Zealand to file a statement of defence within 30 working days from the date of service).

(2)

A third party must serve a copy of the third party’s statement of defence on the plaintiff and the defendant.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 158

Rule 4.14(1A): inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 5 of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

4.15 Service of application for leave

If an application to the court for leave to issue a third party notice is required, it must be served on the other parties to the proceeding.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 159

4.16 Setting aside third party notice

(1)

A third party may apply to the court to have a third party notice issued and served with the leave of the court set aside.

(2)

A party to a proceeding served with a third party notice issued and served without leave of the court may apply to the court to have the notice set aside.

(3)

In either case, the court may—

(a)

set the third party notice aside and dismiss the defendant’s statement of claim against the third party—

(i)

on the merits; or

(ii)

without prejudice to the right of the defendant to pursue that claim against the third party in an independent proceeding; or

(b)

give other directions.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 160

4.17 Default in filing statement of defence

(1)

A third party defaulting in filing a statement of defence—

(a)

admits the validity of, and is bound by,—

(i)

any judgment (whether by consent, default, or otherwise) given in the proceeding; and

(ii)

any decision on a question specified in the defendant’s statement of claim; and

(b)

admits liability if a contribution, indemnity, relief, or remedy is claimed against the third party in the defendant’s statement of claim.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not apply in third party proceedings against the Crown, unless—

(a)

an application is made to that effect and the court orders it; and

(b)

the application was served on the Crown not less than 5 working days before the day for hearing the application.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 161

Subpart 5—Claims between defendants

4.18 Right to give notice

If a defendant claims against another defendant in circumstances in which (had that other defendant not been a defendant) it would be permissible to issue and serve a third party notice on that other defendant, the claiming defendant may, at any time before the close of pleadings date for the proceeding, file and serve that other defendant and the plaintiff with a notice to that effect.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 163

Rule 4.18: amended, on 4 February 2013, by rule 7 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

4.19 Statement of claim to be filed and served

(1)

A defendant who files a notice under rule 4.18 must file and serve with it a statement of that defendant’s claim against the other defendant.

(2)

The statement of claim—

(a)

must comply with the requirements of subpart 6 of Part 5; and

(b)

in particular, must state the nature of the question or issue sought to be determined and the nature and extent of any relief or remedy claimed against the other defendant.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 164

4.20 Statement of defence

(1)

Unless a defendant served with a notice under rule 4.18 wishes to raise an affirmative defence to the claim made against that defendant by the defendant serving the notice, it is not necessary to file a statement of defence to that claim.

(2)

A statement of defence to a claim made in a notice served under rule 4.18 must, within 10 working days after the day of service of the notice, be filed and served—

(a)

on the defendant serving the notice; and

(b)

on the plaintiff.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 165

4.21 Form of notice

(1)

A notice filed and served under rule 4.18 must be in form G 15.

(2)

Every such notice must be signed by the defendant or the defendant’s solicitor.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 166

4.22 Effect of omission to give notice

Even if a defendant has not given a notice under rule 4.18 the court may give any judgment or grant any relief in favour of that defendant that might have been given or granted in the absence of that rule.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 167

Subpart 6—Impact of certain capacities

4.23 Trustees, executors, and administrators

(1)

Trustees, executors, and administrators may sue and be sued on behalf of, or as representing, the property or estate of which they are trustees, executors, or administrators.

(2)

There is no need to join persons beneficially interested in a trust or an estate to a proceeding because the trustees, executors, and administrators represent those persons.

(3)

However, the court may, at any stage, order that a beneficially interested person be made a party, either in addition to or instead of the trustees, executors, or administrators.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 77

4.24 Persons having same interest

One or more persons may sue or be sued on behalf of, or for the benefit of, all persons with the same interest in the subject matter of a proceeding—

(a)

with the consent of the other persons who have the same interest; or

(b)

as directed by the court on an application made by a party or intending party to the proceeding.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 78

4.25 Partners

(1)

Any 2 or more persons making a claim as partners or alleged to be liable as partners may sue or be sued in the name of the firm (if any).

(2)

The opposite party may apply to the firm for the names of the persons who are partners in the firm and, until an affidavit has been filed stating the names and addresses of the partners, all further steps in the proceeding on the part of the partners are stayed.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 79

4.26 Person trading as firm

(1)

A person carrying on business in the name of a firm may be sued in the name of the firm.

(2)

The opposite party may apply to the court for an order—

(a)

directing that an affidavit be filed stating the name and address of the person carrying on the business; and

(b)

staying any further step in the proceeding on the part of the person carrying on the business until the affidavit has been filed.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 80

4.27 Representation by other persons

In respect of a proceeding or intended proceeding, the court may, on an application by a party or an intending party or on its own initiative,—

(a)

direct an executor or a trustee to represent minors, unborn persons, absentees, or unrepresented persons:

(b)

appoint a counsel who agrees to represent minors, unborn persons, absentees, or unrepresented persons:

(c)

appoint a litigation guardian to represent a person if it appears necessary:

(d)

direct the Public Trust to represent a person or class of persons:

(e)

direct that the Attorney-General or the Solicitor-General be served:

(f)

direct, with the consent of the Attorney-General, that a head of a government department or other officer represent the public interest:

(g)

direct that a local authority, public body, or other representative body represent the inhabitants of a locality or any class of persons, unless their interests, or the interests of a considerable section of them, may be adverse to those of the local authority, public body, or other representative body:

(h)

if a local authority, public body, or other representative body is a plaintiff or a party whose interests appear to be adverse to those of the inhabitants of a locality or any class of persons, or a considerable section of them, direct the manner in which the inhabitants, class, or section are to be represented.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 81

4.28 Relators

(1)

In this rule, a relator is a person who has been approved by the Attorney-General to bring a proceeding in the name of the Attorney-General.

(2)

A person who seeks to bring a proceeding in the name of the Attorney-General must obtain the approval of the Attorney-General.

(3)

A relator is liable for the costs of a proceeding.

(4)

A proceeding does not come to an end because a relator or all relators die or become incapable of acting.

(5)

However, the court may stay a proceeding until the name of a new relator, who has been approved by the Attorney-General, has been substituted.

(6)

A person must not be named as a relator in a proceeding until the person has authorised the solicitor issuing the proceeding to name him or her as a relator.

(7)

The authority must be—

(a)

in writing; and

(b)

signed by the proposed relator; and

(c)

filed in the registry of the court in which the proceeding is to commence.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 95

Subpart 7—Incapacitated persons

4.29 Incapacitated person, litigation guardian, and minor defined

For the purposes of these rules,—

incapacitated person means a person who by reason of physical, intellectual, or mental impairment, whether temporary or permanent, is—

(a)

not capable of understanding the issues on which his or her decision would be required as a litigant conducting proceedings; or

(b)

unable to give sufficient instructions to issue, defend, or compromise proceedings

litigation guardian

(a)

means—

(i)

a person who is authorised by or under an enactment to conduct proceedings in the name of, or on behalf of, an incapacitated person or a minor (but only in a proceeding to which the authority extends); or

(ii)

a person who is appointed under rule 4.35 to conduct a proceeding; and

(b)

has the same meaning as the expression “guardian ad litem”

minor means a person who has not attained the age of 18 years; and a person is of full age if he or she has attained the age of 18 years.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 rr 82, 83

4.30 Incapacitated person must be represented by litigation guardian

(1)

An incapacitated person must have a litigation guardian as his or her representative in any proceeding, unless the court otherwise orders.

(2)

If a person becomes an incapacitated person during a proceeding, a party must not take any step in the proceeding without the permission of the court until the incapacitated person has a litigation guardian.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 84

4.31 Minor must be represented by litigation guardian

(1)

A minor must have a litigation guardian as his or her representative in any proceeding, unless the court otherwise orders.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not apply to a minor who—

(a)

is required by an enactment to conduct a proceeding without a litigation guardian; or

(b)

is permitted by an enactment to conduct a proceeding without a litigation guardian and elects to do so; or

(c)

is authorised under rule 4.32 to conduct a proceeding without a litigation guardian.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 85

4.32 Minor may apply to conduct proceeding without litigation guardian

(1)

This rule applies to a minor who—

(a)

is not required or permitted by an enactment to conduct a proceeding without a litigation guardian; and

(b)

is not prohibited by an enactment from conducting a proceeding without a litigation guardian.

(2)

A minor who wishes to conduct a proceeding in his or her own name may apply to the court for authorisation to conduct the proceeding without a litigation guardian.

(3)

On an application under subclause (2), the court may make an order allowing the minor to conduct the proceeding without a litigation guardian if it is satisfied that—

(a)

the minor is capable of making the decisions required or likely to be required in the proceeding; and

(b)

no reason exists that would make it in the interests of the minor to be represented by a litigation guardian.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 86

4.33 Application of rules 4.34 to 4.46 to minors

Rules 4.34 to 4.46 apply to a minor to whom rule 4.31(1) applies, and every reference in those rules to an incapacitated person must be read as if it were also a reference to a minor.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 86A

4.34 Court may set aside step in proceeding

The court may set aside a step in a proceeding if an incapacitated person did not have a litigation guardian when that step was taken and the court considers that the incapacitated person was unfairly prejudiced.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 86B

4.35 Appointment of litigation guardian

(1)

This rule applies if an incapacitated person does not have a litigation guardian within the meaning of paragraph (a)(i) of the definition of litigation guardian in rule 4.29.

(2)

The court may appoint a litigation guardian if it is satisfied that—

(a)

the person for whom the litigation guardian is to be appointed is an incapacitated person; and

(b)

the litigation guardian—

(i)

is able fairly and competently to conduct proceedings on behalf of the incapacitated person; and

(ii)

does not have interests adverse to those of the incapacitated person; and

(iii)

consents to being a litigation guardian.

(3)

In deciding whether to appoint a litigation guardian, the court may have regard to any matters it considers appropriate, including the views of the person for whom the litigation guardian is to be appointed.

(4)

The court may appoint a litigation guardian under this rule at any time—

(a)

on its own initiative; or

(b)

on the application of any person, including a person seeking to be appointed as litigation guardian.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 86C

4.36 Application to be served on person for whom litigation guardian is to be appointed

(1)

Unless the court otherwise orders, an application under rule 4.35—

(a)

may be made without notice; and

(b)

must be served on the person for whom the litigation guardian is to be appointed.

(2)

When the person for whom the litigation guardian is to be appointed is a minor,—

(a)

subclause (1)(b) does not apply; and

(b)

unless the court otherwise orders, the application must be served instead on—

(i)

the minor’s parent or guardian; or

(ii)

if there is no parent or guardian, a person of full age who has the care of the minor or with whom the minor lives.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 86D

4.37 Notification of appointment

(1)

A litigation guardian within the meaning of paragraph (a)(i) of the definition of litigation guardian in rule 4.29 must file a copy of the order or other document that empowers him or her to conduct the proceeding, at the same time as the first document relating to the proceeding is filed.

(2)

A person appointed under rule 4.35 as a litigation guardian of a party to a proceeding must give notice of the appointment to other parties in the proceeding as soon as practicable after the appointment.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 86E

4.38 Powers of litigation guardian

A litigation guardian may do anything in relation to a proceeding that the incapacitated person could do if he or she were not incapacitated.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 87

4.39 Heading on documents when incapacitated person is represented

The heading of a document filed in a proceeding in which an incapacitated person is represented by a litigation guardian must state—

(a)

the name of the incapacitated person followed by the words “by his (or her) litigation guardian”; and

(b)

the litigation guardian’s name.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 88

4.40 Service of documents

(1)

A party who knows that an incapacitated person has a litigation guardian must serve any document in a proceeding—

(a)

on the litigation guardian, unless the litigation guardian has filed an address for service:

(b)

where the litigation guardian has filed an address for service, at that address for service.

(2)

Subclause (3) applies to a party who believes on reasonable grounds that a person is an incapacitated person but does not know if that person has a litigation guardian.

(3)

The party—

(a)

may apply to the court for the appointment of a litigation guardian under rule 4.35; and

(b)

may apply for directions as to service; and

(c)

must serve any documents in the proceeding in accordance with any directions as to service.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 89

4.41 Representation to be disregarded in making award of costs

The fact that an incapacitated person is, or has been, represented by a litigation guardian must be disregarded in making an award of costs under the rules in favour of or against the incapacitated person.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 90

4.42 Award of costs enforceable against incapacitated person or litigation guardian

(1)

Unless the court otherwise orders, an award of costs made against an incapacitated person may be enforced against any 1 or more of the following:

(a)

the incapacitated person:

(b)

the person who is the litigation guardian of the incapacitated person at the time the costs determination is made:

(c)

a person against whom an order for indemnity or contribution has been made under rule 4.43, to the extent of the amount of the indemnity or contribution.

(2)

Unless the court otherwise orders, a litigation guardian is entitled to be reimbursed out of the property of the incapacitated person for any costs paid under subclause (1)(b) or (c).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 91

4.43 Liability of former litigation guardian for costs subsequently awarded against incapacitated person

The court may make an order—

(a)

directing a person who has ceased to be a litigation guardian of an incapacitated person (a former litigation guardian) to indemnify the incapacitated person or a current litigation guardian for any costs subsequently awarded against the incapacitated person in relation to steps taken in the proceeding by the former litigation guardian:

(b)

directing a former litigation guardian to indemnify the incapacitated person or the current litigation guardian on a basis specified by the court for any costs subsequently awarded against the incapacitated person in relation to steps taken in the proceeding after the former litigation guardian ceased to be the litigation guardian:

(c)

directing the former litigation guardian to make a contribution to the costs referred to in paragraph (a) or (b):

(d)

declaring that the former litigation guardian is not liable for any of the costs referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 92

4.44 Compliance with liability order

(1)

A former litigation guardian may be required by the incapacitated person or the current litigation guardian to give effect to an order made under paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of rule 4.43.

(2)

The court may, on the application of a former litigation guardian, declare that the former litigation guardian is not required to comply with that order if it is satisfied, having regard to circumstances occurring after the order was made, that it is no longer just that the former litigation guardian be required to comply with the order.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 92

4.45 Litigation guardian may be reimbursed for costs out of property of incapacitated person

Unless the court otherwise orders, a litigation guardian is entitled to be reimbursed out of the property of the incapacitated person for any costs (including solicitor and client costs) paid or incurred, or that are to be paid or incurred, by the litigation guardian on behalf of the incapacitated person.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 93

4.46 Retirement, removal, or death of litigation guardian

(1)

A litigation guardian may retire only with the leave of the court.

(2)

Unless the court otherwise orders, the appointment of a litigation guardian under rule 4.35 ends if another person is subsequently authorised by or under an enactment to conduct the proceeding in the name of, or on behalf of, the incapacitated person.

(3)

A litigation guardian may be removed by the court when it is in the interests of the person he or she represents.

(4)

In the case of retirement, removal, or death of a litigation guardian, no further step may be taken in the proceeding without the leave of the court until the incapacitated person is represented by another litigation guardian.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 94

4.47 Procedure when person ceases to be incapacitated person

(1)

The court must make an order terminating the appointment of a litigation guardian if it is satisfied that the person the litigation guardian represents is no longer an incapacitated person.

(2)

The court may make an order at any time—

(a)

on its own initiative; or

(b)

on the application of—

(i)

the incapacitated person; or

(ii)

his or her litigation guardian; or

(iii)

a party.

(3)

From the date of the order,—

(a)

all subsequent steps in the proceeding must be carried on by the person formerly represented by the litigation guardian; and

(b)

the person formerly represented by the litigation guardian is liable for all the costs of the proceeding (including solicitor and client costs) in the same manner as if he or she had commenced the proceeding or had become a party to the proceeding when he or she was not an incapacitated person.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 94A

4.48 Procedure when minor attains full age

(1)

A minor who attains full age must file and serve an affidavit confirming that he or she is no longer a minor.

(2)

Unless the court otherwise orders, from the date a minor attains full age—

(a)

the appointment of his or her litigation guardian ends; and

(b)

all subsequent steps in the proceeding must be carried on by that person; and

(c)

that person is liable for all the costs of the proceeding (including solicitor and client costs) in the same manner as if he or she had commenced the proceeding or had become a party to the proceeding when he or she was not a minor.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 94B

Subpart 8—Change of parties by death, bankruptcy, or devolution

4.49 Proceeding not to come to end

(1)

A proceeding does not come to an end on the death or bankruptcy of a party if a cause of action survives or continues.

(2)

A proceeding does not become defective because of the assignment, creation, or devolution of an estate or a title when the proceeding is pending.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 98

4.50 Procedure on death, bankruptcy, and devolution

In the case of death, bankruptcy, or devolution of an estate of a party to a proceeding by operation of law in circumstances where the complete settlement of all the questions involved in the proceeding is necessary, the court—

(a)

must order that a personal representative, trustee, or other successor to the interest (if any) of that party be made a party to the proceeding, or be served with notice of it, in the prescribed manner and form on terms it thinks just; and

(b)

may make orders it thinks just for the disposal of the proceeding.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 99

4.51 Devolution when proceeding pending

A proceeding may be continued by or against a person to or on whom an estate or title is assigned, created, or devolved if the assignment, creation, or devolution takes place when a proceeding is pending.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 100

4.52 New parties order

(1)

Subclause (2) applies if, after a proceeding has commenced, there is an event causing a change or transmission of interest or liability (including death or bankruptcy) or an interested person comes into existence, making it necessary or desirable—

(a)

that a person be made a party; or

(b)

an existing party be made a party in another capacity.

(2)

An application without notice may be made for an order that the proceeding be carried on between the continuing parties and the new party (a new parties order).

(3)

The new parties order must, unless the court otherwise directs, be served on—

(a)

the continuing parties to the proceeding; and

(b)

each new party, unless the person making the application is the only new party.

(4)

The new parties order is binding on a person served from the time of service.

(5)

A person who is not already a party who is served with a new parties order must file a statement of defence in the same time frame and manner as a person served with a statement of claim.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 rr 101, 102

4.53 Discharge or variation of new parties order

(1)

A person may apply to the court to discharge or vary a new parties order within 10 working days from the service of the order.

(2)

An incapacitated person who is served with a new parties order who does not have a litigation guardian may apply to the court within 10 working days from the appointment of a litigation guardian for the new parties order to be discharged or varied.

(3)

Until the period of 10 working days has expired, the new parties order has no force or effect on the incapacitated person.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 rr 103, 104

Subpart 9—Adjusting parties

4.54 Change of name

A party’s name that is incorrectly stated in pleadings or changed by marriage, civil union, deed poll, or other means, may be amended, without an application to the court, by a notice signed by the party and filed and served on all other parties.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 105

4.55 Parties wrongly joined

(1)

A proceeding is not defeated by reason of parties having been wrongly joined.

(2)

Despite a misjoinder, the court may deal with a proceeding in accordance with the rights and interests of the parties.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 96

4.56 Striking out and adding parties

(1)

A Judge may, at any stage of a proceeding, order that—

(a)

the name of a party be struck out as a plaintiff or defendant because the party was improperly or mistakenly joined; or

(b)

the name of a person be added as a plaintiff or defendant because—

(i)

the person ought to have been joined; or

(ii)

the person’s presence before the court may be necessary to adjudicate on and settle all questions involved in the proceeding.

(2)

An order does not require an application and may be made on terms the court considers just.

(3)

Despite subclause (1)(b), no person may be added as a plaintiff without that person’s consent.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 97

Subpart 10—Interpleader

4.57 Interpretation

In this rule and rules 4.58 to 4.64, unless the context otherwise requires,—

applicant means a person or an officer entitled under rule 4.58 to apply to the court for relief under rule 4.63

claimant means a person claiming against an applicant in terms of rule 4.58

execution creditor means a person who has issued an enforcement process under Part 17

execution debtor means a person against whose property an enforcement process has been issued under Part 17.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 172

4.58 Right to interplead

(1)

When a person (A) who is under a liability in respect of a debt or in respect of any money or chattels is, or expects to be, sued for or in respect of the debt, money, or chattels by 2 or more persons making adverse claims, A may apply to the court, on notice to the persons making the adverse claims, for relief under rule 4.63.

(2)

If a person (B) who is not a person against whom a sale order (described in rule 17.62) or a possession order (described in rule 17.80) is issued claims money or chattels taken or intended to be taken by an officer giving effect to either of those orders, or the proceeds or value of those chattels, the officer may apply to the court, serving notice on the execution creditor, the execution debtor, and B for relief under rule 4.63.

