Questions for lawyers Found 360

I have a dispute with a retailer over a faulty appliance worth a few thousand dollars. I cannot afford a lawyer and I have heard the Disputes Tribunal is the place for these issues. How does it work, what does it cost and what should I bring with me?

I want to build a raised deck and remove a large old tree on my section. A neighbour warned me that I might need a council permit and could be fined if I do it without one. How do I find out what approvals are actually required?

I bought a handbag from a person on an online marketplace who described it as authentic, with a receipt photo. When it arrived it was clearly a fake. The seller now says they bought it in good faith and is not offering a refund. Do I have any way to recover my money?

I run a small transport business and one of our trucks was weighed at a roadside checkpoint and found to be over the permitted weight limit. We did not think it was overloaded by much. What penalties can apply and who is responsible?

Our school sends home a letter asking for a donation and then adds extra charges for stationery, camp and activities. Some parents say it is compulsory if you want your child to take part. What is optional and what can the school require?

Our workplace shuts down for two weeks over summer, and my employer says that everyone must use their annual leave, even though I had planned to use it at another time. I only have one week of leave saved. What happens?

I manage a contract with a supplier that has repeatedly missed deliverables for our agency. We are concerned about the impact on public services, but we do not want to face a legal fight. What are our options and how should we proceed?

Our boundary fence has fallen down and we need a new one. Our neighbour refuses to pay anything, saying it is our problem. I thought that neighbours share the cost. What does the law say, and what steps do I take?

I keep my yacht at a marina berth, and during a storm another boat broke loose and hit mine, causing considerable damage. The marina says its berth agreement excludes responsibility for damage. Can I still claim against the marina or the other owner?

A relative of mine has arrived in New Zealand and says they cannot return home because of threats due to their beliefs. They do not know how to seek protection or whether they can be sent back. What is the process for seeking asylum?