{"id":4002,"date":"2026-02-11T01:45:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T01:45:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insight.thomsonreuters.co.nz\/legal\/?p=4002"},"modified":"2026-02-23T00:44:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T00:44:22","slug":"the-high-court-improved-access-to-civil-justice-amendment-rules-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insight.thomsonreuters.co.nz\/legal\/posts\/the-high-court-improved-access-to-civil-justice-amendment-rules-2025","title":{"rendered":"The Expert\u2019s Edge Special:\u00a0The High Court (Improved Access to Civil Justice) Amendment Rules 2025\u00a0\u2013 now in force\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>The High Court\u00a0(Improved Access to Civil Justice)\u00a0Amendment Rules 2025\u00a0introduce major changes to the High Court Rules \u2013 in force from 1 January 2026. The new regime\u00a0changes how ordinary proceedings will progress in the High Court\u00a0in\u00a0three\u00a0key\u00a0ways:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>An \u201cevidence first\u201d model has been introduced.<\/strong>\u00a0This requires the parties to file their\u00a0factual\u00a0evidence\u00a0early in the life of\u00a0an ordinary\u00a0proceeding and\u00a0enhances the\u00a0initial\u00a0disclosure\u00a0that\u00a0is required by the parties at the outset.\u00a0The amendments are aimed at reducing interlocutory skirmishes and further disclosure.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The\u00a0previous\u00a0case management regime is\u00a0largely repealed\u00a0and replaced by a\u00a0<strong>Judicial Issues Conference (JIC)<\/strong>\u00a0which is intended to be a requirement for all ordinary proceedings. It will\u00a0take place\u00a0once the parties have filed their factual witness statements.\u00a0The parties will be expected to engage with a Judge on what the case is about,\u00a0the key issues,\u00a0and\u00a0what is\u00a0required\u00a0to fairly\u00a0determine\u00a0it.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>At trial there will be a\u00a0<strong>greater focus on the contemporaneous documents,<\/strong>\u00a0which can come before the Court without being referred to by a witness, rather than the evidence of witnesses traversing\u00a0all\u00a0the background to a case.\u00a0This is expected to reduce the length of witness statements.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These\u202famendments\u202fare\u202fsignificant\u202f\u2013\u202fthey\u202fintroduce a proportionality test\u00a0into\u00a0the overriding\u202fobjective\u202ffor the just resolution of\u202fproceedings and\u202fimpose a general duty on parties and counsel to co-operate with each other according to the overriding\u202fobjective.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;These reforms ask parties to do\u00a0the hard\u00a0thinking earlier\u2014about evidence, documents, and\u00a0the real\u00a0issues. The practical effect is a stronger push toward proportionate steps that match the size and complexity of the dispute.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>That makes it imperative for practitioners to have the latest information and commentary at their fingertips, so they can support clients with the best advice from the\u00a0outset<strong>.<\/strong>&#8220;<em>\u00a0<\/em><strong><em>Jason Bull, BA LLB, Senior Legal Editor, Thomson Reuters<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>McGechan\u00a0on Procedure<\/em>\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0updates\u00a0supporting the reforms\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The\u00a0<em>McGechan<\/em>\u00a0authors have prepared new and extensive commentary for the key changes and\u00a0provisions,\u00a0and these will be invaluable to civil litigation practitioners:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An overview\u00a0of\u00a0new part 6A (Overview of steps in ordinary proceedings).\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extensive commentary\u00a0on\u00a0the major\u00a0changes to:\u00a0\u00a0\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>part 7 (Case management, interlocutory applications, and interim relief),\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>part 8 (Disclosure and interrogatories),\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>part\u00a09 (Evidence).\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>See the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/anzlaw.thomsonreuters.com\/Document\/I47f97a6135e011ea8c50c7a8655a0ef5\/View\/FullText.html?ppcid=470a7e6775984ecca67686324ec62568&amp;originationContext=documenttoc&amp;transitionType=CategoryPageItem&amp;contextData=(sc.Category)&amp;comp=wlnzhttps:\/\/anzlaw.thomsonreuters.com\/Document\/I47f97a6135e011ea8c50c7a8655a0ef5\/View\/FullText.html?ppcid=470a7e6775984ecca67686324ec62568&amp;originationContext=documenttoc&amp;transitionType=CategoryPageItem&amp;contextData=(sc.Category)&amp;comp=wlnzhttps:\/\/anzlaw.thomsonreuters.com\/Document\/I47f97a6135e011ea8c50c7a8655a0ef5\/View\/FullText.html?ppcid=470a7e6775984ecca67686324ec62568&amp;originationContext=documenttoc&amp;transitionType=CategoryPageItem&amp;contextData=(sc.Category)&amp;comp=wlnz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>McGechan<\/em> What&#8217;s New<\/a>\u00a0on <em>Westlaw New Zealand<\/em> for the full list of new and updated commentary.