(3)

Subclause (2) applies—

(a)

whether or not there has been a return of the order; and

(b)

whether or not a proceeding has been commenced against the officer in respect of the money or chattels.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 173

4.59 Form of application

(1)

When a claimant has issued a proceeding against the applicant in respect of the debt or money or chattels referred to in rule 4.58(1), and in cases within rule 4.58(2), the application must be an interlocutory application in the proceeding.

(2)

Subject to rules 4.61 to 4.64, subpart 2 of Part 7 of these rules applies to the application.

(3)

In other cases the application must be made by filing and serving a statement of claim and notice of proceeding under Part 5.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 174

4.60 Affidavit in support

(1)

An application under rule 4.58 must be supported by an affidavit stating—

(a)

that the applicant claims no interest in the subject matter in dispute other than the charges or costs; and

(b)

that adverse claims (of which details must be given) have been made by the claimants and the steps already taken by the respective claimants in support of their claims; and

(c)

that the applicant is not colluding with any of the claimants to that subject matter; and

(d)

that the applicant is willing to pay or transfer that subject matter into court or dispose of it as the court may direct.

(2)

A copy of the affidavit must be served on each claimant when the application under rule 4.58 is served.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 175

4.61 Time for applying

(1)

If a claimant has commenced a proceeding against the applicant to enforce the claim, an application under rule 4.58 must be made before a statement of defence has been filed by the applicant.

(2)

If no statement of defence has been filed by the applicant, it must be made before judgment has been entered against the applicant.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 176

4.62 Claimants to file affidavits

(1)

Subject to subclauses (2) and (3), a claimant who wishes to justify a claim must, within 5 working days after service of an application made under subclause (1) or (2) of rule 4.58, file and serve on other claimants and on the applicant an affidavit stating the facts and matters relied on.

(2)

When, in accordance with rule 4.59(3), a statement of claim and notice of proceeding have been filed and served together with an affidavit under rule 4.60, the claimant must file and serve a statement of defence with the claimant’s affidavit.

(3)

If the claimant, had the claimant been a defendant, might have filed an appearance under rules 5.49 to 5.51, the claimant may, instead of filing and serving an affidavit under subclause (1), file and serve an appearance.

(4)

An appearance filed and served under subclause (3), for all the purposes of rules 4.63 and 4.64, has effect as though the claimant were a defendant in a proceeding brought by the applicant or by any other claimant referred to in the appearance.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 177

4.63 Powers of court

(1)

Upon hearing an application under rule 4.58, the court may make whatever orders and directions justice requires.

(2)

In particular, and without limiting subclause (1), the court may—

(a)

stay a proceeding commenced by a claimant:

(b)

bar the claim of a claimant who has not filed and served either—

(i)

an affidavit justifying the claim under rule 4.62(2); or

(ii)

an appearance under rule 4.62(3):

(c)

adjudicate upon the competing claims on the affidavits filed, or adjourn the application for that purpose:

(d)

if the question appears to be one of law only, direct that the question be determined by the court:

(e)

direct the trial of the issues involved by the method that the court directs:

(f)

order that one of the claimants commence a proceeding against any other or others to try the question involved or, if a proceeding has been commenced by a claimant, order that any other claimant be joined as a defendant to that proceeding:

(g)

order that the chattels in dispute or any part of them be sold, and that the proceeds of the sale be applied in such manner and on such terms as are just.

(3)

Subclause (4) applies to a claimant who has been served with an application and—

(a)

does not appear on the hearing of the application; or

(b)

having appeared, fails or refuses to comply with an order.

(4)

The court may make an order declaring that the claimant and all persons claiming under that claimant may not continue or subsequently prosecute that claim against the applicant and all persons claiming under the applicant but that order does not affect the rights of the claimants as between themselves.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 178

4.64 Costs of applicant

(1)

Unless the court otherwise orders, an applicant is entitled to the indemnity costs (as defined by rule 14.6(1)(b)) of and incidental to the application.

(2)

The court may order that the applicant’s costs be paid by any 1 or more of the claimants and may apportion the liability between any 2 or more claimants, as it thinks just.

(3)

The court may charge any property in dispute, or the proceeds of the sale of it, or both, with payment of the costs of the applicant.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 179

Part 5 Commencement of proceedings and filing of documents

Subpart 1—Proper registry of court

5.1 Identification of proper registry

(1)

The proper registry of the court, for the purposes of rules 5.25 and 19.7, is,—

(a)

when a sole defendant is resident or has a principal place of business in New Zealand, the registry of the court nearest to the residence or principal place of business of the defendant, but when there are 2 or more defendants, the proper registry is determined by reference to the first-named defendant who is resident or has a principal place of business in New Zealand:

(b)

when no defendant is resident or has a principal place of business in New Zealand, the registry the plaintiff selects:

(c)

when the Crown is a defendant, the registry nearest to the place where the cause of action or a material part of it arose:

(d)

despite paragraphs (a) to (c), the court at Wellington in the case of proceedings that consist of or include 1 or more of the following kinds of action or application:

(i)

an application for judicial review under the Judicial Review Procedure Act 2016 that arises out of, or relates to, the making of a designation under the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002:

(ii)

an application for, or in the nature of, an extraordinary remedy under Part 30 of these rules that arises out of, or relates to, the making of a designation under the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002:

(iii)

an application under section 35, 47E, or 55 of the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002:

(e)

despite paragraphs (a) to (c), the court at Wellington or the court at Auckland in the case of applications under the Immigration Act 2009 in proceedings involving classified information.

(2)

Despite subclause (1)(a), if the place where the cause of action sued on, or some material part of it, arose is nearer to the place where the plaintiff or the plaintiff first-named in the statement of claim resides than to the place where the defendant resides, the proper registry of the court for the purposes of subclause (1) is, at the option of the plaintiff or the plaintiff first-named, as the case may be, the registry nearest to the residence of the plaintiff or the plaintiff first-named, as the case may be.

(3)

If a plaintiff proposes to exercise the option conferred by subclause (2), the plaintiff must file with the statement of claim and notice of proceeding an affidavit by the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s solicitor stating the place where the cause of action or the material part of it arose, and that that place is nearer to the place where the plaintiff or the plaintiff first-named in the statement of claim resides than to the place where the defendant resides.

(4)

If it appears to a Judge, on application made, that the statement of claim has been filed in the wrong registry of the court, he or she may direct that the statement of claim or all documents filed in the proceeding be transferred to the proper registry.

(5)

If it appears to a Judge, on application made, that a different registry of the court would be more convenient to the parties, he or she may direct that the statement of claim or all documents be transferred to that registry and that registry becomes the proper registry.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 107

Rule 5.1(1)(d)(i): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

Rule 5.1(1)(e): inserted, on 2 December 2010, by rule 21 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2010 (SR 2010/394).

5.1A Filing generally

(1)

In this rule and in rule 5.1B,—

electronic address means any method by which a document communicated in electronic form may be directed to the attention of a particular user of an electronic communications or information management, retrieval, or storage system, and includes, without limitation,—

(a)

email addresses; and

(b)

fax numbers; and

(c)

remotely accessible locations in file directories located on computer hard-drives, servers, or internet-based servers

published means having been made available at all reasonable times on an Internet website maintained by or on behalf of a Registrar.

(2)

Subject to subclauses (3) to (8), any document required by these rules to be filed may be filed in the proper registry of the court by—

(a)

delivering it to that registry by hand during registry hours; or

(b)

sending it by mail to a postal address for that registry published by a Registrar; or

(c)

sending a copy of that document in electronic form to an electronic address—

(i)

to which the person filing the document has been directed by the court or a Registrar to send any documents that are to be filed electronically in a particular proceeding or interlocutory application; or

(ii)

where no such direction has been made in respect of the particular proceeding or interlocutory application to which the document relates, to an electronic address published by a Registrar for the purpose of allowing the electronic filing of documents in the proper registry of the court.

(3)

Subclause (4) applies where any copy of any document filed by means of an electronic communication pursuant to these rules contains a signature or other mark or writing intended by the person responsible for the inclusion of that signature or other mark or writing in the document to convey their authorisation, certification, endorsement or authentication of any matter contained within the document copied.

(4)

In respect of a copy of a document to which this subclause applies, despite any provision in these rules, or in any enactment, regulation or rule of law to the contrary, that copy of a document, and any matter contained within it, is deemed to have been sufficiently authorised, certified, authenticated, signed, or otherwise endorsed for the purposes of these rules as if the original document had been filed.

(5)

[Revoked]

(6)

A Judge (including an Associate Judge) may, if satisfied that an emergency in the place at which the registry of the court in question is situated means that the filing of documents other than electronically would cause, or risk causing, disruption to the orderly and safe dispatch of the court’s business, require that—

(a)

any document required to be filed by these rules in the proper registry of the court; or

(b)

any document intended by any person to be filed in a given registry of the court—

must not be filed pursuant to the provisions of subclause (2)(a) and must instead be filed pursuant to the provisions of either subclause (2)(b) or (c).

(7)

Subject to subclause (8), in the event of any inconsistency between any provision of this rule and any other provision of these rules or any other enactment, this rule prevails.

(8)

This rule is subject to rule 5.1B.

Rule 5.1A: inserted, on 9 April 2020, by rule 6 of the High Court (COVID-19 Preparedness) Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/59).

Rule 5.1A(5): revoked, on 7 April 2022, by rule 8 of the High Court Amendment Rules 2022 (SL 2022/59).

5.1B When documents filed

(1)

Subject to subclause (2), and despite any other provision of these rules or any other enactment or regulation to the contrary, a document—

(a)

delivered by hand to a registry of the court pursuant to rule 5.1A(2)(a) is filed on the day on which it is accepted for filing by the registry and at the time at which the registry receives it:

(b)

sent by mail to a postal address in accordance with rule 5.1A(2)(b) is filed when the registry receives it:

(c)

filed by sending it to an electronic address in accordance with rule 5.1A(2)(c)—

(i)

is filed when it is received by the relevant electronic communications or information management, retrieval, or storage system, provided the document is received by that system during registry hours; or

(ii)

at 9 am on the first day on which the relevant registry of the court is open after the document is received by the relevant electronic communications or information management, retrieval, or storage system.

(2)

A document is not filed until the earlier of the time that either—

(a)

any fee prescribed for the filing of that document by a provision of the High Court Fees Regulations 2013 has been paid; or

(b)

the person responsible for the filing of the document has, in a manner directed by a Registrar, either—

(i)

provided a Registrar with a credit card payment authority for a sum equal to the fee payable for the filing of that document; or

(ii)

where the court is able to facilitate it, paid a sum equal to the fee payable for the filing of that document by means of electronic bank transfer into an account identified by the Registrar for that purpose; or

(c)

in any case where the Registrar accepts it is impracticable for the person presenting the document to effect payment of the fee by any other means, and—

(i)

there is a solicitor on the record for the party seeking to file the document, by providing together with the document filed that solicitor’s unconditional undertaking to the court to make the payment of the fee for the filing of that document within three working days from the day on which the document has been filed; or

(ii)

where the party seeking to file a document is represented by a barrister sole permitted to represent that party without the intervention of an instructing lawyer pursuant to rules 14.4 to 14.12 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2008, by providing together with the document filed that barrister sole’s unconditional undertaking to the court to make payment of the fee for the filing of that document within three working days from the day on which the document has been filed:

provided that in any case where an undertaking under this paragraph has not been fulfilled within the time provided for payment, the court may order that no reliance can be placed on that document or that the document not be used in the proceeding until the payment is received; or

(d)

the Registrar has determined that the document is to be treated as having been filed despite non-payment of the fee:

provided that such a determination may be made only if the court is satisfied that doing so is necessary in the interests of justice, having regard to—

(i)

the circumstances of the proceeding or interlocutory application in question; and

(ii)

the existence of an emergency in the place at which the registry of the court in question is situated.

Rule 5.1B: inserted, on 9 April 2020, by rule 6 of the High Court (COVID-19 Preparedness) Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/59).

Subpart 2—Formal requirements for documents

5.2 Non-complying documents

(1)

A document that does not comply with rules 5.3 to 5.16 may be received for filing only by leave of a Judge or the Registrar.

(2)

The cost of an application under subclause (1) must be borne by the party making it, and may not be claimed as costs against another party under Part 14.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 23

5.3 Paper

(1)

The paper used must be of medium weight and good quality.

(2)

Each sheet of paper must be of international size A4.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 24

5.4 Contents to be typed, etc

(1)

The contents of each document must be legible and clearly typewritten, printed, or produced in permanent form by photocopying.

(2)

Despite subclause (1), handwriting may be used for the date of the document.

(3)

Subclause (1) does not apply to the signature on a document.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 25

5.5 Margin

(1)

A margin of at least one-quarter of the width of the paper must be left on the left-hand side of each page.

(2)

If, however, the reverse side of a page is used, a margin of that width must be left on the right-hand side of that page.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 26

5.6 Signature to be original

[Revoked]

Rule 5.6: revoked, on 9 April 2020, by rule 7 of the High Court (COVID-19 Preparedness) Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/59).

5.7 Cover sheet, numbering, and fastening of document

(1)

The first sheet of a document must be a cover sheet, showing the matters specified in rules 5.8 and 5.11.

(2)

The cover sheet must not be numbered, even if the heading is continued on another sheet under rule 5.10(2).

(3)

Each page after the cover sheet must be numbered consecutively, starting with the number 1.

(4)

All sheets of a document must be securely fastened together at the time of filing and service.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 30

Rule 5.7(4): amended, on 1 September 2017, by rule 6 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

5.8 Description of document

(1)

The cover sheet must show, immediately below the heading, an accurate description of the document.

(2)

The description must include—

(a)

words indicating the party by whom or on whose behalf the document is filed; and

(b)

the words “application without notice” in the case of an application so made.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 31

5.9 Heading generally

All documents presented for filing must have the proper heading of the proceeding.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 35

5.10 Format of cover sheet

(1)

The cover sheet of an originating document and of a notice of interlocutory application must—

(a)

include only—

(i)

the heading; and

(ii)

the description of the document; and

(iii)

if applicable, the next event date; and

(iv)

if applicable, the name of the Judge or Associate Judge to whom the proceeding has been assigned; and

(v)

the information required by rule 5.16; and

(b)

leave ample space between the description of the document and the information referred to in paragraph (a)(v) for the inclusion of a minute.

(2)

The heading may, if necessary, be continued on another sheet.

(3)

In subclause (1)(a)(iii), next event date means, if allocated, the date and nature of a hearing or conference that is to be held next after the date on which the document is filed.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 33

Subpart 3—Heading of court documents

5.11 Heading on statement of claim and counterclaim

(1)

The heading of a statement of claim, and of any counterclaim intended to be served upon a person other than the plaintiff, must show—

(a)

the number of the proceeding:

(b)

the registry of the court in which it is filed, in both English and te reo Māori (see form G 1 in Schedule 1, which sets out the name, in both languages, of each registry of the court):

(c)

if the statement of claim or counterclaim seeks relief in reliance on jurisdiction conferred by an enactment, the title of that enactment:

(d)

if the relief sought in the statement of claim or counterclaim relates to the validity or interpretation of a will, the name of the testator:

(e)

if the relief sought in the statement of claim or counterclaim relates to the validity or interpretation of an instrument other than a will, the name of the maker of, or the names of the parties to, the instrument and its date:

(f)

if the relief sought in the statement of claim or counterclaim relates to the validity or interpretation of an enactment, the title and the relevant section or sections of the enactment:

(g)

the full name, and the place of residence and occupation, of every plaintiff and defendant, so far as they are known to the party presenting the document for filing.

(2)

Form G 1 must be used for the purposes of subclause (1).

(3)

The names of parties in the heading of a statement of claim must not be repeated in the heading of a counterclaim, which may, for example, refer to the “Plaintiff and First Counterclaim Defendant”.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 36

Rule 5.11(1)(b): amended, on 1 September 2017, by rule 7 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

5.12 Heading on judgment and certain orders

The heading of a judgment and of an order that is required to be registered under any enactment must be the same as the heading on the statement of claim or other document by which the proceeding was commenced.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 36A

5.13 Heading on other documents

(1)

The heading of a document to which neither rule 5.11 nor 5.12 applies may be abbreviated as follows:

(a)

first names of persons may be denoted by initials only, unless full names are necessary to distinguish between persons having the same initials:

(b)

if 2 or more persons are joined in the same interest, the name of the first-named person may be set out, followed by the words “and another” or “and others”, as the case may be:

(c)

places of residence and descriptions of persons (unless necessary to distinguish 2 or more persons required to be named and with the same name) and indications of the interest in which a person is a party must be omitted:

(d)

the names of corporations must be set out without abbreviation, but without stating the fact of incorporation or referring to the registered office or making other addition.

(2)

Despite subclause (1), a fuller title may be used upon change of parties or if any party considers that a person has in a previous document been wrongly named or described or for other sufficient reason.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 37

5.14 Division into paragraphs

(1)

Every document presented for filing must be divided into paragraphs which must be numbered consecutively, starting with the number 1.

(2)

Each paragraph must so far as possible be confined to a single topic.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 38

5.15 Numbers

Numbers must be expressed in figures and not in words.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 39

5.16 Information at foot of cover sheet

(1)

The following information must appear at the foot of the cover sheet of every document for filing:

(a)

the name of the solicitor or firm of solicitors (if any) presenting it for filing and the name of any agent by whom the document is filed; and

(b)

when the document is presented for filing by or on behalf of a solicitor or firm of solicitors,—

(i)

the name and telephone number of the principal or employee dealing with the proceeding; and

(ii)

the address of any post office box or document exchange used by the solicitor or firm; and

(iii)

any fax number and any email address used by the solicitor or firm.

(2)

The fact that the name of a solicitor or firm of solicitors is subscribed on a document is prima facie evidence that the document was filed by that solicitor or firm of solicitors.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 40

Rule 5.16 heading: amended, on 1 January 2011, by rule 4(1) of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2010 (SR 2010/394).

Rule 5.16(1): amended, on 1 January 2011, by rule 4(2) of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2010 (SR 2010/394).

Subpart 4—Pleadings generally

5.17 Distinct matters to be stated separately

(1)

Distinct causes of action and distinct grounds of defence, founded on separate and distinct facts, must if possible be stated separately and clearly.

(2)

If a party alleges a state of mind of a person, that party must give particulars of the facts relied on in alleging that state of mind.

(3)

A state of mind includes a mental disorder or disability, malice, or fraudulent intention but does not include mere knowledge.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 181

5.18 Denial of representative character

A denial must be specific if a party wishes to deny the right of another party to claim as executor or administrator or as trustee, or in a representative or other alleged capacity, or the alleged constitution of a partnership firm.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 182

5.19 Denial of contract

(1)

A bare denial of a contract will be treated as denying only the making of the contract in fact, and a party must specifically plead an assertion as to the legality or enforceability of a contract, whether with reference to section 24 of the Property Law Act 2007 or otherwise, or as to the interpretation of the contract advanced by that party.

(2)

A party asserting that a contract is illegal or unenforceable must plead the enactment or rule of law relied on.

(3)

A party asserting that the interpretation of a contract advanced by another party is wrong must assert its own interpretation.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 183

5.20 Effect of document to be stated

If a party relies upon any document in whole or in part, it is sufficient to state its effect as briefly as possible, without setting it out, unless the precise words are material.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 184

5.21 Notice requiring further particulars or more explicit pleading

(1)

A party may, by notice, require any other party—

(a)

to give any further particulars that may be necessary to give fair notice of—

(i)

the cause of action or ground of defence; or

(ii)

the particulars required by these rules; or

(b)

to file and serve a more explicit statement of claim or of defence or counterclaim.

(2)

A notice must indicate as clearly as possible the points on which the pleading is considered defective.

(3)

If the party on whom a notice is served neglects or refuses to comply with the notice within 5 working days after its service, the court may, if it considers that the pleading objected to is defective or does not give particulars properly required by the notice, order a more explicit pleading to be filed and served.

(4)

Even if no notice has been given under this rule, the court may on its own initiative order a more explicit pleading to be filed and served.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 185

Subpart 5—Notice of proceeding

5.22 Notice of proceeding to be filed with statement of claim

A notice of proceeding must be filed with every statement of claim.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 120

5.23 Requirements as to notice of proceeding

(1)

The notice of proceeding must—

(a)

be signed by the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s solicitor:

(b)

state the place for the filing of a statement of defence and the time within which the statement of defence is required to be filed, in accordance with these rules:

(c)

warn the defendant that if a statement of defence is not filed within the required time, the plaintiff may at once proceed to judgment on the plaintiff’s claim and judgment may be given in the absence of the defendant.

