Employment Court: COVID-19 Past Alert Level 3 Protocol (Auckland region)

Chief Judge Christina Inglis
12 August 2020

The Prime Minister has announced that as at midday 12 August 2020 the Auckland Region (Auckland Council area) will move to Alert Level 3 for three days until midnight on 14 August 2020.  The rest of New Zealand will move to Alert Level 2.

The Level 3 protocols issued on 23 April 2020 apply (with any necessary modifications) for matters arising in the Auckland Region and the Level 2 protocols issued on 13 May 2020 apply (with any necessary modifications) for matters arising throughout the rest of New Zealand.

The Employment Court continues to process all new and existing proceedings.  It remains open to hear matters, as appropriate, including in Auckland.  There may be a number of matters which can be dealt with appropriately other than by hearing in person.

The Judges are assessing proceedings which are set down in Auckland during this period and will convene telephone conferences to discuss next steps.  Representatives in each case currently set down for hearing are being contacted by the Court.  Representatives should contact the Court Registrar if they wish to raise any particular matters, including in relation to matters set down for hearing in the next two weeks.

All new matters continue to be referred to a Judge and are prioritised in the usual way.  Parties are reminded of the ability to apply for urgency under cl 21 of sch 3 to the Employment Relations Act 2000.  Any application should be supported by a full explanation as to why urgency is sought.

Note that filing fees remain payable during this period.

The Court has set up a Twitter page (@EmploymentCourt) to enable you to access information.  The Court’s website is also being updated regularly.

You should also feel free to ring the Registrar of the Employment Court for further guidance or clarification.  Contact details are below.

Contact details

Auckland

Registrar: Mima Bobot
09 916 6359
mima.bobot@justice.govt.nz
Emergency phone: 027 295 6673

Electronic filing is to be sent to: mima.bobot@justice.govt.nz

Postal:

Employment Court
CX10086
Auckland

Wellington and Christchurch

Registrar: Joseph Buckton
04 918 8313
joseph.buckton@justice.govt.nz
Emergency phone: 021 946 790

Electronic filing is to be sent to: joseph.buckton@justice.govt.nz

Postal:

Employment Court
SX10009
Wellington