(2)

The notice of proceeding must be in form G 2 and must advise the defendant of the defendant’s obligations under rule 8.4 (initial disclosure).

(3)

If the court has directed that any person other than the defendant named in the title of the proceeding be served, a statement to that effect signed by the Registrar and setting out the name, place of residence, and occupation of that person must be annexed to the notice of proceeding.

(4)

A memorandum signed by the Registrar in form G 3, G 4, or G 5 (whichever is appropriate) must be attached to the notice of proceeding.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 121

Rule 5.23(2): replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 8 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

5.24 When not necessary to file notice of proceeding

Despite rule 5.22, a notice of proceeding need not be filed, unless the court so orders,—

(a)

if no relief against any person is claimed in the statement of claim (as, for example, in the case of a company’s application to be put into liquidation by the court, or a person’s application to be adjudicated bankrupt); or

(b)

if service of the notice is dispensed with—

(i)

by statute; or

(ii)

under these rules; or

(iii)

by order of the court.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 124

Subpart 6—Statement of claim

5.25 Proceeding commenced by filing statement of claim

(1)

A proceeding must be commenced by filing a statement of claim in the proper registry of the court.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not apply to—

(a)

an unopposed application under Part 27:

(b)

an appeal under Part 20:

(c)

a proceeding commenced by originating application under Part 18, 19, or 26:

(d)

an application under Part 31:

(e)

a proceeding, commenced in accordance with the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Regulations and Rules 2013, to register under subpart 5 of Part 2 of the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010 a registrable Australian judgment.

(3)

Despite subclause (1), the statement of claim may be filed in any registry of the court if the parties agree, by endorsement on the statement of claim, to the filing of the statement of claim in that registry.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 106

Rule 5.25(2)(e): inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 6 of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

5.26 Statement of claim to show nature of claim

The statement of claim—

(a)

must show the general nature of the plaintiff’s claim to the relief sought; and

(b)

must give sufficient particulars of time, place, amounts, names of persons, nature and dates of instruments, and other circumstances to inform the court and the party or parties against whom relief is sought of the plaintiff’s cause of action; and

(c)

must state specifically the basis of any claim for interest and the rate at which interest is claimed; and

(d)

in a proceeding against the Crown that is instituted against the Attorney-General, must give particulars of the government department or officer or employee of the Crown concerned.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 108

5.27 Statement of claim to specify relief sought

(1)

The statement of claim must conclude by specifying the relief or remedy sought.

(2)

If the statement of claim includes 2 or more causes of action, it must specify separately the relief or remedy sought on each cause of action immediately after the pleading of that cause of action.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 rr 109, 114

5.28 Inclusion of several causes of action

(1)

A plaintiff may include several causes of action in the same statement of claim.

(2)

Despite subclause (1), claims by or against an Official Assignee in bankruptcy, or a liquidator or a receiver of a company, in that capacity, must not, without leave of the court, be joined with any claim by or against that person in any other capacity.

(3)

Despite subclause (1), claims by or against an executor or administrator or trustee, in that capacity, must not be joined with claims by or against that person in a personal capacity unless those personal claims are alleged to arise with reference to the estate or trust in respect of which the person sues or is sued as executor or administrator or trustee.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 110

5.29 Joint plaintiffs

Claims by plaintiffs jointly may be joined with separate claims by them or any of them against the same defendant.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 111

5.30 Joining claims by or against spouses or partners

Claims by or against spouses, civil union partners, or de facto partners may be joined with claims by or against either of those spouses, civil union partners, or de facto partners if the opposite party is the same person.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 112

5.31 Specifying relief sought

(1)

The relief claimed must be stated specifically, either by itself or in the alternative.

(2)

Despite subclause (1), it is not necessary to ask for general or other relief but the court may, if it thinks just, grant any other relief to which the plaintiff is entitled, even though that relief has not been specifically claimed and there is no claim for general or other relief.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 115

5.32 Amount of money claim

A statement of claim seeking the recovery of a sum of money must state the amount as precisely as possible.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 116

5.33 Special damages

A plaintiff seeking to recover special damages must state their nature, particulars, and amount in the statement of claim.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 117

5.34 Set-off

A plaintiff who wishes to allow a set-off or to give up a portion of the plaintiff’s claim must show the amount allowed or given up in the statement of claim.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 118

5.35 Representative capacity of party

A party to a proceeding who sues or is sued in a representative capacity must show in what capacity the party sues or is sued in the statement of claim.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 119

Striking out proceeding before service

Heading: inserted, on 1 September 2017, by rule 8 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

5.35A Registrar may refer plainly abusive proceeding to Judge before service

(1)

This rule applies if a Registrar believes that, on the face of a proceeding tendered for filing, the proceeding is plainly an abuse of the process of the court.

(2)

The Registrar must accept the proceeding for filing if it meets the formal requirements for documents set out in rules 5.3 to 5.16.

(3)

However, the Registrar may,—

(a)

as soon as practicable after accepting the proceeding for filing, refer it to a Judge for consideration under rule 5.35B; and

(b)

until a Judge has considered the proceeding under that rule, decline to sign and release the notice of proceeding and attached memorandum for the plaintiff or the applicant (as appropriate) to serve the proceeding.

Rule 5.35A: inserted, on 1 September 2017, by rule 8 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

5.35B Judge’s powers to make orders and give directions before service

(1)

This rule applies if a Judge to whom a Registrar refers a proceeding under rule 5.35A is satisfied that the proceeding is plainly an abuse of the process of the court.

(2)

The Judge may, on his or her own initiative, make an order or give directions to ensure that the proceeding is disposed of or, as the case may be, proceeds in a way that complies with these rules, including (without limitation) an order under rule 15.1 that—

(a)

the proceeding be struck out:

(b)

the proceeding be stayed until further order:

(c)

documents for service be kept by the court and not be served until the stay is lifted:

(d)

no application to lift the stay be heard until the person who filed the proceeding files further documents as specified in the order (for example, an amended statement of claim or particulars of claim).

(3)

Rule 7.43(3) does not apply. However, if a Judge makes an order on the Judge’s own initiative without giving the person who filed the proceeding an opportunity to be heard, the order must contain a statement of that person’s right to appeal against the decision.

(4)

A copy of a Judge’s decision to strike out a proceeding must, if practicable, also be served on the person named as a party or, if more than 1 person is named, those persons named as parties to the proceeding.

(5)

See rule 2.1(3)(b) concerning the exclusion of the jurisdiction and powers of a Judge under this rule from the jurisdiction and powers of an Associate Judge.

Rule 5.35B: inserted, on 1 September 2017, by rule 8 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

5.35C Requirement for signature and release of proceeding in certain circumstances

The Registrar must, after a Judge has considered a proceeding under rule 5.35B, release the notice of proceeding and attached memorandum for service if—

(a)

the Judge decides not to exercise the discretion in rule 5.35B; or

(b)

the Judge makes an order or gives directions under which the proceeding must be released for service.

Rule 5.35C: inserted, on 1 September 2017, by rule 8 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

Subpart 7—Authority of solicitors to act

5.36 Authority to file documents

(1)

No solicitor may file a document on behalf of a party unless the solicitor is—

(a)

authorised by, or on behalf of, the party to file the document; and

(b)

the holder of a current practising certificate as a barrister or as a barrister and solicitor issued under section 39 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not prevent a person from filing a document on behalf of a party if the person is authorised by, or on behalf of, the party to file the document, and—

(a)

is not the holder of a current practising certificate as a barrister or as a barrister and solicitor issued under section 39(1) of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006; but

(b)

is allowed to appear for, or to represent, the party, in connection with the proceedings, under section 27(1)(b)(i) or (ii) of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006.

(3)

The following rules allow certain Australian solicitors to represent a party by filing certain documents:

(a)

rule 5.36A (documents in certain trans-Tasman proceedings):

(b)

rule 9.62(1)(b) (application to set aside New Zealand subpoena served on witness in Australia).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 41

Rule 5.36(1)(b): amended, on 24 July 2020, by rule 4 of the High Court Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/125).

Rule 5.36(2): inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 7 of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

Rule 5.36(3): inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 7 of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

5.36A Authority of certain Australian solicitors in certain trans-Tasman proceedings

(1)

This rule applies to a defendant and a solicitor if the defendant is served with an initiating document in Australia under section 13 of the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010 and the solicitor is—

(a)

entitled to practise as a solicitor of a Supreme Court of a State or Territory of Australia; and

(b)

authorised by, or on behalf of, the defendant to file a document for the defendant in respect of, or in, the proceeding to which the initiating document relates.

(2)

The solicitor may file the document if the court has under section 38 of the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010 given the solicitor leave or, as the case requires, he or she is entitled under section 23(4) of that Act, to appear remotely in 1 or more hearings relating to the proceeding.

(3)

The solicitor may file the document even though the solicitor has neither sought, nor been given, leave under section 38 of the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010 or, as the case requires, he or she has neither made, nor had accepted, a request under section 23(4)(c) of that Act, if the document is—

(a)

an appearance or response document (as defined in section 17(2) of that Act); or

(b)

an application under section 22 of that Act for a stay of the proceeding; or

(c)

a request under section 23(4)(c) of that Act to appear remotely in a hearing to determine an application under section 22 of that Act; or

(d)

an application for leave under section 38 of that Act; or

(e)

a document related to a document, application, or request in any of paragraphs (a) to (d).

(4)

A solicitor who files a document under subclause (3) may, even if not the holder of a current practising certificate as a barrister or as a barrister and solicitor issued under section 39(1) of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006, be the solicitor on the record under rule 5.38 until—

(a)

the court declines an application by the solicitor for leave under section 38 of that Act; or

(b)

a document to which subclause (3) does not apply is filed in the proceeding by or on behalf of the defendant and, when that document is filed, the court has not given the solicitor leave under section 38 of that Act.

(5)

Subclause (4) does not enable the solicitor to appear remotely in a hearing relating to the proceeding without leave under section 38 of that Act or, as the case requires, without being entitled to do so under section 23(4) of that Act.

Rule 5.36A: inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 8 of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

5.37 Solicitor’s warranty as to authorisation to file documents

A solicitor by whom, or on whose behalf, a document is filed in the court is to be treated as warranting to the court and to all parties to the proceeding that he or she is authorised, by the party on whose behalf the document purports to be filed, to file the document.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 41B

5.38 Solicitor on record

(1)

The solicitor on the record for a party to a proceeding is the solicitor whose name appears on the memorandum located at the end of the first document filed by the party in accordance with rule 5.44.

(2)

This rule is subject to rules 5.36A(4) and 5.42.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 42

Rule 5.38(2): amended, on 11 October 2013, by rule 9 of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

5.39 Authority to sign documents

(1)

A document required, by these rules, to be signed by a party may be signed on behalf of the party by the party’s solicitor on the record unless the party’s personal signature is expressly required.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not limit the authority of counsel to sign documents.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 43

5.40 Change of representation or address for service

(1)

A party must file and serve on every other party to the proceeding a notice of change of representation if—

(a)

the party has acted in person and appoints a solicitor to act for that party; or

(b)

the party wishes to change that party’s solicitor; or

(c)

the party for whom a solicitor has acted wishes to act in person.

(1A)

However, a party who has acted in person in a proceeding without a solicitor on the record is not required to file and serve a notice of change of representation if that party wishes to continue to act in person but appoints a lawyer for a limited purpose (other than to file documents in the proceeding). For example, a party may appoint a lawyer to act as the party’s advocate in a hearing or to give assistance in drafting, settling, or revising documents for filing in a proceeding.

(2)

If the party’s address for service after the change of representation will be different from that which applied before the change, the party must also serve a copy of the notice at the address that was, immediately before the change, the party’s address for service.

(3)

The notice—

(a)

must be signed by the party personally or by the party’s attorney; and

(b)

in the case of a notice under subclause (1)(a) or (b), must contain the information about the new solicitor required by paragraphs (b) to (e) of rule 5.44(1); and

(c)

in the case of a party referred to in subclause (1)(c), must state that the party’s intention is to act in person.

(4)

For the purpose of the proceeding, the change of representation takes effect on the filing of an affidavit proving service in accordance with subclause (1) and attaching and verifying a copy of the notice served.

(5)

A party may change that party’s address for service by—

(a)

filing a notice of the change showing the new address for service or specifying an address for a method of service set out in rule 6.1(1)(d); and

(b)

serving a copy of the notice on every other party.

(6)

A change of address for service may be combined with a notice under subclause (1).

(7)

A notice of change of address for service need not be filed under subclause (5)(a) if an affidavit is filed under subclause (4).

(8)

Form G 11 may be used.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 45

Rule 5.40(1A): inserted, on 24 July 2020, by rule 5 of the High Court Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/125).

Rule 5.40(5)(a): amended, on 11 November 2013, by rule 4 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

5.41 Withdrawal of solicitor who has ceased to act for party

(1)

If the solicitor on the record for a party to a proceeding has ceased to act for the party, the solicitor may apply to the court for an order declaring that the solicitor has ceased to be the solicitor on the record for the party in that proceeding and the court may make the order.

(2)

It is not necessary to make an application if—

(a)

the party has effected a change of solicitor in accordance with rule 5.40; or

(b)

the party—

(i)

has filed a notice stating that the party intends to act in person and the party’s new address for service; and

(ii)

has served a copy of the notice on the solicitor on the record and on every other party to the proceeding who has given an address for service; and

(iii)

has filed an affidavit proving that service and attaching and verifying a copy of the notice served.

(3)

Unless subclause (2)(a) or (b) applies, the solicitor on the record for a party to a proceeding, for the purposes of that proceeding, is the solicitor on the record for that party until the final conclusion of the proceeding unless and until the solicitor—

(a)

obtains an order under subclause (1); and

(b)

serves on every party to the proceeding who has given an address for service a copy of the order obtained under that subclause; and

(c)

files an affidavit proving that service.

(4)

Every application under subclause (1) must be made by interlocutory application and must be supported by an affidavit giving the grounds of the application.

(5)

Unless the court otherwise directs, notice of every application under subclause (1), and a copy of the affidavit in support of the application, must be served on the party for whom the solicitor acted, and that notice must inform the party of the effect that rule 5.42 will have on the party’s address for service if the solicitor obtains an order under subclause (1).

(6)

An order made under subclause (1) does not affect the rights of the solicitor and the party for whom the solicitor acted as between themselves.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 45A

5.42 Address for service of party whose solicitor has ceased to act

(1)

This rule applies whenever the solicitor on the record for a party has obtained an order under rule 5.41 and has complied with rule 5.41(3)(b) and (c).

(2)

The last known address of the party, or, when the party is a body corporate, its registered or principal registry is, for the purpose of serving the party with any document not required to be served personally, the party’s address for service until the party either—

(a)

appoints another solicitor and complies with rule 5.40; or

(b)

if entitled to act in person,—

(i)

files a notice stating that the party intends to act in person and showing the party’s new address for service or specifying an address for a method of service set out in rule 6.1(1)(d); and

(ii)

serves on the solicitor who obtained the order under rule 5.41 and on every other party to the proceeding who has given an address for service a copy of that notice; and

(iii)

files an affidavit proving that service and attaching and verifying a copy of the notice served.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 45B

Rule 5.42(2)(b)(i): amended, on 11 November 2013, by rule 5 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

5.43 Solicitors to inform clients of orders or directions

The solicitor on the record for a party must notify the party of an order or direction that affects that party promptly after it is made.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 43A

Subpart 8—Memorandum on first document

5.44 Memorandum at end of first document filed by party

(1)

At the end of the first document filed by a party there must be a memorandum stating—

(a)

that the document is filed by a party in person, or by the party’s solicitor, as the case may be; and

(b)

if it is filed by a solicitor,—

(i)

the name of the solicitor; and

(ii)

if the solicitor is a member of a firm or practises under a firm’s name, the name of the firm; and

(c)

if it is filed by a solicitor who has another solicitor acting as the solicitor’s agent in the proceeding,—

(i)

the name of the agent or of the agent’s firm (if any); and

(ii)

the postal address of the party’s solicitor; and

(d)

an address for service; and

(e)

any post office box address, document exchange box number, fax number, or email address by which the solicitor or the party in person will accept service in the course of the proceeding.

(2)

The memorandum may be in one of the paragraphs of form G 10.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 44

Rule 5.44(1)(e): replaced, on 11 November 2013, by rule 6 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

Subpart 9—Security for costs

5.45 Order for security of costs

(1)

Subclause (2) applies if a Judge is satisfied, on the application of a defendant,—

(a)

that a plaintiff—

(i)

is resident out of New Zealand; or

(ii)

is a corporation incorporated outside New Zealand; or

(iii)

is a subsidiary (within the meaning of section 5 of the Companies Act 1993) of a corporation incorporated outside New Zealand; or

(b)

that there is reason to believe that a plaintiff will be unable to pay the costs of the defendant if the plaintiff is unsuccessful in the plaintiff’s proceeding.

(2)

A Judge may, if the Judge thinks it is just in all the circumstances, order the giving of security for costs.

(3)

An order under subclause (2)—

(a)

requires the plaintiff or plaintiffs against whom the order is made to give security for costs as directed for a sum that the Judge considers sufficient—

(i)

by paying that sum into court; or

(ii)

by giving, to the satisfaction of the Judge or the Registrar, security for that sum; and

(b)

may stay the proceeding until the sum is paid or the security given.

(4)

A Judge may treat a plaintiff as being resident out of New Zealand even though the plaintiff is temporarily resident in New Zealand.

(5)

A Judge may make an order under subclause (2) even if the defendant has taken a step in the proceeding before applying for security.

(6)

References in this rule to a plaintiff and defendant are references to the person (however described on the record) who, because of a document filed in the proceeding (for example, a counterclaim), is in the position of plaintiff or defendant.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 60

5.46 Solicitor not to be surety

A party’s solicitor may not be accepted as surety for a security that the party is required to give under rule 5.45(2).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 61

Subpart 10—Statement of defence and appearance

5.47 Filing and service of statement of defence

(1)

A defendant who intends to defend the proceeding must,—

(a)

within the number of working days stated in the notice of proceeding, file in the registry of the court named in that notice a statement of defence to the plaintiff’s claim; and

(b)

serve a copy of the statement of defence on the plaintiff and any other party.

(2)

Unless otherwise ordered by the court,—

(a)

the place for filing the statement of defence must be the registry of the court in which the statement of claim was filed or into which it has been transferred:

(b)

the time within which the statement of defence is required to be filed is 25 working days after the day on which the statement of claim and notice of proceeding are served on the defendant.

(3)

Subclause (2)(b) is subject to rule 6.35 (which, unless the court otherwise orders, requires a defendant who has been served out of New Zealand to file a statement of defence within 30 working days from the date of service).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 rr 122, 129

Rule 5.47(3): inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

5.48 Requirements of statement of defence

(1)

The statement of defence must either admit or deny the allegations of fact in the statement of claim, but a defendant does not have to plead to an allegation that does not affect that defendant.

(2)

A denial of an allegation of fact in the statement of claim must not be evasive. Points must be answered in substance. If for example, it is alleged that the defendant received a sum of money, it is not sufficient to deny receipt of the particular amount. Rather, the defendant must deny receipt of that sum or any part of it, or set out how much was received. When a matter is alleged with circumstances it is not sufficient to deny it as alleged with those circumstances. In all cases a fair and substantial answer must be given.

(3)

An allegation not denied is treated as being admitted.

(4)

An affirmative defence must be pleaded.

(5)

The statement of defence must give particulars of time, place, amounts, names of persons, nature and dates of instruments, and other circumstances sufficient to inform the court, the plaintiff, and any other parties of the defendant’s defence.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 130

5.49 Appearance and objection to jurisdiction

(1)

A defendant who objects to the jurisdiction of the court to hear and determine the proceeding may, within the time allowed for filing a statement of defence and instead of so doing, file and serve an appearance stating the defendant’s objection and the grounds for it.

(2)

The filing and serving of an appearance does not operate as a submission to the jurisdiction of the court.

(3)

A defendant who has filed an appearance may apply to the court to dismiss the proceeding on the ground that the court has no jurisdiction to hear and determine it.

(4)

[Revoked]

(5)

At any time after an appearance has been filed, the plaintiff may apply to the court by interlocutory application to set aside the appearance.

(6)

The court hearing an application under subclause (3) or (5) must,—

(a)

if it is satisfied that it has no jurisdiction to hear and determine the proceeding, dismiss the proceeding; and

(b)

if it does not dismiss the proceeding under paragraph (a), set aside the appearance.

(7)

To the extent that an application under this rule relates to service of process effected outside New Zealand under rule 6.27 or 6.28, it must be determined under rule 6.29.

(7A)

But both this rule and rule 6.29 are subject to section 27(1) of the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010, which provides that a New Zealand court cannot stay a civil proceeding before it on forum grounds connected with Australia otherwise than in accordance with subpart 2 of Part 2 of that Act.

(8)

The court, in exercising its powers under this rule, may do so on any terms and conditions the court thinks just and, in particular, on setting aside the appearance it may extend the time within which the defendant may file and serve a statement of defence and may give any directions that appear necessary regarding any further steps in the proceeding.

(9)

If the appearance set aside has been filed in relation to a proceeding in which the plaintiff has applied for judgment under rule 12.2 or 12.3, the court—

(a)

must fix the time within which the defendant may file and serve—

(i)

a notice of opposition; and

(ii)

an affidavit by or on behalf of the defendant in answer to the affidavit by or on behalf of the plaintiff; and

(b)

may, under subclause (8), give any other directions that appear necessary regarding any further steps in the proceeding.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 131

Rule 5.49(4): revoked, on 1 September 2017, by rule 9(1) of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

Rule 5.49(6): replaced, on 1 September 2017, by rule 9(2) of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

Rule 5.49(7A): inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 11 of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

Rule 5.49(8): amended, on 11 November 2013, by rule 7 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

5.50 Appearance for ancillary purposes

A defendant who does not oppose the plaintiff’s claim but who wishes to be heard on any ancillary matter (including costs) may, without filing a statement of defence, file and serve an appearance stating those matters, which must not subsequently be determined without notice to that defendant.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 132

5.51 Appearance reserving rights

(1)

This rule applies to a defendant who does not oppose the plaintiff’s claim but who wishes to reserve the defendant’s rights—

(a)

in the event that any other person may become a party to the proceeding; or

(b)

in the event that any person, already a party, may take some steps in the proceeding adverse to the defendant’s interests.

(2)

The defendant—

(a)

may, without filing a statement of defence, file and serve an appearance reserving those rights; and

(b)

is subsequently entitled to be served with all documents relevant to the rights so reserved that are filed in the proceeding by a person who is or becomes a party.

(3)

A defendant who has filed an appearance under subclause (2) may at any time, by leave of the court, file and serve a statement of defence and any other document within the time and upon any terms and conditions prescribed by the court when granting leave.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 133

5.52 Forms

Form G 7, G 8, or G 9 (whichever is appropriate) may be used for the purpose of entering an appearance under rules 5.49 to 5.51.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 134

Subpart 11—Counterclaims

5.53 Counterclaim against plaintiff only

(1)

A defendant who intends to raise a counterclaim against the plaintiff only must file a statement of counterclaim in the registry of the court in which the statement of defence must be filed.

(2)

This rule is subject to rule 5.54.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 145

5.54 Heading of counterclaim

A counterclaim must be headed with the word “Counterclaim” but in all other respects it must conform with rule 5.11 and the rules applying to statements of claim.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 147

5.55 Filing and service

A counterclaim must be filed in the court and a copy served on the plaintiff within the time stated in the notice of proceeding for filing a statement of defence or, if no such time is stated, within a time fixed by the court.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 148

5.56 Defence to counterclaim

(1)

A plaintiff who intends to defend a counterclaim that has been served must, within 25 working days after the day on which the counterclaim is served, file a statement of defence to it and serve a copy on the defendant.

(2)

The statement of defence must be headed with the words “Defence to Counterclaim” but in all other respects it must conform with the rules applying to statements of defence.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 149

5.57 Counterclaim against plaintiff and another person

(1)

A defendant who has a counterclaim against the plaintiff along with any other person (whether a party to the proceeding or not) for any relief relating to or connected with the original subject matter of the proceeding may, within the time allowed for filing a statement of defence, file a statement of the counterclaim and serve a copy on the plaintiff and that other person (to be referred to as a counterclaim defendant).

(2)

Subclause (1) is subject to rule 5.61.

(3)

A counterclaim defendant must file a statement of defence to a counterclaim within 25 working days after the day on which the counterclaim was served.

(4)

A notice of proceeding in form G 2 must be served with each copy of a counterclaim served under subclause (1).

(5)

Rules 5.53 to 5.56 apply with respect to the counterclaim and any defence to it.

(6)

The court may at any time order that a counterclaim to which subclause (1) applies be struck out, upon such terms as it thinks just, if it appears—

(a)

that, by reason of the counterclaim, the plaintiff is likely to be unduly delayed in obtaining relief; or

(b)

that the trial (if a trial is necessary) is to be held at a place where it could not be held if a counterclaim defendant had been made defendant to an independent proceeding by the defendant in respect of the subject matter of the counterclaim; or

(c)

that the relief sought in the counterclaim is not related to or connected with the original subject matter of the proceeding.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 150

5.58 Place of trial of counterclaim

(1)

A counterclaim must be tried at the same place as the statement of claim in the original proceeding and either simultaneously or immediately afterwards.

(2)

Despite subclause (1), if it appears to the court that a counterclaim and the statement of claim can more fairly or conveniently be tried separately, it may, subject to such conditions as it thinks fit, make an order that the counterclaim be tried at some other place or time.

(3)

Subject to subclauses (1) and (2), after a counterclaim has been served it must proceed in the same manner as if the defendant had commenced an independent proceeding against the plaintiff.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 151

5.59 Status of counterclaim if proceeding stayed

If a defendant sets up a counterclaim against the plaintiff, whether alone or along with any other person, and the proceeding of the plaintiff is stayed, discontinued, or dismissed, that defendant may nevertheless proceed with the counterclaim.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 152

5.60 Counterclaim by counterclaim defendant

(1)

Rules 5.56 to 5.59 apply to a counterclaim by a counterclaim defendant in the same way as if the counterclaim defendant were a defendant in a separate proceeding brought by the defendant.

(2)

In a case referred to in subclause (1), the term defendant includes the counterclaim defendant and the term plaintiff includes the defendant who has joined the counterclaim defendant.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 153

5.61 Restriction when the Crown involved

(1)

In a proceeding by the Crown for the recovery of taxes, duties, or penalties, a defendant is not entitled to advance any set-off or counterclaim.

(2)

In a proceeding of any nature by the Crown, a defendant is not entitled to advance any set-off or counterclaim arising out of a right or claim to payment in respect of any taxes, duties, or penalties.

(3)

In a proceeding by or against the Crown, being a proceeding to which neither subclause (1) nor (2) applies, a defendant is not entitled, without leave of the court, to advance a set-off or counterclaim—

(a)

if the Crown sues or is sued either—

(i)

in the name of the Attorney-General on behalf of a government department or an officer or employee of the Crown; or

(ii)

in the name of a government department or an officer or employee of the Crown; and

(b)

if the subject matter of the set-off or counterclaim does not relate to that department or officer.

(4)

An application for leave under subclause (3) that is made by a defendant other than the Crown must be served on the Crown not less than 5 working days before the date specified for hearing the application.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 146

Subpart 12—Reply

5.62 Duty to file and serve reply

If a statement of defence asserts an affirmative defence or contains any positive allegation affecting any other party, the plaintiff or that other party must, within 10 working days after the day on which that statement of defence is served, file a reply and serve it on the party serving the statement of defence.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 169

5.63 Contents of reply

(1)

A reply must be limited to answering the affirmative defence or positive allegation and otherwise must comply with the rules governing statements of defence so far as they are applicable.

(2)

An affirmative defence or positive allegation in a statement of defence that is not denied is treated as being admitted.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 rr 170, 171

Subpart 13—Proceedings and actions transferred from District Court

5.64 Application of rules

(1)

This subpart applies to every action, counterclaim, and other proceeding transferred to the court from a District Court under an order made under any of sections 86 to 91 of the District Court Act 2016.

(2)

However, this subpart does not apply to a proceeding removed to the court by an order made under section 89 of the District Court Act 2016.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 228

Rule 5.64(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

Rule 5.64(2): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

5.65 Documents to be filed in proper registry

If the registry of the court at which the documents are received from the District Court is not the registry in which, had the action, counterclaim, or other proceeding been commenced in the High Court, the statement of claim would have been filed in accordance with rule 5.25, the Registrar receiving the documents must immediately transmit them to the Registrar at that registry for filing there.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 229

5.66 On filing treated as proceeding

(1)

Documents filed under rule 5.65 must be treated as documents in a proceeding commenced under these rules.

(2)

Subject to subclause (3) and rules 5.67 and 5.68, these rules apply with all necessary modifications.

(3)

Any party who has not given an address for service complying with these rules must immediately do so.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 230

5.67 Title of documents

All documents filed in the proceeding after it has been filed in the court in accordance with rule 5.65 must be headed as if the proceeding had been commenced in the High Court.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 231

5.68 Time for filing statement of defence

If no statement of defence has been filed in the District Court, a statement of defence may be filed within 25 working days from the date when the proceeding is filed in accordance with rule 5.65.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 232

5.69 Transfer under section 91 of District Court Act 2016

(1)

An application under section 91 of the District Court Act 2016 must be by interlocutory application.

(2)

It must,—

(a)

if made by the counterclaimant, be made within 5 working days after the counterclaim or set-off and counterclaim is filed in the District Court:

(b)

if made by the party against whom the counterclaim or set-off and counterclaim is made, be made within 5 working days after service on that party.

(3)

At any time after an application under subclause (1) has been filed, the court may order the proceedings in the District Court to be stayed pending its disposal.

(4)

The order in subclause (3) may be made without notice and subject to any conditions or undertakings that the court thinks just.

(5)

If the court orders that the counterclaim or set-off and counterclaim alone be transferred, references in these rules to the plaintiff must be read as references to the counterclaimant and references to the defendant must be read as references to the party against whom the counterclaim or set-off and counterclaim is made.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 5.69 (as substituted by 2008 No 90 s 8)

Rule 5.69: replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

Subpart 14—Service of statement of claim and notice of proceeding

5.70 Service generally

(1)

Except as otherwise provided by any Act or these rules or an order made under these rules, a statement of claim and notice of proceeding must be served—

(a)

on every defendant named in it; and

(b)

on every other person directed to be served with it.

(2)

Despite subclause (1), in a civil proceeding against the Crown in which the Attorney-General is named as defendant or is directed to be served on behalf of the Crown or in which the Attorney-General is joined as a party or third or subsequent party, service on the Crown must be effected in accordance with section 16 of the Crown Proceedings Act 1950.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 125

5.71 Personal service required

(1)

Except when the court directs or these rules require or permit a different mode of service, the statement of claim and notice of proceeding must be served personally.

(2)

Rule 5.73(2) overrides subclause (1).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 126

5.72 Prompt service required

(1)

The statement of claim and notice of proceeding must be served—

(a)

as soon as practicable after they are filed; or

(b)

when directions as to service are sought, as soon as practicable after the directions have been given.

(2)

Unless service is effected within 12 months after the day on which the statement of claim and notice of proceeding are filed or within such further time as the court may allow, the proceeding must be treated as having been discontinued by the plaintiff against any defendant or other person directed to be served who has not been served.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 127

5.73 Extension of time for service

(1)

The plaintiff may, before or after the expiration of the period referred to in rule 5.72, apply to the court for an order extending that period in respect of any person (being a defendant or other person directed to be served) who has not been served.

(2)

The court, if satisfied that reasonable efforts have been made to effect service on that defendant or person, or for other good reason, may extend the period of service for 6 months from the date of the order and so on from time to time while the proceeding has not been disposed of.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 128

5.73A Notice of service to Registrar

(1)

The plaintiff must notify the Registrar of the date of service of the statement of claim and notice of proceeding on each defendant or other person directed to be served.

(2)

Notification under subclause (1) must be made within 7 working days after service and in writing.

Rule 5.73A: inserted, on 4 February 2013, by rule 9 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

Subpart 15—Registration of users for e-filing purposes

[Revoked]

Subpart 15: revoked, on 1 March 2017 (as inserted on 1 March 2017 by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48)), by rule 4 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules 2017 (LI 2017/27).

5.74 Interpretation

[Revoked]

Rule 5.74: revoked, on 1 March 2017 (as inserted on 1 March 2017 by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48)), by rule 4 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules 2017 (LI 2017/27).

5.75 Registration procedure

[Revoked]

Rule 5.75: revoked, on 1 March 2017 (as inserted on 1 March 2017 by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48)), by rule 4 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules 2017 (LI 2017/27).

5.76 Effect of registration

[Revoked]

Rule 5.76: revoked, on 1 March 2017 (as inserted on 1 March 2017 by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48)), by rule 4 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules 2017 (LI 2017/27).

5.77 Renewal of registration

[Revoked]

Rule 5.77: revoked, on 1 March 2017 (as inserted on 1 March 2017 by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48)), by rule 4 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules 2017 (LI 2017/27).

Subpart 16—E-filing documents

[Revoked]

Subpart 16: revoked, on 1 March 2017 (as inserted on 1 March 2017 by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48)), by rule 4 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules 2017 (LI 2017/27).

5.78 Requirements for e-filing

[Revoked]

Rule 5.78: revoked, on 1 March 2017 (as inserted on 1 March 2017 by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48)), by rule 4 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules 2017 (LI 2017/27).

5.79 Provisional filing

[Revoked]

Rule 5.79: revoked, on 1 March 2017 (as inserted on 1 March 2017 by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48)), by rule 4 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules 2017 (LI 2017/27).

5.80 Acceptance of provisionally filed documents

[Revoked]

Rule 5.80: revoked, on 1 March 2017 (as inserted on 1 March 2017 by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48)), by rule 4 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules 2017 (LI 2017/27).

5.81 Affidavits and formal undertakings

[Revoked]

Rule 5.81: revoked, on 1 March 2017 (as inserted on 1 March 2017 by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48)), by rule 4 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules 2017 (LI 2017/27).

Part 6 Service

Subpart 1—Methods and proof of service

6.1 Methods of service

(1)

Any of the following methods may be used for serving a document that is required by these rules to be served:

(a)

personal service:

(b)

service at an address for service given in accordance with these rules:

(c)

service at an address directed by the court as the address for service for the party or person:

(d)

if the solicitor for the party or person, or the party or person, has, under rule 5.40(5)(a), 5.42(2)(b)(i), or 5.44(1)(e), specified a post office box address, document exchange box number, fax number, or email address,—

(i)

by posting the document to that post office box address; or

(ii)

by leaving the document at a document exchange for direction to that document exchange box number; or

(iii)

by transmitting the document electronically to that fax number or email address:

(e)

if a defendant has been served in Australia under section 13 of the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010 with an initiating document for the proceeding, by posting the document to an address for service of the party or person to be served.

(2)

In any case not provided for by these rules, service must be effected by the method and at the place the court directs.

(3)

This rule does not apply if an Act or a rule requires a special and exclusive method of service.

(4)

This rule is subject to rule 6.1A.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 192

Rule 6.1(1)(d): amended, on 11 November 2013, by rule 8 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

Rule 6.1(1)(e): inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 12 of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

Rule 6.1(4): inserted, on 9 April 2020, by rule 8 of the High Court (COVID-19 Preparedness) Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/59).

6.1A Power to limit acceptable methods of service in emergency

Any contrary provision of these rules notwithstanding, a Judge (including an Associate Judge) may, in respect of a proceeding, if satisfied that the existence of an emergency in any part of New Zealand means the service of documents by other than electronic means would cause or risk causing disruption to the orderly and safe dispatch of the court’s business or harm to the health and wellbeing of any person, require that—

(a)

any party that has not already done so specify an electronic address by which documents can be served on that party pursuant to rule 6.1(1)(d)(iii); or

(b)

any document required by any person to be served on any other person not be served pursuant to rules 6.1(1)(a), (b), (c), or (d)(ii) and must instead be served pursuant to rule 6.1(1)(d)(i) or (iii).

Rule 6.1A: inserted, on 9 April 2020, by rule 9 of the High Court (COVID-19 Preparedness) Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/59).

6.2 Service of copies

Unless an Act or a rule expressly requires an original document to be served, service of a true copy is to be treated as service of the document.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 193

6.3 Notices

Rules 6.1 and 6.2 and rules 6.4 to 6.25 apply to any notice that by these rules, or by any order made under these rules, is required to be given to any person, whether or not that person is a party or the notice is required to be filed in the court.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 194

6.4 Personal service on spouses or partners

(1)

This rule applies when defendants to a proceeding are—

(a)

a married couple; or

(b)

civil union partners; or

(c)

de facto partners.

(2)

Service on one spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner is not to be treated as service on the other unless the court so orders.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 205

Rule 6.4(1)(a): amended, on 19 August 2013, by section 9 of the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013 (2013 No 20).

6.5 Service at address for service

A document may be served at an address for service by leaving the document at that address at any time between 9 am and 5 pm.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 206

6.6 Service by means of post office box, document exchange, fax, or email

(1)

When a document is served on a party or person in accordance with rule 6.1(1)(d)(i) or (ii), that document must,—

(a)

if posted to a post office box address, be treated as served on the earlier of—

(i)

the fifth working day after the day on which it was posted; or

(ii)

the day on which it was received; and

(b)

if left at a document exchange, be treated as served on the earlier of—

(i)

the second working day after the day on which it was left; or

(ii)

the day on which it was received.

(2)

A document served on a party or person in accordance with rule 6.1(1)(d)(iii) must—

(a)

be treated as dispatched at the time the electronic communication first enters an information system outside the control of its originator; and

(b)

be treated as received,—

(i)

in the case of a party who has designated an information system for the purpose of receiving electronic communications, at the time the electronic communication enters that information system; or

(ii)

in any other case, at the time the electronic communication comes to the attention of the party or person being served, or the solicitor or other agent of that party or person.

(3)

When a document is transmitted electronically on a day that is not a working day, or after 5 pm on a working day, it must be treated as served on the first subsequent working day.

(4)

When a document is served electronically under this rule, the party or person served must, on receiving the document, immediately give to the person who served the document, or that person’s solicitor or agent, an acknowledgement in writing or electronically—

(a)

that the document has been received; and

(b)

of the date and time of receipt.

(5)

In this rule, information system means a system for producing, sending, receiving, storing, displaying, or otherwise processing electronic communications.

(6)

Subclauses (7) to (11) apply to a document to be served in a proceeding if—

(a)

the proceeding is one an initiating document for which is to be or has been served on a defendant in Australia under section 13 of the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010; and

(b)

the document is one to be served—

(i)

by a party in New Zealand and on a party in Australia; or

(ii)

by a party in Australia and on a party in New Zealand.

(7)

Despite subclause (1), when a document is served in accordance with rule 6.1(1)(d)(i) or (ii) or (e), it is to be treated as served on the earlier of—

(a)

the eighth working day after the day on which it was posted; and

(b)

the day on which it was received.

(8)

Subclause (9) applies to a document that is—

(a)

a document in response to a requirement of or under these rules; and

(b)

served in accordance with rule 6.1(1)(d)(i) or (ii) or (e).

(9)

The party serving the document is entitled to an extra 5 working days within which to comply with that requirement.

(10)

Despite subclause (8), subclause (9) does not apply when a rule requires a document to be served a prescribed number of days before a hearing or other specified event.

(11)

Despite subclause (3), when a document is, under rule 6.1(1)(d)(iii), transmitted electronically to the fax number or email address of a solicitor in a State or Territory of Australia at a time later than 5 pm in that State or Territory, it is to be treated as having been served on the first subsequent working day.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 206A

Rule 6.6(1): amended, on 11 November 2013, by rule 9 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

Rule 6.6(1)(a)(i): amended, on 1 July 2015, by rule 5(1) of the High Court Amendment Rules 2015 (LI 2015/102).

Rule 6.6(2): amended, on 11 October 2013, by rule 13(2) of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

Rule 6.6(6): inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 13(3) of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

Rule 6.6(7): inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 13(3) of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

Rule 6.6(7)(a): amended, on 1 July 2015, by rule 5(2) of the High Court Amendment Rules 2015 (LI 2015/102).

Rule 6.6(8): inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 13(3) of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

Rule 6.6(9): inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 13(3) of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

Rule 6.6(10): inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 13(3) of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

Rule 6.6(11): inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 13(3) of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

6.7 Service under agreement

Service by a method agreed to in writing by a party is sufficient service on that party.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 210

6.8 Substituted service

(1)

If reasonable efforts have been made to serve a document by a method permitted or required under these rules, and either the document has come to the knowledge of the person to be served or it cannot be promptly served, the court may—

(a)

direct—

(i)

that instead of service, specified steps be taken that are likely to bring the document to the notice of the person to be served; and

(ii)

that the document be treated as served on the happening of a specified event, or on the expiry of a specified time:

(b)

when steps have been taken for the purpose of bringing, or which have a tendency to bring, the document to the notice of the person on whom it is required to be served, direct that the document be treated as served on that person on a specified date:

(c)

subject to any conditions that the court thinks just to impose, dispense with service of a document on a person and give to the party by whom the document is required to be served leave to proceed as if the document had been served.

(2)

If a direction is given under subclause (1)(a) in respect of a document, the document must be treated as having been served at the place—

(a)

at which the document is likely to have come to the notice of the person to be served; or

(b)

where that person was or is likely to have been on the happening of the event or the expiry of the time specified under subclause (1)(a)(ii).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 211

Rule 6.8(2): inserted, on 1 September 2017, by rule 10 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

6.9 Notices to be given by Registrar

When notice is required to be given by the Registrar to a person, whether a party or not, it may be given,—

(a)

if the person is acting by a solicitor, by sending it by ordinary post addressed to the solicitor at the address for service (if given) or at the solicitor’s place of business:

(b)

if the person is not acting by a solicitor, by sending it by ordinary post addressed to that person at that person’s address for service (if given) or last known or usual place of residence or business in New Zealand:

(c)

in any other manner the court directs.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 195

6.10 Proof of service

(1)

The service of a document may be proved on oath before the court or by affidavit in form G 16.

(2)

If the service of a document is proved by affidavit in form G 16, it is unnecessary, unless the court otherwise directs, for a copy of that document to be annexed if—

(a)

either the original of the document or a copy of the document has, at the time of service, been filed in the registry of the court; and

(b)

the affidavit contains a description of the document that—

(i)

is sufficient to enable the document to be identified; and

(ii)

includes the date of the document (if the document is dated).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 196

6.11 Personal service

A document may be personally served by leaving the document with the person to be served, or, if that person does not accept it, by putting it down and bringing it to the notice of that person.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 197

Subpart 2—Corporations, partners, attorneys, and agents

6.12 Personal service on New Zealand corporations

(1)

A document may be served on a company incorporated under the Companies Act 1993 in accordance with section 387 of that Act.

(2)

A document may be served on a corporation incorporated in New Zealand other than a company incorporated under the Companies Act 1993—

(a)

by service in accordance with rule 6.11 on—

(i)

the mayor, chairman, president, town clerk, managing director, secretary, treasurer, or other similar officer of the corporation; or

(ii)

any member, officer, or employee of the corporation at the corporation’s head office or principal place of business; or

(b)

by leaving the document at the corporation’s registered office; or

(c)

by serving the document on a member, officer, or employee of the corporation in any manner that the court directs; or

(d)

by complying with any enactment that provides for service of a document on a corporation.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 198

6.13 Personal service in New Zealand on foreign corporations

(1)

An overseas company (within the meaning of section 2 of the Companies Act 1993) that is served in New Zealand must be personally served in accordance with section 389 of the Companies Act 1993.

(2)

A corporation (other than an overseas company within the meaning of section 2 of the Companies Act 1993) may be served in New Zealand in accordance with rule 6.11 by service on a person appearing to have control of the business of that corporation at the principal or only place of business of that corporation in New Zealand if the corporation—

(a)

is incorporated outside New Zealand; and

(b)

has a place or places of business in New Zealand.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 199

6.13A Personal service on Australian corporations, partnerships, and attorneys

A document in a proceeding in which an initiating document is to be or has been served on a defendant under section 13 of the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010 may be served in Australia—

(a)

on a company registered in Australia under the Corporations Act 2001 (Aust) in the same way as if it were a company to which section 387 of the Companies Act 1993 applies:

(b)

on a corporation incorporated in Australia (other than a company specified in paragraph (a)) in the same way as if it were a corporation to which rule 6.12(2) applies:

(c)

on a partnership, or on a person carrying on business in the name of a firm apparently consisting of more than 1 person, by serving it in accordance with rule 6.11 either on any partner or on that person, or—

(i)

on any person appearing to have control of the business of the partnership or apparent partnership; and

(ii)

at the principal place in Australia of the business of the partnership or apparent partnership:

(d)

on a person who is out of Australia and New Zealand by serving, in accordance with rule 6.11, an attorney or agent of that person in Australia if the attorney or agent is authorised—

(i)

to transact that person’s affairs generally and to defend proceedings; or

(ii)

to transact the person’s affairs in respect of the subject matter of the proceeding and to defend the particular proceeding.

Rule 6.13A: inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 14 of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

6.13B Personal service in Australia on foreign corporations

(1)

A document in a proceeding in which an initiating document is to be or has been served on a defendant under section 13 of the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010 may be served in Australia—

(a)

on a foreign company registered under section 601CE of the Corporations Act 2001 (Aust) as follows:

(i)

by delivery to a person named in the register kept for the purposes of Division 2 of Part 5B.2 of that Act as a director of the foreign company and who is resident in Australia; or

(ii)

by delivery to a person named in that register as being authorised to accept service in Australia of documents on behalf of the foreign company; or

(iii)

by delivery to an employee of the foreign company at the foreign company’s place of business in Australia or, if the foreign company has more than 1 place of business in Australia, at the foreign company’s principal place of business in Australia; or

(iv)

by serving it in accordance with any directions as to service given by the court having jurisdiction in the proceeding; or

(v)

in accordance with an agreement made with the foreign company:

(b)

on a foreign corporation of the kind specified in subclause (2) by serving it in accordance with rule 6.11—

(i)

on a person appearing to have control of the business of that corporation; and

(ii)

at the principal place of business of that corporation in Australia.

(2)

Subclause (1)(b) applies to a foreign corporation that—

(a)

is not a foreign company registered under section 601CE of the Corporations Act 2001 (Aust); and

(b)

is incorporated but not in Australia and not in New Zealand; and

(c)

has a place of business in Australia; and

(d)

does not have a place of business in New Zealand.

Rule 6.13B: inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 14 of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

6.14 Personal service on unincorporated societies

A document may be served on an unincorporated society by serving the president, chairperson, secretary, or any similar officer of the society under rule 6.11.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 200

6.15 Personal service on partnership or apparent partnership

A document may be served on a partnership or on a person carrying on business in the name of a firm apparently consisting of more than 1 person by serving it in accordance with rule 6.11—

(a)

on any partner or on that person; or

(b)

at the principal place in New Zealand of the business of the partnership or apparent partnership, on any person appearing to have control of the business there.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 201

6.16 Personal service on attorney or agent of absentee

A document may be served on a person who is out of New Zealand by serving, in accordance with rule 6.11, an attorney or agent of that person in New Zealand if the attorney or agent is authorised—

(a)

to transact that person’s affairs generally and to defend proceedings; or

(b)

to transact the person’s affairs in respect of the subject matter of the proceeding and to defend the particular proceeding.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 202

6.17 Service on representatives

(1)

This rule applies to a person (a representative) who—

(a)

is appointed by the court to represent any person or persons, or any class of persons; or

(b)

sues or defends on behalf of himself or herself and any other person or persons.

(2)

Service on the representative is to be treated as service on behalf of all persons for whom the representative has been appointed to represent or on whose behalf the representative sues or defends.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 208

6.18 Service on solicitor

A document is treated as served on a person on the date on which the solicitor for that person signs on a copy of the document a note accepting service of it, or a proved earlier date.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 209

6.19 Service of statement of claim on certain days void

(1)

A statement of claim must not be served on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, or Good Friday.

(2)

[Revoked]

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 207

Rule 6.19(2): revoked, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

6.20 Failure to give address for service

A party to a contentious proceeding who has not given an address for service is not entitled to be served with notice of any step in the proceeding or with copies of any further documents filed in the proceeding or to address the court.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 212

Subpart 3—Foreign process

6.21 Service of foreign process

(1)

This subpart applies when a request is made to the court to effect service of a foreign process on a person in New Zealand.

(2)

A request may be made to the court to effect service of a foreign process on a person in New Zealand in any manner permitted or required by the provisions of a convention.

(3)

Service in New Zealand of a foreign process must be in accordance with a convention if—

(a)

the convention contains an express provision governing the service of that process in New Zealand; and

(b)

that convention excludes other methods of service.

(4)

When service is in accordance with a convention, no court fees are to be charged for the filing of any document or the doing of any act relating to the service or the certification of service.

(5)

A letter of request from a foreign court requesting service of process on any person in New Zealand in connection with any civil matter pending before that foreign court must be forwarded through diplomatic channels to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade who must send it to the Secretary for Justice for further transmission to the Registrar with an intimation that it is desirable that effect should be given to that request.

(6)

A letter of request must be accompanied by—

(a)

a translation of it in English if it is not in English; and

(b)

2 copies of the process or citation to be served; and

(c)

2 copies of the process or citation in English or translated into English.

(7)

Subclauses (5) and (6) and rules 6.22 to 6.25 apply subject to the provisions of any relevant convention.

(8)

In this rule, convention means any treaty to which New Zealand is a party that makes provision for service of foreign process in New Zealand.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 213

6.22 Sheriff to effect service

Service of the process or citation must be effected by the Sheriff whose registry is nearest to the place where the person to be served resides, or by any officer appointed by that Sheriff.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 214

6.23 Method of service

Service must be effected by leaving, in accordance with these rules, a copy of the process or citation and of any translation with the person to be served.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 215

6.24 Return as to service

After service of the process or citation has been effected or (if that is the case) attempts to effect service of the process or citation have failed, the Sheriff or the officer effecting or attempting to effect service must return to the Registrar of the court nearest to the place of service or attempted place of service—

(a)

1 copy of the process or citation; and

(b)

an affidavit made by the Sheriff or the officer stating when, where, and how the Sheriff or officer effected service or attempted to effect service; and

(c)

a statement of the costs incurred in effecting, or attempting to effect, service.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 216

6.25 Certification

The Registrar must give a certificate in form G 17—

(a)

identifying the documents annexed, namely the letter of request for service, a copy of the process or citation received with the letter, and a copy of the affidavit referred to in rule 6.24(b); and

(b)

certifying—

(i)

that the method of service of the process and the proof of service comply with the law and practice of the High Court of New Zealand regulating the service of New Zealand legal process in New Zealand and its proof; or

(ii)

if that is the case, that service of the process could not be effected for the reason specified in the certificate; and

(c)

certifying the cost of effecting, or attempting to effect, service.

6.26 Sealing and transmission of certificate

The certificate given under rule 6.25 must be sealed with the seal of the court and sent to the Secretary for Justice who must send it to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade for further transmission through diplomatic channels to the foreign court.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 217

Subpart 4—Service out of New Zealand

6.27 When allowed without leave

(1)

This rule applies to a document that initiates a civil proceeding, or is a notice issued under subpart 4 of Part 4 (third, fourth and subsequent parties), which under these rules is required to be served but cannot be served in New Zealand under these rules (an originating document).

(2)

An originating document may be served out of New Zealand without leave in the following cases:

(a)

when a claim is made in tort and—

(i)

any act or omission in respect of which damage was sustained was done or occurred in New Zealand; or

(ii)

the damage was sustained in New Zealand:

(b)

when a contract sought to be enforced or rescinded, dissolved, annulled, cancelled, otherwise affected or interpreted in any proceeding, or for the breach of which damages or other relief is demanded in the proceeding—

(i)

was made or entered into in New Zealand; or

(ii)

was made by or through an agent trading or residing within New Zealand; or

(iii)

was to be wholly or in part performed in New Zealand; or

(iv)

was by its terms or by implication to be governed by New Zealand law:

(c)

when there has been a breach in New Zealand of any contract, wherever made:

(d)

when the claim is for—

(i)

a permanent injunction to compel or restrain the performance of any act in New Zealand; or

(ii)

interim relief in support of judicial or arbitral proceedings commenced or to be commenced outside New Zealand:

(e)

when the subject matter of the proceeding is land or other property situated in New Zealand, or any act, deed, will, instrument, or thing affecting such land or property:

(f)

when the proceeding relates to the carrying out or discharge of the trusts of any written instrument of which the person to be served is a trustee and which ought to be carried out or discharged according to the law of New Zealand:

(g)

when any relief is sought against any person domiciled or ordinarily resident in New Zealand:

(h)

when any person out of the jurisdiction is—

(i)

a necessary or proper party to proceedings properly brought against another defendant served or to be served (whether within New Zealand or outside New Zealand under any other provision of these rules), and there is a real issue between the plaintiff and that defendant that the court ought to try; or

(ii)

a defendant to a claim for contribution or indemnity in respect of a liability enforceable by proceedings in the court:

(i)

when the proceeding is for the administration of the estate of any deceased person who at the time of his or her death was domiciled in New Zealand:

(j)

when the claim arises under an enactment and either—

(i)

any act or omission to which the claim relates was done or occurred in New Zealand; or

(ii)

any loss or damage to which the claim relates was sustained in New Zealand; or

(iii)

the enactment applies expressly or by implication to an act or omission that was done or occurred outside New Zealand in the circumstances alleged; or

(iv)

the enactment expressly confers jurisdiction on the court over persons outside New Zealand (in which case any requirements of the enactment relating to service must be complied with):

(k)

when the person to be served has submitted to the jurisdiction of the court:

(l)

when a claim is made for restitution or for the remedy of constructive trust and the defendant’s alleged liability arises out of acts committed within the jurisdiction:

(m)

when it is sought to enforce any judgment or arbitral award.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 219

6.28 When allowed with leave

(1)

In any proceeding when service is not allowed under rule 6.27, an originating document may be served out of New Zealand with the leave of the court.

(2)

An application for leave under this rule must be made on notice to every party other than the party intended to be served.

(3)

A sealed copy of every order made under this rule must be served with the document to which it relates.

(4)

An application for leave under this rule must be supported by an affidavit stating any facts or matters related to the desirability of the court assuming jurisdiction under rule 6.29, including the place or country in which the person to be served is or possibly may be found, and whether or not the person to be served is a New Zealand citizen.

(5)

The court may grant an application for leave if the applicant establishes that—

(a)

the claim has a real and substantial connection with New Zealand; and

(b)

there is a serious issue to be tried on the merits; and

(c)

New Zealand is the appropriate forum for the trial; and

(d)

any other relevant circumstances support an assumption of jurisdiction.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 220

6.29 Court’s discretion whether to assume jurisdiction

(1)

If service of process has been effected out of New Zealand without leave, and the court’s jurisdiction is protested under rule 5.49, the court must dismiss the proceeding unless the party effecting service establishes—

(a)

that there is—

(i)

a good arguable case that the claim falls wholly within 1 or more of the paragraphs of rule 6.27; and

(ii)

the court should assume jurisdiction by reason of the matters set out in rule 6.28(5)(b) to (d); or

(b)

that, had the party applied for leave under rule 6.28,—

(i)

leave would have been granted; and

(ii)

it is in the interests of justice that the failure to apply for leave should be excused.

(2)

If service of process has been effected out of New Zealand under rule 6.28, and the court’s jurisdiction is protested under rule 5.49, and it is claimed that leave was wrongly granted under rule 6.28, the court must dismiss the proceeding unless the party effecting service establishes that in the light of the evidence now before the court leave was correctly granted.

(3)

When service of process has been validly effected within New Zealand, but New Zealand is not the appropriate forum for trial of the action, the defendant may apply for a stay, or for a dismissal of the proceeding under rule 15.1.

(4)

This rule is subject to section 27(1) of the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010 (see rule 5.49(7A)).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 220

Rule 6.29(4): inserted, on 1 September 2017, by rule 11 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

6.30 Service of other documents outside New Zealand

Any document other than an originating document required by any rule to be served personally may be served abroad with the leave of the court, which may be given with any directions that the court thinks just.

6.31 Notice to defendant served outside New Zealand

If a defendant is to be served out of New Zealand, the memorandum required by rule 5.23(4) must also include a notice, which may be in form G 6, informing the defendant of—

(a)

the scope of the jurisdiction of the court in respect of claims against persons who are not resident in New Zealand; and

(b)

the grounds alleged by the plaintiff in relying on that jurisdiction; and

(c)

the defendant’s right to enter an appearance and objection to the jurisdiction of the court under rule 5.49.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 221

6.32 Service outside New Zealand

(1)

An originating document permitted under these rules to be served outside New Zealand may be served by a method—

(a)

specified in rule 6.1; or

(b)

permitted by the law of the country in which it is to be served; or

(c)

provided for in rules 6.33 and 6.34.

(2)

Subclause (1) is subject to subclauses (3) and (4).

(3)

When a convention relating to service of process is in force between New Zealand and the country where service is to be effected, service must be effected in accordance with a method provided for, or permitted by, that convention.

(4)

No service outside New Zealand is valid if effected contrary to the law of the country where service is effected.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 222

6.33 Service through official channels

(1)

When a party seeks service outside New Zealand through official channels, the request must be sent by the Registrar to the Secretary for Justice who must forward it to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade for further transmission to the appropriate authorities in the foreign country.

(2)

Proof of service must be returned to the Registrar through the same channels.

(3)

In respect of each person to be served, the request for service must be accompanied by—

(a)

the document to be served; and

(b)

a copy of the document to be exhibited to the evidence verifying service; and

(c)

when the language of the person to be served is not English,—

(i)

a translation of the document into the language (verified as correct to the satisfaction of the Registrar) of the person to be served for service with the document; and

(ii)

a copy of that translation, which must be exhibited to the evidence verifying service.

(4)

A certificate establishing the fact and date of service and given by the competent authority of the country concerned, or by a New Zealand consular officer, is sufficient proof of that fact and date.

(5)

This rule is subject to any relevant convention that requires or permits any other method of service through official channels.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 223

6.34 Service in convention countries

(1)

This rule applies when—

(a)

a convention is in force between New Zealand and any other country relating to the service of documents in proceedings in the courts of the respective countries; and

(b)

a party to a proceeding in New Zealand desires to take advantage of any provision made in the convention for service in that other country by official means.

(2)

When this rule applies, the party seeking service may file a request in form G 18 stating the official means of service desired and containing the undertaking set out in that form covering the payment of expenses.

(3)

Subclause (2) is subject to the provisions of the convention.

(4)

In respect of each person to be served, the request for service must be accompanied by—

(a)

the document to be served; and

(b)

a copy of it exhibited to the evidence verifying service; and

(c)

when the language of the person to be served is not English,—

(i)

a translation of the document into his or her language (verified as correct to the satisfaction of the Registrar) for service with the document; and

(ii)

a copy of that translation to be exhibited to the evidence verifying service.

(5)

The document and translation to be served must be sealed by the Registrar with the seal of the court and the documents required to accompany the request for service forwarded by the Registrar to the Secretary for Justice for transmission through the appropriate channels to the country concerned for service in accordance with the request for service.

(6)

A certificate establishing the fact and date of service and given by the competent authority of the country concerned, or by a British or New Zealand consular officer, and transmitted by the Secretary for Justice to the Registrar is sufficient proof of that service.

(7)

A certificate filed by the Registrar is equivalent to an affidavit of service of the documents referred to in the certificate.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 224

6.35 Time for filing defence

Except when the court otherwise orders, a defendant who has been served out of New Zealand must file a statement of defence or appearance within 30 working days from the date of service.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 225

6.36 Subpart does not apply to service in Australia of documents for or in certain trans-Tasman proceedings

This subpart (which contains rules on service out of New Zealand) does not apply to service in Australia of an initiating document for, or of any other document to be served in or for, a proceeding an initiating document for which may be served in Australia under subpart 1 of Part 2 of the Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010.

Rule 6.36: inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 15 of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

Part 7 Case management, interlocutory applications, and interim relief

Subpart 1—Case management

Part 7 subpart 1: replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

7.1AA Outline of case management procedures for different types of proceedings

(1)

An ordinary defended proceeding or a complex defended proceeding—

(a)

is subject to a first case management review (see rule 7.3):

(aa)

may be subject to a first case management conference (see rule 7.3A):

(b)

may be the subject of 1 or more further case management conferences (see rule 7.4):

(c)

may also be the subject of an issues conference (see rule 7.5):

(d)

if the proceeding is being, or has been, allocated a hearing or trial date, may be the subject of a pre-trial conference (see rule 7.8).

(2)

An application for leave to appeal, or an appeal, under Part 20 (Appeals), Part 21 (Cases stated), or Part 26 (Arbitration Act 1996) is subject to case management under different provisions (see rules 7.14 and 7.15).

(3)

A proceeding commenced by originating application is subject to limited case management through the ability of the parties to seek directions (see rules 19.11 and 7.43A).

(4)

[Revoked]

(5)

An application for judicial review may be subject to case management under section 13 of the Judicial Review Procedure Act 2016 and any rules relating to the case management of those proceedings.

(6)

The following proceedings are not subject to case management:

(a)

undefended proceedings:

(b)

an application under Part 24 (Insolvency) or Part 31 (Companies: Liquidation).

(7)

This rule operates only as a guide, and if any other provision of these rules or any other enactment is inconsistent with this rule, that other provision or enactment prevails.

Rule 7.1AA: inserted, on 11 November 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

Rule 7.1AA(1)(a): replaced, on 1 September 2017, by rule 12 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

Rule 7.1AA(1)(aa): inserted, on 1 September 2017, by rule 12 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

Rule 7.1AA(4): revoked, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

Rule 7.1AA(5): replaced, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

7.1 Proceedings subject of case management

(1)

Case management in accordance with this subpart will be applied to the following proceedings in order to promote their just, speedy, and inexpensive determination:

(a)

ordinary or complex defended hearings:

(b)

an application for leave to appeal, or an appeal, under Part 20 (Appeals), Part 21 (Cases stated), or Part 26 (Arbitration Act 1996):

(c)

a proceeding under Part 30.

(2)

[Revoked]

(3)

The purpose of a case management conference is to enable the Judge to assist the parties—

(a)

to identify, define, and refine the issues requiring judicial resolution; and

(b)

to determine what steps need to be taken in order to prepare the proceeding for hearing or trial; and

(c)

to decide how best to facilitate the conduct of the hearing or trial; and

(d)

to ensure that the costs of the proceeding are proportionate to the subject matter of the proceeding.

(4)

In this rule,—

complex defended proceeding means one that, in a Judge’s opinion, needs intensive case management and therefore needs more than 1 case management conference before a fixture is allocated

ordinary defended proceeding means one that, in a Judge’s opinion, does not require intensive case management and therefore does not need more than 1 case management conference before a fixture is allocated.

(5)

For the purposes of this subpart, a proceeding must be classified as—

(a)

an ordinary defended proceeding; or

(b)

a complex defended proceeding; or

(c)

an application under Part 24 (Insolvency) or Part 31 (Companies: Liquidation); or

(d)

an application for leave to appeal, or an appeal, under Part 20 (Appeals), Part 21 (Cases stated), or Part 26 (Arbitration Act 1996); or

(e)

an undefended proceeding; or

(f)

an application commenced by originating application under Part 19 (originating applications); or

(g)

[Revoked]

(h)

a proceeding under Part 30.

(6)

The proper classification of a proceeding as either an ordinary defended proceeding or a complex defended proceeding in terms of subclause (5) must be—

(a)

resolved by a Judge not later than the date of the first case management conference; and

(b)

promptly advised to the parties.

(7)

A Judge may at any time review the classification assigned under subclause (5) and decide whether to maintain or alter it.

(8)

Proceedings under subclause (5)(f) and (g) are subject to limited case management through the ability of the parties to seek directions.

(9)

The following proceedings are not subject to case management:

(a)

undefended hearings:

(b)

an application under Part 24 (Insolvency) or Part 31 (Companies: Liquidation).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 7.1 prior to 1 February 2013

Rule 7.1: replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

Rule 7.1(1): replaced, on 11 November 2013, by rule 11(1) of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

Rule 7.1(1)(c): inserted, on 1 January 2015, by rule 5(1) of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2014 (LI 2014/348).

Rule 7.1(2): revoked, on 11 November 2013, by rule 11(1) of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

Rule 7.1(5)(d): amended, on 11 November 2013, by rule 11(2) of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

Rule 7.1(5)(g): revoked, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

Rule 7.1(5)(h): inserted, on 1 January 2015, by rule 5(3) of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2014 (LI 2014/348).

Rule 7.1(8): replaced, on 11 November 2013, by rule 11(3) of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

Rule 7.1(9): inserted, on 11 November 2013, by rule 11(3) of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

7.2 Case management conferences generally

(1)

A Judge may hold a case management conference at any time.

(2)

A case management conference may be held by a Judge on the Judge’s own initiative or on the application of 1 or more of the parties.

(3)

At any case management conference, the Judge may give directions to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of the proceedings, including the fixing of timetables and directing how the hearing or trial is to be conducted.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 7.2 prior to 1 February 2013

Rule 7.2: replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

Rule 7.2(2): amended, on 1 January 2015, by rule 6 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2014 (LI 2014/348).

7.3 First case management review

Application

(1)

This rule applies unless—

(a)

no statement of defence has been filed in a proceeding; or

(b)

the proceeding is an appeal that falls within rule 7.14.

Requirements for joint memorandum or separate memoranda

(2)

Not later than 15 working days after the first statement of defence is filed, the parties must file a joint memorandum or each party must file a separate memorandum addressing the following matters:

(a)

the Schedule 5 matters; and

(b)

the making of a discovery order under rule 8.5; and

(c)

the hearing and, if practicable, the disposal of any outstanding interlocutory application; and

(d)

the fixing of—

(i)

a close of pleadings date; and

(ii)

a trial or hearing date for a proceeding that is classified as an ordinary defended proceeding and the making of appropriate trial directions; and

(iii)

a date and arrangements for any further case management conference, issues conference, or pre-trial conference; and

(e)

other appropriate matters that the parties have already discussed.

Requirements for separate memoranda

(3)

The following provisions apply if each party files a separate memorandum:

(a)

the plaintiff must file the first memorandum not later than 15 working days after the statement of defence is filed:

(b)

the plaintiff’s memorandum must state the plaintiff’s position on each of the matters specified in subclause (2):

(c)

each other party to the proceeding must, not later than 5 working days after the plaintiff files the first memorandum, file a memorandum stating—

(i)

whether the party agrees or disagrees with the plaintiff’s statement on each matter; and

(ii)

in each case where the party disagrees, the reasons for disagreeing and the different position that the party contends for on the matter.

(4)

Separate memoranda filed under subclause (2) may also address matters that fall within subclause (2)(e).

Judge’s powers on consideration of memorandum or memoranda

(5)

The Registrar must, as soon practicable after receiving the joint memorandum or separate memoranda, refer the memorandum or memoranda to a Judge to consider whether each document meets the requirements in subclause (2).

(6)

The Judge may, if the Judge is satisfied that the memorandum or memoranda meet the requirements in subclause (2),—

(a)

allocate a trial date, in which case the Judge may also give the directions required (if any) to ready the proceeding for trial; or

(b)

direct that a case management conference or issues conference be held and that there is no requirement for a first case management conference.

(7)

A case management conference or issues conference under subclause (6)(b) must be held—

(a)

on the date that the Judge directs; or

(b)

if the Judge does not give a direction as to the date on which the conference is to be held, within 25 working days after the date on which the Judge directs the Registrar to convene the conference.

(8)

[Revoked]

Rule 7.3: replaced, on 1 September 2017, by rule 13 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

Rule 7.3(8): revoked, on 9 April 2020, by rule 10 of the High Court (COVID-19 Preparedness) Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/59).

7.3A First case management conference

(1)

This rule applies if the Judge, after considering the joint memorandum or separate memoranda under rule 7.3, is not satisfied that the memorandum or memoranda meet the requirements in rule 7.3(2).

(2)

The Judge may direct the Registrar to convene a first case management conference.

(3)

The Registrar must arrange for the first case management conference to be held not later than 15 working days after the Judge directs the Registrar to convene the conference.

(4)

The agenda for the first case management conference is the matters specified in rule 7.3(2).

Rule 7.3A: inserted, on 1 September 2017, by rule 13 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

7.4 Further case management conferences

(1)

The Judge at the first case management conference of any defended proceeding may require a further case management conference or order one on the application of a party.

(2)

The agenda for a conference under this rule—

(a)

will be set out in the order directing the conference, but a party may add a further matter or matters (if practicable, giving advance notice to the other parties); and

(b)

will include or adapt the Schedule 5 matters; and

(c)

may prescribe steps to be taken in preparation for the conference.

(3)

The parties must file either a joint memorandum or separate memoranda addressing the matters in subclause (2).

(4)

A joint memorandum under subclause (3) must be filed not later than 10 working days before the conference.

(5)

The following provisions apply if each party files a separate memorandum under subclause (3):

(a)

the plaintiff must, not later than 10 working days before the conference, file and serve the first memorandum stating the plaintiff’s position on each of the matters in subclause (2):

(b)

each other party must, not later than 5 working days after the plaintiff serves the first memorandum, file and serve a memorandum stating—

(i)

whether the party agrees or disagrees with the plaintiff’s position on each matter; and

(ii)

in each case where the party disagrees, the reasons for disagreeing and the different position that the party contends for on the matter.

(6)

Rule 7.3(5) to (8) applies to any memorandum filed under subclause (3), with any necessary modifications.

Rule 7.4: replaced, on 24 July 2020, by rule 6 of the High Court Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/125).

7.5 Issues conferences

(1)

The Judge may at any time, on the Judge’s own initiative or if the parties agree, order an issues conference for any defended proceeding to advance the identification and refinement of the issues, and set the date and agenda for that issues conference.

(2)

The Judge may issue a direction before an issues conference that requires the attendance at the conference of all or any of the following:

(a)

instructing solicitors:

(b)

all counsel engaged:

(c)

the parties (or, in the case of corporate parties, their senior officers or authorised representatives).

(3)

If any conflict arises between the pleadings and the issues as identified and refined before or at an issues conference, the pleadings prevail.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 7.3 prior to 1 February 2013

Rule 7.5: replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

7.6 Allocation of key dates

(1)

If it appears to the Judge at the first case management conference that a proceeding can be readied for hearing or trial, the Judge must immediately allocate a date for hearing or trial.

(2)

If a proceeding has not been allocated a hearing or trial date at the first case management conference, the Judge must allocate a date for its hearing or trial when the Judge is satisfied that it can be readied for hearing or trial.

(3)

A proceeding can be readied for hearing or trial for the purpose of subclauses (1) and (2) if it is reasonably anticipated that it will be able to proceed to hearing or trial without the need for—

(a)

any significant amendment of the pleadings; or

(b)

any significant interlocutory application; or

(c)

any significant refinement of the issues in the proceeding.

(4)

In addition to allocating a hearing or trial date under subclause (1) or (2), the Judge must fix a close of pleadings date.

(4A)

If the Judge does not fix a date for the close of pleadings under subclause (4), the close of pleadings date is the later of—

(a)

the date that is 60 working days before the hearing or trial date allocated; and

(b)

the date on which the hearing or trial date is allocated.

(5)

It is the duty of all parties to a proceeding for which a date for hearing or trial has been allocated to notify the Registrar, without delay, if the proceeding is settled.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 rr 7.13, 7.17 prior to 1 February 2013

Rule 7.6: replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

Rule 7.6(4A): inserted, on 1 September 2017, by rule 14 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

7.7 Steps after close of pleadings date restricted

(1)

No statement of defence or amended pleading or affidavit may be filed, and no interlocutory application may be made or step taken, after the close of pleadings date without the leave of a Judge.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not apply to—

(a)

an application for leave under that subclause; or

(b)

a pleading or an affidavit that merely brings up to date the information before the court; or

(c)

an application for amendment of a defect or an error under rule 1.9.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 7.18 prior to 1 February 2013

Rule 7.7: replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

7.8 Pre-trial conferences

(1)

The Judge or Registrar may order a pre-trial conference for a proceeding that is being or has been allocated a hearing or trial date.

(2)

Any matter may be considered at a pre-trial conference, including—

(a)

whether background facts can be agreed to avoid hearing uncontested evidence:

(b)

the size, contents, and format of the agreed bundle of documents:

(c)

the amount of detail in any chronology of facts:

(d)

whether it will be helpful to direct the provision of lists of enactments and cases likely to be referred to:

(e)

whether any oral evidence direction should be made under rule 9.10.

(3)

The Judge at a pre-trial conference may give directions to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of the proceeding, including directions as to how the hearing or trial is to be conducted.

Rule 7.8: replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

7.9 Cancellation of conference

A Judge may cancel a case management or issues conference if, after reading the memoranda prepared for the conference, the Judge is satisfied that the parties have achieved the goals of this subpart and, in particular, that they have—

(a)

identified, defined, and refined the issues requiring judicial resolution; and

(b)

completed all steps needed to prepare the proceeding for hearing or trial; and

(c)

devised an efficient way of conducting the hearing or trial that is proportionate to the subject matter.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 7.6 prior to 1 February 2013

Rule 7.9: replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

7.10 Limitation of right of appeal

(1)

The parties may agree to exclude or limit any right of appeal from any judgment or order made in the proceeding.

(2)

Any agreement under subclause (1) may be recorded on the court file in any form the Judge directs.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 7.8 prior to 1 February 2013

Rule 7.10: replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

7.11 Timetable and monitoring obligations

The Registrar must—

(a)

arrange the date of the first case management conference under rule 7.3(2):

(b)

remind parties or their counsel of the timetable obligations associated with any case management or pre-trial conference:

(c)

communicate with parties or their counsel who have a duty to file a memorandum or other documents and remind them of that duty.

Rule 7.11: replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

7.12 Lists of proceedings

The Registrar must cause the following lists to be kept:

(a)

a list of proceedings that have been allocated a hearing or trial date under rule 7.6(1) or (2); and

(b)

a list of proceedings that have had their first case management conference but have not been allocated a date for hearing or trial.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 7.15 prior to 1 February 2013

Rule 7.12: replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

7.13 Registrar’s functions in relation to hearing dates

(1)

After a Judge has allocated a hearing or trial date for a proceeding under rule 7.6(1) or (2), the Registrar must promptly—

(a)

record the proceeding in the list kept under rule 7.12(a); and

(b)

record the hearing date and the close of pleadings date in that list; and

(c)

give written confirmation of both dates to all parties to the proceeding.

(2)

The performance of the Registrar’s functions under this rule is subject to any direction by a Judge.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 7.16 prior to 1 February 2013

Rule 7.13: replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

7.14 Case management conferences for appeals

(1)

In the case of an appeal under Part 20 or 26, the Registrar must make arrangements for a case management conference to be held on the first available date that is 15 working days after any of the following dates:

(a)

the date on which a notice of appeal under rule 20.6 or an originating application under rule 26.3 is filed:

(b)

the date on which leave to appeal is granted on an application under rule 20.3 or 26.15.

(2)

A case management conference under this rule may be held as part of an appeals list.

(3)

The appellant must, as soon as practicable after being notified of the date of the case management conference, give notice of that date to everyone who has been, or is to be, served with a copy of the notice of appeal or the originating application.

(4)

The parties must, not later than 2 working days before the case management conference,—

(a)

file a joint memorandum; or

(b)

each file a memorandum.

(5)

Any memorandum filed must—

(a)

address the matters set out in Schedule 6; and

(b)

specify any directions in Schedule 6 that should be deleted or modified, and why; and

(c)

set out any additional directions sought, and why; and

(d)

set out the issues raised by the appeal if they are not fully set out, or are different from those set out, in the notice of appeal.

(6)

The directions set out in Schedule 6 apply except to the extent that those directions are modified by directions given by the Judge.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 7.5 prior to 1 February 2013

Rule 7.14: replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

Rule 7.14(1): amended, on 11 November 2013, by rule 12 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

7.15 Directions for conduct of appeal

(1)

At a case management conference held under rule 7.14, the Judge will give directions for the conduct of the appeal that may, without limitation, include directions—

(a)

as to service of the notice of appeal or the originating application, including service on persons not currently parties:

(b)

about any cross-appeal, including directions as to service:

(c)

in the case of an appeal under Part 20, as to how and when any application to adduce further evidence on appeal is to be dealt with:

(d)

in the case of an appeal under Part 26,—

(i)

as to the preparation of the record in accordance with rule 26.10 or in any other manner the Judge thinks fit:

(ii)

as to the transcription of the evidence in accordance with rule 26.11:

(e)

on any other matter for the purpose of best securing the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of the appeal.

(2)

In the case of an appeal or reference by way of case stated under Part 21, this rule and rule 7.14 apply as if the appeal or reference were an appeal under Part 20, except that the references in rule 7.14(5) and (6) to Schedule 6 must be read as references to Schedule 7.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 7.5 prior to 1 February 2013

Rule 7.15: replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

7.16 Jury notice

If either party to a proceeding to which section 16 of the Act applies requires the proceeding to be tried before a Judge and a jury, the party must give notice to that effect to the court and to the other party not later than—

(a)

5 working days before the close of pleadings date for the proceeding; or

(b)

a date fixed by a Judge for the purpose.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 7.14 prior to 1 February 2013

Rule 7.16: replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

Rule 7.16: amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

7.17 Case management conferences for proceedings under Part 30

(1)

A Registrar must convene a case management conference for a proceeding under Part 30 if a Judge makes a direction that a case management conference be held.

(2)

The Registrar must arrange for the conference management conference to be held as soon as practicable after the direction is made.

(3)

The plaintiff must, as soon as practicable after being notified of the date of the case management conference, give notice of that date to everyone who has been, or is to be, served with a copy of the notice of proceeding and statement of claim.

(4)

The parties must, not later than 2 working days before the case management conference,—

(a)

file a joint memorandum; or

(b)

each file a memorandum.

(5)

A memorandum must address the issues set out in Schedule 10.

(6)

At a case management conference, the Judge holding the conference will make orders and give directions relating to the proceeding.

Rule 7.17: replaced, on 1 January 2015, by rule 7 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2014 (LI 2014/348).

7.18 No steps after setting down date without leave

[Revoked]

Rule 7.18: revoked, on 4 February 2013, by rule 10 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

Subpart 2—Interlocutory applications and interlocutory orders

7.19 Contents, form, and filing of interlocutory application

(1)

An interlocutory application must—

(a)

state the relief sought and the grounds justifying that relief; and

(b)

refer to any particular enactments or principles of law or judicial decisions on which the applicant relies.

(2)

The application need not ask for general or other relief.

(3)

The application is made by filing it in the court.

(4)

The application must be in form G 31 or G 32.

(5)

This subpart applies to the application.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 237(1)–(3)

7.20 Affidavit to be filed with application

Any affidavit in support of the application must be filed at the same time as the application.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 241

7.21 Filing by post

(1)

[Revoked]

(2)

[Revoked]

(3)

The Registrar must acknowledge the receipt of all documents sent by post and notify the applicant of the hearing date (if any) allocated for the application.

(4)

If the application is made without notice and does not require any attendance by or on behalf of the applicant, the Registrar must notify the applicant of the result of the application.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 237(4), (5)

Rule 7.21(1): revoked, on 9 April 2020, by rule 11 of the High Court (COVID-19 Preparedness) Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/59).

Rule 7.21(2): revoked, on 9 April 2020, by rule 11 of the High Court (COVID-19 Preparedness) Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/59).

7.22 Service of application and supporting affidavit

(1)

After filing an application and any affidavit in support of it, the applicant must promptly serve a copy of the application and affidavit on every party.

(2)

After the applicant is notified of the hearing date for the application, the applicant must promptly notify every respondent of the hearing date.

(3)

This rule does not apply to an application made without notice in accordance with rule 7.23.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 243

7.23 Application without notice

(1)

A person who wants to make an application to the court and have the application determined without any other party having been served (in these rules referred to as an application without notice) must use form G 32.

(2)

An application without notice may be made only—

(a)

on 1 or more of the following grounds:

(i)

that requiring the applicant to proceed on notice would cause undue delay or prejudice to the applicant:

(ii)

that the application affects only the applicant:

(iii)

that the application relates to a routine matter:

(iv)

that an enactment expressly permits the application to be made without serving notice of the application:

(v)

that the interests of justice require the application to be determined without serving notice of the application; and

(b)

if the applicant has made all reasonable inquiries and taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the application and supporting documents contain all material that is relevant to the application, including any defence that might be relied on by any other party and any facts that would support the position of any other party.

(3)

An applicant who makes an application without notice must, if the application is of a kind that is likely to be contested if it were made on notice, file a memorandum with the application that sets out—

(a)

the background to the proceeding (including the material facts that relate to the proceeding); and

(b)

the grounds on which each order is sought; and

(c)

an explanation of the grounds on which each order is sought without notice; and

(d)

all information known to the applicant that is relevant to the application, including any known grounds of opposition or defence that any other party might rely on, or any facts that would support opposition to the application or defence of the proceeding by any other party.

(4)

Failure to disclose all relevant matters to the court or to comply with subclause (3) may result in the court—

(a)

dismissing the application; or

(b)

if 1 or more orders have been made by the court in reliance on the application, rescinding those orders.

(5)

This rule does not apply to an application for a grant of administration without notice (see rule 27.4).

Rule 7.23: replaced, on 1 September 2017, by rule 15 of the High Court Rules 2016 Amendment Rules (No 2) 2017 (LI 2017/191).

Rule 7.23(5): amended, on 1 August 2019, by rule 4 of the High Court Amendment Rules 2019 (LI 2019/150).

7.24 Notice of opposition to application

(1)

A respondent who intends to oppose an application must file and serve on every other party a notice of opposition to the application—

(a)

before the end of the tenth working day after being served with the application; and

(b)

no less than 3 working days before the hearing date.

(2)

The notice of opposition must—

(a)

state the respondent’s intention to oppose the application and the grounds of opposition; and

(b)

refer to any particular enactments or principles of law or judicial decisions on which the respondent relies.

(3)

The notice of opposition must be in form G 33.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 244

Rule 7.24(1): replaced, on 24 July 2020, by rule 7 of the High Court Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/125).

7.25 Affidavit to be filed with notice of opposition

Any affidavit setting out evidence in support of the notice of opposition must be filed and served at the same time as the notice of opposition.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 245

7.26 Affidavit in reply

(1)

Any reply by the applicant to the respondent’s notice of opposition or affidavit must be by affidavit, which must be filed and served within—

(a)

the period of 5 working days after service of the notice of opposition; or

(b)

if the hearing date for the application is within that period, 1 pm on the working day before that hearing date.

(2)

The affidavit in reply must be limited to new matters raised in the notice of opposition or in an affidavit filed by the respondent.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 246

7.27 Evidence normally given by affidavit

(1)

Evidence relating to interlocutory applications is given by affidavit.

(2)

Despite subclause (1), in special circumstances, a Judge may accept oral evidence.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 253(1)

7.28 Cross-examination of maker of affidavit

A Judge may in special circumstances, on the application of a party, order the attendance for cross-examination of a person who has made an affidavit in support of, or in opposition to, an interlocutory application.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 253(2)

7.29 Rules governing affidavits

Rules 9.75 to 9.88 apply, with all necessary modifications, to affidavits filed for interlocutory applications.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 249(1)

7.30 Statements of belief in affidavits

(1)

A Judge may accept statements of belief in an affidavit in which the grounds for the belief are given if—

(a)

the interests of no other party can be affected by the application; or

(b)

the application concerns a routine matter; or

(c)

it is in the interests of justice.

(2)

Subclause (1) overrides rule 7.29.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 249(2)

7.31 When admissions binding

An admission of a fact expressly made only for the purpose of an application binds the party only for the application.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 247

7.32 Previous affidavits and agreed statements of fact

(1)

Affidavits already filed in the court and agreed statements of fact, if made in the same proceeding or, with the leave of a Judge, in any other proceeding between the same parties, may be used on the disposal of any application if—

(a)

prior notice of the intention to use them has been given to the opposite party (whether in the notice of application or in the notice of opposition or otherwise); or

(b)

in the case of an application without notice, they are referred to in the notice of application.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not apply to an affidavit or to an agreed statement to the extent that the affidavit or statement contains any admission of the kind described in rule 7.31.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 248

7.33 Allocation of hearing date

On or following the filing of an application (other than an application without notice), the Registrar must allocate a hearing date for the application.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 242(1)

7.34 Mode of hearing

(1)

An interlocutory application for which a hearing is required must be heard in chambers unless a Judge otherwise directs.

(2)

On the Judge’s own initiative or on the application of 1 or more of the parties, the Judge may conduct a hearing in chambers by telephone or video link.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 251(2), (3), (5)

7.35 Publication about hearing in chambers

Particulars of the hearing in chambers of an interlocutory application or of the decision or both (including the reasons for the decision) may be published unless a Judge or Registrar, exercising jurisdiction in chambers, otherwise directs.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 72A

7.36 Application for summary judgment to be heard in open court

Despite rule 7.34(1), every application for summary judgment must be heard in open court.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 251(1)

7.37 No hearing required if respondents consent or do not oppose

(1)

Subclause (2) applies if each respondent to an interlocutory application has stated on the application or in a memorandum filed in the court that the respondent consents to, or does not oppose, the orders sought in the application.

(2)

A Judge may—

(a)

make the orders sought without holding a hearing; or

(b)

direct that the application be heard on the hearing date allocated under rule 7.33.

(3)

If the Judge makes the orders without holding a hearing, the Registrar must promptly advise the parties of the orders made and the cancellation of the hearing date.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 250(1), (2)

7.38 Respondent who consents, or who does not oppose, need not attend hearing

(1)

If a hearing of an interlocutory application is held, a respondent need not attend the hearing if the respondent consents to, or does not oppose, the application and has notified the court in writing.

(2)

Subclause (1) does not apply if, on the hearing date allocated for the interlocutory application, a case management conference is also due to be held.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 250(3), (4)

7.39 Synopsis of argument

(1)

This rule applies to a defended interlocutory application unless, or to the extent that, a Judge directs otherwise.

(2)

The applicant must file and serve a synopsis of argument (a synopsis) on every other party at least 2 working days before the hearing of the interlocutory application.

(3)

The applicant’s synopsis must—

(a)

identify the general nature of the case:

(b)

include a chronology of the material facts:

(c)

outline the applicant’s principal submissions:

(d)

be accompanied by or have annexed to it—

(i)

an indexed and paginated set of relevant documents; and

(ii)

a list of authorities.

(4)

The material required to be included in the applicant’s synopsis under subclause (3)(a) to (c) must not exceed 10 pages.

(5)

The respondent must, at least 1 working day before the hearing, file and serve a synopsis on every other party.

(6)

The respondent’s synopsis must—

(a)

identify any material facts that are not referred to in the applicant’s synopsis:

(b)

state any facts that are disputed:

(c)

outline the respondent’s principal submissions:

(d)

be accompanied by or have annexed to it—

(i)

an indexed and paginated set of any relevant documents not included in the applicant’s synopsis; and

(ii)

a list of any authorities not included in the applicant’s synopsis.

(7)

The material required to be included in the respondent’s synopsis under subclause (6)(a) to (c) must not exceed 10 pages.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 251A

Rule 7.39(2): replaced, on 24 July 2020, by rule 8 of the High Court Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/125).

7.40 Failure to attend

(1)

If a party is neither present nor represented at the hearing of an application, the Judge may—

(a)

determine the application in the party’s absence in any manner that appears just; or

(b)

adjourn the application; or

(c)

strike out the application.

(2)

If an order determining an application is made in the absence of a party, a Judge may, if the Judge thinks it just to do so, recall the order at any time before a formal record of it has been drawn up and sealed.

(3)

A Judge may, in any manner that the Judge thinks just, reinstate an application that has been struck out for non-appearance.

(4)

A Judge may make a determination referred to in subclause (2) or (3) on the Judge’s own initiative or on the application of a party.

(5)

Notice of an application under subclause (4) must be filed and served,—

(a)

if it is made by a party who was present or represented at the hearing, within 5 working days after the hearing:

(b)

if it is made by a party who was neither present nor represented, within 5 working days after receipt by the party of notice of the decision given at the hearing.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 252

7.41 Certain applications may be made orally at hearing

(1)

At a hearing, the Judge may agree to hear an oral application for an interlocutory order if—

(a)

all parties interested consent to the order sought; or

(b)

these rules permit the application to be made without filing a notice of the application; or

(c)

the order sought has been outlined in a memorandum filed for a case management conference, and no party will be unduly prejudiced by the absence of a formal notice of the application; or

(d)

because of the nature of the order sought, no party will be unduly prejudiced by the absence of a formal notice.

(2)

If the Judge agrees to hear an oral application, the Judge may make any interlocutory order or grant any interlocutory relief the Judge could have made or granted on a formal notice of the application.

(3)

This rule overrides rule 7.19.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 254

7.42 Adjournment

The hearing of an application may, from time to time, be adjourned on any terms that the Judge thinks just.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 255

7.42A Judge’s powers to make orders and give directions on interlocutory applications

(1)

This rule applies if a Judge considering an interlocutory application is satisfied that the application is plainly an abuse of the process of the court.

(2)

The Judge may, on the Judge’s own initiative, make an order or give directions to ensure that the interlocutory application is disposed of or, as the case may be, proceeds in a way that complies with these rules, including (without limitation) an order under rule 15.1 that the application be struck out, stayed, or stayed on conditions.

(3)

Rule 7.43(3) does not apply.

(4)

A copy of a Judge’s decision to strike out an interlocutory application must, if practicable, also be served on the person named as a party or, if more than 1 person is named, those persons named as parties to the proceeding.

Rule 7.42A: inserted, on 7 April 2022, by rule 9 of the High Court Amendment Rules 2022 (SL 2022/59).

7.43 Making of interlocutory orders

(1)

A Judge may make any interlocutory order that—

(a)

is provided for in these rules; or

(b)

may be made under rule 1.6.

(2)

An interlocutory order may be made—

(a)

on the interlocutory application of a party; or

(b)

on a Judge’s own initiative.

(3)

Before making an order under subclause (2)(b), the Judge must give the parties an opportunity to be heard.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 234

7.43A Directions as to conduct of proceedings

(1)

A Judge may, by interlocutory order,—

(a)

fix the time by which a step in a proceeding must be taken:

(b)

fix the time by which all interlocutory steps must be completed:

(c)

direct the steps that must be taken to prepare a proceeding for a substantive hearing:

(d)

direct how the hearing is to be conducted:

(e)

make any other direction or order that the court may make under these rules.

(2)

A party or intended party may apply without notice to a Judge for directions if in doubt about—

(a)

whether it is correct or appropriate to join a person as a party; or

(b)

the proper court in which to commence or take a step in a proceeding; or

(c)

the correct method of proceeding under these rules.

Rule 7.43A: inserted, on 11 November 2013, by rule 13 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

7.44 Power to grant interlocutory order or interlocutory relief

A Judge may make any interlocutory order or grant any interlocutory relief the Judge thinks just, even though the order or relief has not been specifically claimed and there is no claim for general or other relief.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 235

7.45 Interlocutory orders may be made subject to conditions

A Judge may make an interlocutory order subject to any just terms or conditions, including, without limitation, any condition that—

(a)

a party give an undertaking:

(b)

the order operate only for a specified period.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 236

7.46 Determination of application without notice

(1)

The Registrar must refer an application without notice to a Judge for direction or decision.

(2)

The Judge, on receiving an application without notice, must determine whether the application can properly be dealt with without notice.

(3)

The Judge may determine that an application can properly be dealt with without notice only if the Judge is satisfied that—

(a)

requiring the applicant to proceed on notice would cause undue delay or prejudice to the applicant; or

(b)

the application affects only the applicant; or

(c)

the application relates to a routine matter; or

(d)

an enactment expressly permits the application to be made without serving notice of the application; or

(e)

the interests of justice require the application to be determined without serving notice of the application.

(4)

If the Judge determines that the application can properly be dealt with without notice, the Judge may—

(a)

make the order sought in the application; or

(b)

make any other order that the Judge thinks just in the circumstances; or

(c)

dismiss the application.

(5)

If the Judge determines that the application cannot properly be dealt with without notice, the Judge may—

(a)

give directions as to service and adjourn the determination of the application until the application has been served on persons who are affected by the application; or

(b)

if the Judge considers that the application has no chance of success, dismiss the application.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 rr 242(2), 256

7.47 Drawing up and sealing interlocutory order

(1)

A party may draw up an interlocutory order and submit it to the Registrar for sealing.

(2)

Despite subclause (1), a party who obtains an interlocutory order must draw up the order and submit it to the Registrar for sealing if the order—

(a)

affects a person who is not a party; or

(b)

joins a person as a party; or

(c)

directs that it be served on a person.

(3)

If a party elects to have an order sealed, or is required by the court or by these rules to have an order sealed, the following provisions apply:

(a)

the party must file an original order together with sufficient copies so that the party and the other parties who have given an address for service can each receive a duplicate sealed order:

(b)

the order must be in form G 34:

(c)

the order must specify the date on which it was made:

(d)

the Registrar, when satisfied with the form of the order, must sign and seal the original and every copy:

(e)

the Registrar must mark every copy with the word “duplicate”:

(f)

the Registrar must retain the original on the file:

(g)

the party who submitted the order for sealing must promptly serve a sealed copy on every other party who has given an address for service and on any person affected by the order.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 257

Rule 7.47(3)(c): amended, on 1 July 2013, by rule 5 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2013 (SR 2013/214).

7.48 Enforcement of interlocutory order

(1)

If a party (the party in default) fails to comply with an interlocutory order or any requirement imposed by or under subpart 1 of Part 7 (case management), a Judge may, subject to any express provision of these rules, make any order that the Judge thinks just.

(2)

The Judge may, for example, order—

(a)

that any pleading of the party in default be struck out in whole or in part:

(b)

that judgment be sealed:

(c)

that the proceeding be stayed in whole or in part:

(d)

that the party in default be fined, ordered to do community work, or committed to prison under section 16 of the Contempt of Court Act 2019:

(e)

if any property in dispute is in the possession or control of the party in default, that the property be sequestered:

(f)

that any fund in dispute be paid into court:

(g)

the appointment of a receiver of any property or of any fund in dispute.

(3)

An interlocutory order may only be enforced by the following (in accordance with subpart 4 of Part 2 of the Contempt of Court Act 2019):

(a)

an order imposing a fine or community work:

(b)

a warrant committing the person to prison:

(c)

a sequestration order.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 258

Rule 7.48(1): replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 11 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

Rule 7.48(2)(d): amended, on 26 August 2020, by rule 4(1) of the High Court (Contempt of Court) Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/124).

Rule 7.48(3): replaced, on 26 August 2020, by rule 4(2) of the High Court (Contempt of Court) Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/124).

7.49 Order may be varied or rescinded if shown to be wrong

(1)

A party affected by an interlocutory order (whether made on a Judge’s own initiative or on an interlocutory application) or by a decision given on an interlocutory application may, instead of appealing against the order or decision, apply to the court to vary or rescind the order or decision, if that party considers that the order or decision is wrong.

(2)

A party may not apply under subclause (1) if the order or decision was made or given—

(a)

with the consent of the parties; or

(b)

on an interlocutory application for summary judgment under rule 12.4.

(c)

[Revoked]

(3)

Notice of an application under subclause (1) must be filed and served,—

(a)

if it is made by a party who was present or represented when the order was made or the decision given, within 5 working days after the order was made or the decision was given:

(b)

if it is made by a party who was not present and not represented, within 5 working days after receipt by the party of notice of the making of the order or the giving of the decision, and of its terms.

(4)

The application does not operate as a stay unless a Judge so orders.

(5)

Unless a Judge otherwise directs, the application must be heard by the Judge who made the order or gave the decision.

(6)

The Judge may,—

(a)

if satisfied that the order or decision is wrong, vary or rescind the order or decision; or

(b)

on the Judge’s own initiative or on the application of a party, transfer the application to the Court of Appeal.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 259

Rule 7.49(2)(b): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

Rule 7.49(2)(c): revoked, on 1 March 2017, by section 183(a) of the Senior Courts Act 2016 (2016 No 48).

7.50 Order relating to management of proceeding may be varied if circumstances change

(1)

This rule applies to an order or direction (a determination) that—

(a)

relates to the management of a proceeding; and

(b)

has been made by a Judge in chambers.

(2)

If there has been a change in circumstances affecting a party or the party’s solicitor or counsel since the making of a determination, a Judge may, on application, vary the determination.

(3)

Despite subclause (2), a Judge may, on application or on the Judge’s own initiative, direct that—

(a)

an application under subclause (2) to vary a determination made by an Associate Judge in chambers be heard as a review of an order made by an Associate Judge in chambers under section 26P of the Act and these rules:

(b)

an application under subclause (2) to vary a determination made by a Judge in chambers be heard as an application under rule 7.49(1) or be transferred to the Court of Appeal.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 260

7.51 Order may be rescinded if fraudulently or improperly obtained

(1)

A Judge may rescind any order that has been fraudulently or improperly obtained.

(2)

The Judge may grant any further relief by way of costs that the interests of justice require.

(3)

This rule does not limit any other remedies of a party who has been adversely affected by an order that has been fraudulently or improperly obtained.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 261

7.52 Limitation as to second interlocutory application

(1)

A party who fails on an interlocutory application must not apply again for the same or a similar order without first obtaining the leave of a Judge.

(2)

A Judge may grant leave only in special circumstances.

(3)

This rule does not apply to a second interlocutory application for summary judgment, in which case rule 12.4(2AA) applies.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 262

Rule 7.52(3): inserted, on 24 July 2020, by rule 9 of the High Court Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/125).

Subpart 3—Interim relief

7.53 Application for injunction

(1)

An application for an interlocutory injunction may be made by a party before or after the commencement of the hearing of a proceeding, whether or not an injunction is claimed in the party’s statement of claim, counterclaim, or third party notice.

(2)

The plaintiff may not make an application for an interlocutory injunction before the commencement of the proceeding except in case of urgency, and any injunction granted before the commencement of the proceeding—

(a)

must provide for the commencement of the proceeding; and

(b)

may be granted on any further terms that the Judge thinks just.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 238(1), (2)

7.54 Undertaking as to damages

(1)

An applicant for an interlocutory injunction under rule 7.53 must file a signed undertaking that the applicant will comply with any order for the payment of damages to compensate the other party for any damage sustained through the injunction.

(2)

The undertaking must be referred to in the order granting the interlocutory injunction and is part of it.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 238(3), (4)

7.55 Preservation of property

(1)

A Judge may at any stage in a proceeding make orders, subject to any conditions specified by the Judge, for the detention, custody, or preservation of any property.

(2)

An order may authorise a person to enter any land or to do any other thing for the purpose of giving effect to the order.

(3)

The Judge may order that a fund be paid into court or otherwise secured if the proceeding concerns the right of a party to the fund.

(4)

The Judge may treat an application under this rule as an application for directions under rule 7.43A and give directions accordingly.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 rr 331, 335, 336

Rule 7.55(4): amended, on 11 November 2013, by rule 14 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

7.56 Sale of perishable property before hearing

(1)

A Judge may, on application, make an order authorising a person to sell property (other than land) in a manner and subject to any conditions stated in the order if—

(a)

the proceeding concerns the property or raises, or may raise, questions about the property; and

(b)

the property—

(i)

is perishable or likely to deteriorate; or

(ii)

should for any other reason be sold before the hearing.

(2)

The Judge may treat an application under this rule as an application for directions under rule 7.43A and give directions accordingly.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 rr 332, 335

Rule 7.56(2): amended, on 11 November 2013, by rule 15 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 3) 2013 (SR 2013/425).

7.57 Order to transfer part of property to person with interest in property

(1)

At any stage of a proceeding concerning property a Judge may order, subject to any conditions, that a part of the property be transferred or delivered to a person who has an interest in the property.

(2)

The order may be made if the Judge is satisfied—

(a)

that the part of the property transferred or delivered is not required for the provision that ought to be made to meet the claims on the property; and

(b)

that the order is necessary or desirable—

(i)

to exclude the part of the property from an injunction or other order; or

(ii)

to protect the person who is to transfer or deliver the property.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 333

7.58 Interim payment of income to person with interest in income

(1)

At any stage of a proceeding concerning property a Judge may order, subject to any conditions, that the whole or part of the income from the property be paid, during a period stated in the order, to 1 or more persons who have an interest in the income.

(2)

The order may be made if the Judge is satisfied—

(a)

that the income stated in the order is not required for any provision that ought to be made to meet the claims on the property or its income; and

(b)

that the order is necessary or desirable—

(i)

to exclude the income from a freezing injunction or other order; or

(ii)

to protect the person who is to pay the income.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 334

Subpart 4—Receivers

7.59 Application

Rules 7.60 to 7.67 apply to a receiver appointed under an order of the court to the extent that the order does not expressly provide otherwise.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 337

7.60 Address for service

The receiver must, within 5 working days after appointment, file a notice specifying an address for service.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 338

7.61 Receiver must give security

(1)

A Judge may give directions as to the security that the receiver is required to give in accordance with this rule.

(2)

If a Judge directs that a receiver be appointed, no appointment may be made until the person to be appointed has given security in accordance with this rule.

(3)

Any security given under this rule must be approved by the Registrar.

(4)

The Registrar must be satisfied that the security is sufficient to ensure that the receiver will—

(a)

account for everything received in his or her capacity as receiver; and

(b)

comply with any direction given by a Judge.

(5)

A Judge may vary any directions given and may, in particular, order that the security be varied or discharged.

(6)

Subclauses (1) and (2) are subject to any enactment.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 339

7.62 Remuneration of receiver

(1)

A receiver must be paid the remuneration fixed by a Judge.

(2)

A Judge may, in the order appointing a receiver or in a later order, name the party or parties who must pay the remuneration and, if more than 1 party is named, the proportion to be paid by each party.

(3)

A Judge may order any party or parties to give security for the receiver’s remuneration.

(4)

Subclause (3) does not affect subclause (2).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 340

7.63 Accounts of receiver

A receiver must file accounts at the intervals or on the dates specified in directions given by a Judge.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 341

7.64 Examination of accounts

(1)

The receiver must—

(a)

on filing the accounts, request the Registrar to examine the accounts and to allocate a date and time for that examination; and

(b)

serve on each party interested who has given an address for service in the proceeding—

(i)

a copy of the accounts; and

(ii)

a notice of the date and time allocated for the examination of the accounts.

(2)

The receiver must, unless a Judge otherwise orders, attend at the examination of the accounts.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 342

7.65 Default by receiver

(1)

A Judge may make any orders and give any directions that the Judge thinks fit if a receiver does not comply with a requirement, under these rules or an order or a direction,—

(a)

to file any accounts or an affidavit; or

(b)

to attend at the examination of the accounts; or

(c)

to do any other thing.

(2)

Orders and directions made under subclause (1) may include orders and directions for—

(a)

the discharge of the receiver; and

(b)

the appointment of another receiver; and

(c)

the payment of costs.

(3)

If a receiver does not comply with a requirement under these rules or an order or direction of a Judge to pay into court a sum shown by the accounts as due from the receiver, a Judge may order the receiver to pay interest calculated in accordance with (or on a basis that ensures it does not exceed interest calculated in accordance with) Schedule 2 of the Interest on Money Claims Act 2016.

(4)

This rule does not limit the powers of the court to enforce orders.

(5)

Subclause (3) does not limit subclause (1) or (2).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 343

Rule 7.65(3): amended, on 1 January 2018, by section 29 of the Interest on Money Claims Act 2016 (2016 No 51).

Rule 7.65(4): amended, on 26 August 2020, by rule 5 of the High Court (Contempt of Court) Amendment Rules 2020 (LI 2020/124).

7.66 Powers of receiver

(1)

A Judge may authorise a receiver to do (either in the receiver’s own name or in that of 1 or more parties) any act or thing that 1 or more parties could do if of full age and capacity.

(2)

An authority given under subclause (1)—

(a)

may apply generally or be limited to a particular instance; and

(b)

has effect even if 1 or more parties are not of full age and capacity.

(3)

This rule does not limit the powers of a Judge to authorise a receiver to do any act or thing.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 344

7.67 Accounts on death of receiver

(1)

If the receiver in any proceeding dies, a Judge may, on application, make any orders the Judge thinks fit for the filing and examining of accounts by the personal representatives of the deceased receiver and for the payment into court of any amount shown to be due.

(2)

A Judge may not make any order under subclause (1) unless notice of the application has been served on the personal representatives.

(3)

Notice of the application may be served in any manner in which a statement of claim may be served.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 rr 345, 346

Subpart 5—Interim payments

7.68 Interpretation

In rules 7.69 to 7.76, interim payment means a payment on account of any damages, debt, or other sum (excluding costs) that the defendant in a proceeding may be held liable to pay to, or for the benefit of, the plaintiff in that proceeding.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 346A

7.69 Application for interim payment

(1)

The plaintiff in a proceeding may, at any time after the time for the filing of a statement of defence by the defendant has expired, apply to the court for an order requiring the defendant to make an interim payment.

(2)

An application under subclause (1) must be supported by an affidavit—

(a)

stating the amount of the damages, debt, or other sum to which the application relates and the reasons for making the application; and

(b)

attaching any documentary evidence relied on by the plaintiff in support of the application.

(3)

The application and a copy of the affidavit in support and any documents annexed to it must be served on the defendant against whom the order is sought at least 10 working days before the date allocated for the hearing of the application.

(4)

A second or subsequent application for an interim payment may be made if it is shown to be justified, even if such an order has previously been made or refused.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 346B

7.70 Order for interim payment in respect of damages

(1)

A Judge may make an order under subclause (2) if, on hearing the application, the Judge is satisfied that—

(a)

the defendant against whom the order is sought has admitted liability for the plaintiff’s damages; or

(b)

the plaintiff has a judgment against the defendant for damages to be assessed; or

(c)

on a trial of the proceeding, the plaintiff would obtain judgment for substantial damages against the defendant or, if there are several defendants, against 1 or more of them.

(2)

A Judge may, within the limits in subclause (3), order the defendant to make an interim payment of an amount that the Judge thinks just.

(3)

The amount must not exceed a reasonable proportion of the damages the plaintiff is, in the opinion of the Judge, likely to recover after taking into account—

(a)

any relevant contributory negligence; and

(b)

any set-off, cross-claim, or counterclaim on which the defendant may be entitled to rely.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 346C

7.71 Order for interim payment in respect of sums other than damages

(1)

A Judge may make an order under subclause (2) if, on hearing the application, the Judge is satisfied—

(a)

that the plaintiff has obtained an order for an account to be taken as between the plaintiff and the defendant and for the payment of any amount certified to be payable on the basis of that account; or

(b)

in the case of a claim for the possession of land, that even if the proceeding was finally determined in favour of the defendant, the defendant would still be required to compensate the plaintiff for the defendant’s use and occupation of the land before the determination of the proceeding; or

(c)

that, on the trial of the proceeding, the plaintiff is likely to obtain judgment against the defendant for a substantial sum of money apart from any damages or costs.

(2)

A Judge may order that the defendant pay an amount the Judge thinks just, after taking into account any set-off, cross-claim, or counterclaim on which the defendant may be entitled to rely.

(3)

The order does not prejudice any contentions of the parties as to the nature or character of the sum to be paid by the defendant.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 346D

7.72 Method of payment

(1)

The amount of any interim payment ordered to be made must be paid to the plaintiff unless the order provides for it to be paid into court.

(2)

If the amount is paid into court, a Judge may, on the application of the plaintiff, order the whole or any part of it to be paid out to the plaintiff at a time or times the Judge thinks just.

(3)

If the person entitled to an interim payment or to a part of an interim payment belongs to a class of persons stated in subclause (4), acceptance of the interim payment is subject to the approval of a Judge and payment out of court may not be made without the leave of a Judge.

(4)

The classes are—

(a)

minors (not including a minor to whom rule 4.31(2) applies):

(b)

persons subject to a property order under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988:

(c)

incapacitated persons within the meaning of rule 4.29.

(5)

An application under subclause (2) for money in court to be paid out may be made without notice, but a Judge hearing the application may direct that notice of the application be served on the other party.

(6)

An interim payment may be ordered to be made in 1 sum or by any instalments a Judge thinks just.

(7)

If a payment is ordered in respect of the defendant’s use and occupation of land, the order may provide for periodical payments to be made while the proceeding awaits determination.

(8)

Subclause (1) is subject to subclause (3).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 346E

7.73 Directions on interim payment application

When an application is made under rule 7.69, a Judge may give any directions as to the further conduct of the proceeding that the Judge thinks just, and may, in particular, order an early trial of the proceeding.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 346F

7.74 Non-disclosure of interim payment

(1)

The fact that an order has been made under rule 7.70(2) or 7.71(2) must not be pleaded.

(2)

The fact that the order has been made or that an interim payment has been made, whether voluntarily or under an order, must not be disclosed at the trial, or hearing, of any question or issue as to liability or damages.

(3)

Subclause (2) does not prevent the disclosure of any fact—

(a)

to the extent that the defendant consents to, or a Judge directs, the disclosure; or

(b)

after all questions of liability and amount have been determined.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 346G

7.75 Adjustment on final judgment or order or on discontinuance

(1)

A Judge may, on the application of a party, make an order with respect to an interim payment made under an order or voluntarily that the Judge thinks just.

(2)

A Judge may, in particular, make an order for—

(a)

the repayment by the plaintiff of all or part of the interim payment; or

(b)

the variation or discharge of the interim payment; or

(c)

the payment by another defendant of part of the interim payment, if the defendant who made the interim payment is entitled to recover from the other defendant an amount—

(i)

by way of contribution or indemnity; or

(ii)

in respect of a remedy or relief relating to, or connected with, the plaintiff’s claim.

(3)

A Judge may make an order under this rule—

(a)

when giving or making a final judgment or order; or

(b)

when granting the plaintiff leave to discontinue the proceeding or to withdraw the claim in respect of which the interim payment has been made; or

(c)

at any other stage of the proceeding.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 346I

7.76 Counterclaims and other proceedings

Rules 7.68 to 7.75 apply, with all necessary modifications, to any counterclaim or proceeding in which one party seeks an order for an interim payment from another.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 346J

Subpart 6—Amendment of pleading

7.77 Filing of amended pleading

(1)

A party may before trial file an amended pleading and serve a copy of it on the other party or parties.

(2)

An amended pleading may introduce, as an alternative or otherwise,—

(a)

relief in respect of a fresh cause of action, which is not statute barred; or

(b)

a fresh ground of defence.

(3)

An amended pleading may introduce a fresh cause of action whether or not that cause of action has arisen since the filing of the statement of claim.

(4)

If a cause of action has arisen since the filing of the statement of claim, it may be added only by leave of the court. If leave is granted, the amended pleading must be treated, for the purposes of the law of limitation defences, as having been filed on the date of the filing of the application for leave to introduce that cause of action.

(5)

Subclause (4) overrides subclause (1).

(6)

If an amended pleading introduces a fresh cause of action, the other party must file and serve that party’s defence to it within 10 working days after the day on which the amended pleading is actually served on the other party.

(7)

When an amended pleading does not introduce a fresh cause of action, the other party may, within 5 working days after the day on which the amended pleading is served on that other party, file and serve an amended defence to it.

(8)

If an amended pleading has been filed under this rule, the party filing the amended pleading must bear all the costs of and occasioned by the original pleading and any application for amendment, unless the court otherwise orders.

(9)

This rule does not limit the powers conferred on the court by rule 1.9.

(10)

This rule is subject to rule 7.7 (which prohibits steps after the close of pleadings date without leave).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 187

Rule 7.77(2)(a): amended, on 1 January 2011, by rule 18(1) of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2010 (SR 2010/394).

Rule 7.77(4): amended, on 1 January 2011, by rule 18(2) of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2010 (SR 2010/394).

Rule 7.77(10): replaced, on 4 February 2013, by rule 12 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

Subpart 7—Recovery of specific property subject to lien

7.78 Recovery of specific property subject to lien or other security

(1)

This rule applies if a party (A) seeks to recover specific property other than land and the party from whom recovery is sought (B) does not dispute the title of A, but claims to retain the property by virtue of a lien or otherwise as security for a sum of money.

(2)

The court may order that A may pay into court the amount of money in respect of which the lien or security is claimed, and such further sum (if any) for interest and costs as the court directs, and money so paid in must be held by the court until the result of the proceeding is known.

(3)

If payment into court is made, the court may order that the property claimed be delivered to its claimant.

(4)

Subclause (1) is applicable as soon as the claim to retain the property appears from the statement of defence or otherwise.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 180

Subpart 8—Negotiations for settlement

7.79 Court may assist in negotiating for settlement

(1)

A Judge may, at any time before the hearing of a proceeding, convene a conference of the parties in chambers for the purpose of negotiating for a settlement of the proceeding or of any issue, and may assist in those negotiations.

(2)

A Judge who presides at a conference under subclause (1) may not preside at the hearing of the proceeding unless—

(a)

all parties taking part in the conference consent; and

(b)

the Judge is satisfied there are no circumstances that would make it inappropriate for the Judge to do so.

(3)

A Judge may, at any time during the hearing of a proceeding, with the consent of the parties, convene a conference of the parties for the purpose of negotiating for a settlement of the proceeding or of any issue.

(4)

A Judge who convenes a conference under subclause (3) may not assist in the negotiations, but must arrange for an Associate Judge or another Judge to do so unless—

(a)

the parties agree that the Judge should assist and continue to preside at the hearing; and

(b)

the Judge is satisfied there are no circumstances that would make it inappropriate for the Judge to do so.

(5)

A Judge may, with the consent of the parties, make an order at any time directing the parties to attempt to settle their dispute by the form of mediation or other alternative dispute resolution (to be specified in the order) agreed to by the parties.

(6)

The parties, and a Judge or Associate Judge who presides at a conference or assists in negotiations under this rule, must not disclose any statement made during a conference, either—

(a)

in court; or

(b)

otherwise.

(7)

This rule must be read with subpart 8 of Part 2 of the Evidence Act 2006 (privilege).

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 442

7.80 Arbitration by consent

(1)

The parties to a proceeding may agree to arbitration of their dispute or any part of it under the Arbitration Act 1996 at any time during the course of the proceeding.

(2)

If an arbitration agreement entered into during the course of a proceeding relates to all the matters in dispute in the proceeding, the court must, on application by a party, stay the proceeding.

(3)

If an arbitration agreement entered into during the course of a proceeding relates to some but not all of the matters in dispute in the proceeding, the court must, on application by a party, stay those parts of the proceeding to which the arbitration agreement relates.

(4)

The court may make the stay on terms as to costs or other ancillary matters.

(5)

Subclauses (2) and (3) do not apply if the court finds that the agreement has no effect or is inoperative or incapable of being performed.

Compare: 1908 No 89 Schedule 2 r 383A

Subpart 9—Interim relief in respect of overseas proceedings

7.81 Interim relief in support of overseas proceedings

(1)

On the application of a party or an intended party to judicial proceedings commenced or to be commenced outside New Zealand (overseas proceedings), the court may, if the court thinks it just to do so, give interim relief in support of the overseas proceedings.

(2)

These rules apply to an application under subclause (1) as if the overseas proceedings for which support is sought had been commenced under these rules.

(3)

Subclause (1) does not apply to—

(a)

an application for an interim payment under subpart 5:

(b)

an application for discovery under subpart 3 of Part 8:

(c)

an application in relation to evidence under Part 9:

(d)

an application for a freezing order under Part 32.

(4)

Before making an order under this rule, the court must be satisfied that there is a real connecting link between the subject matter of the interim relief and the territorial jurisdiction of the court.

(5)

An order under subclause (1) must not be inconsistent with interim relief granted in the overseas proceedings by the court outside New Zealand.

(6)

This rule does not apply to a civil proceeding commenced or to be commenced in an Australian court.

Rule 7.81(6): inserted, on 11 October 2013, by rule 16 of the High Court (Trans-Tasman Proceedings Act 2010) Amendment Rules 2013 (SR 2013/351).

Part 8 Discovery and inspection and interrogatories

Part 8: replaced, on 1 February 2012, by rule 4 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2011 (SR 2011/351).

Subpart 1—Discovery and inspection

Part 8 subpart 1: replaced, on 1 February 2012, by rule 4 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2011 (SR 2011/351).

8.1 Interpretation

In this subpart,—

discovery order means an order that requires each party to a proceeding to discover the existence of documents to every other party

standard discovery means discovery that complies with rule 8.7

tailored discovery means discovery that complies with rule 8.8.

Rule 8.1: replaced, on 1 February 2012, by rule 4 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2011 (SR 2011/351).

8.2 Co-operation

(1)

The parties must co-operate to ensure that the processes of discovery and inspection are—

(a)

proportionate to the subject matter of the proceeding; and

(b)

facilitated by agreement on practical arrangements.

(2)

The parties must, when appropriate,—

(a)

consider options to reduce the scope and burden of discovery; and

(b)

achieve reciprocity in the electronic format and processes of discovery and inspection; and

(c)

ensure technology is used efficiently and effectively; and

(d)

employ a format compatible with the subsequent preparation of an electronic bundle of documents for use at trial.

Rule 8.2: replaced, on 1 February 2012, by rule 4 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2011 (SR 2011/351).

8.3 Preservation of documents

(1)

As soon as a proceeding is reasonably contemplated, a party or prospective party must take all reasonable steps to preserve documents that are, or are reasonably likely to be, discoverable in the proceeding.

(2)

Without limiting the generality of subclause (1), documents in electronic form which are potentially discoverable must be preserved in readily retrievable form even if they would otherwise be deleted in the ordinary course of business.

Rule 8.3: replaced, on 1 February 2012, by rule 4 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2011 (SR 2011/351).

8.4 Initial disclosure

(1)

After filing a pleading, a party must, unless subclause (2) applies, serve on the other parties, at the same time as the service of that pleading, a bundle consisting of—

(a)

all the documents referred to in that pleading; and

(b)

any additional principal documents in the filing party’s control that that party has used when preparing the pleading and on which that party intends to rely at the trial or hearing.

(2)

A party need not comply with subclause (1) if—

(a)

the circumstances make it impossible or impracticable to comply with subclause (1); and

(b)

a certificate to that effect, setting out the reasons why compliance is impossible or impracticable, and signed by counsel for that party, is filed and served at the same time as the pleading.

(3)

A party acting under subclause (2) must, unless the other parties agree that initial disclosure is not required, or that a longer period is acceptable, either serve the bundle referred to in subclause (1) within 10 working days from the service of the pleading or apply for a variation of that requirement within that period.

(4)

If a party fails to comply with subclause (1) or (3), a Judge may make any of the orders specified in rule 7.48.

(5)

Despite subclause (1), a party does not need to disclose any document in which the party claims privilege or that a party claims to be confidential.

(6)

Despite subclause (1), a party does not need to disclose any document that either—

(a)

is the subject of a claim of public interest immunity; or

(b)

is reasonably apprehended by the party to be the subject of such a claim.

(7)

Despite subclause (1), a party does not need to include in a bundle served by that party any document contained in a bundle already served by any party or any document attached to an affidavit already filed in court.

(8)

The bundle of documents may be served either electronically or as a bundle of copies in hard copy form.

(9)

If an amended pleading is filed prior to the making of a discovery order, this rule applies to that amended pleading if it either—

(a)

refers to documents not referred to in any earlier pleading filed by the party who files the amended pleading; or

(b)

pleads additional facts.

Rule 8.4: replaced, on 1 February 2012, by rule 4 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2011 (SR 2011/351).

8.5 Discovery orders

(1)

A Judge must make a discovery order for a proceeding unless he or she considers that the proceeding can be justly disposed of without any discovery.

(2)

An order under subclause (1) must be made at the first case management review that is held for the proceeding under rule 7.3, unless there is good reason for making the order later.

(3)

[Revoked]

Rule 8.5: replaced, on 1 February 2012, by rule 4 of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2011 (SR 2011/351).

Rule 8.5 heading: amended, on 7 April 2022, by rule 10(1) of the High Court Amendment Rules 2022 (SL 2022/59)

Rule 8.5(1): amended, on 4 February 2013, by rule 13(1) of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

Rule 8.5(2): amended, on 7 April 2022, by rule 10(2) of the High Court Amendment Rules 2022 (SL 2022/59)

Rule 8.5(3): revoked, on 4 February 2013, by rule 13(2) of the High Court Amendment Rules (No 2) 2012 (SR 2012/409).

8.6 Two kinds of discovery

Discovery orders made under this subpart may direct either—

(a)

standard discovery; or

(b)

tailored discovery.

Rule 8.6: replaced, on 1 February 2012, by

List of access keys

High Court Rules 2016

High Court Rules 2016

Note

(a)

(b)

Contents

Rules

Part 1 Rules of general application

Subpart 1—Objective and interpretation

1.1 Title

1.2 Objective

1.3 Interpretation

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(a)

(b)

(a)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(b)

(a)

(i)

(ii)

(b)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(a)

(b)

(c)

Subpart 2—Application and compliance

1.4 Application

(a)

(b)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

1.4A Transitional, savings, and related provisions

1.5 Non-compliance with rules

(a)

(b)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(a)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(b)

1.6 Cases not provided for

1.7 Oral applications for relief

1.8 Consent instead of leave of court

(a)

(b)

1.9 Amendment of defects and errors

1.10 Security

Subpart 3—Use of Māori language, translations, and sign language

1.11 Speaking in Māori

(a)

(b)

(c)

(a)

(b)

(c)

1.12 Translation of documents into te reo Māori

(a)

(b)

(c)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(a)