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the transitional period, the former provisions and commentary remain available in <em>Westlaw New Zealand<\/em>. In the table of contents, see:\u202f<strong>High Court Rules 2016\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0&#8220;High Court Rules (Historic version as\u00a0at\u00a031 December 2025)&#8221;<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;The 2025 amendments mark a real shift in\u00a0how\u00a0civil\u00a0procedure\u00a0will be conducted in the High Court: earlier evidence, earlier\u00a0judicial engagement with the issues,\u00a0and a clearer focus on what is genuinely needed to determine the proceeding fairly. Practitioners will get the best results by adapting their preparation and strategy from day one\u2014and that depends on having the latest information and expert commentary to guide decision-making, manage risk, and support clients with the best advice throughout the proceeding.&#8221;\u00a0<strong><em>Jason Bull, BA LLB, Senior Legal Editor, Thomson Reuters<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Civil Litigation Workflows\u00a0<\/em>\u2013\u00a0updated for the 2025 reforms\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>These\u00a0Workflows\u00a0have been extensively updated to reflect the changes by the High Court (Improved Access to Civil Justice) Amendment Rules 2025. The 2025 reforms have made significant changes to part 7\u00a0(Case management), part 8 (Disclosure and interrogatories) and part 9 (Evidence)\u00a0of the High Court Rules\u00a02016 and\u00a0introduce\u00a0a\u00a0new part 6A \u2013 overview\u00a0of\u00a0steps in ordinary proceedings.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\u00a0<em>Civil Litigation Workflows<\/em>\u00a0have\u00a0new and extensive commentary for the key changes and provisions. Proceedings in the District Court and High Court now differ in many respects due to the new High Court case management procedures and new disclosure regime (the District Court has\u00a0retained\u00a0its case management and discovery procedures). These changes and nuances are now all helpfully reflected in the\u00a0Workflows\u00a0commentary and will be invaluable to civil litigation practitioners.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>Civil Litigation Precedents<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 revised forms and guidance\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The practical commentary, authored precedents and prescribed forms in<em>\u00a0Civil Litigation Precedents<\/em>\u00a0have\u00a0been reviewed and updated\u00a0for the reforms\u00a0that\u00a0commenced\u00a0on 1 January 2026. These\u00a0reforms have inserted new pt 6A\u00a0(overview\u00a0of\u00a0steps in ordinary proceedings),\u00a0made significant changes to pts 7, 8 and 9, amended forms G 2, G\u00a012\u00a0and G 37, and added\u00a0a\u00a0new form G 41.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s\u00a0next:\u00a0Te\u00a0Au Reka<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Te\u202fAu Reka is\u202fthe Ministry of Justice\u2019s new digital\u202fcase flow\u202fmanagement system\u202fthat will\u00a0help to transform the administration of courts in New Zealand. It is a joint initiative of the judiciary and Ministry. The Family Court will be the first to use\u202fTe\u202fAu Reka from July 2026, with the District Court and High Court to follow.\u00a0Watch this space!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The High Court (Improved Access to Civil Justice) Amendment Rules 2025\u00a0was\u00a0published on Westlaw NZ during week of 15 December, in advance of\u00a0the\u00a01 January 2026 commencement date.\u00a0For\u00a0the most up to date\u00a0civil\u00a0litigation\u00a0information and commentary,\u00a0subscribe to\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomsonreuters.co.nz\/en\/products-services\/legal\/westlaw-new-zealand.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Westlaw New Zealand<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Thanks to\u00a0Jason Bull, Senior Legal\u00a0Editor\u00a0and the<em>\u00a0<\/em>Expert author team:\u00a0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>McGechan\u202fon Procedure<\/em><\/strong>\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jessica Gorman \u2013 Policy Advisor (Legal), Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Wellington\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stephanie Grieve KC \u2013 Barrister, Plymouth Chambers, Christchurch\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Justice Jason McHerron \u2013 High Court, Wellington\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Justice Robert Osborne \u2013 High Court, Christchurch\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nicholas Wood \u2013 Special Counsel, Chapman Tripp, Wellington\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Specialist\u202fcontributors:\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Judge Philip\u202fRzepecky\u202f\u2013 District Court, Whangarei (Admiralty)\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Greg Kelly \u2013 Consultant, Greg Kelly Law (Probate)\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Civil Litigation Precedents author<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anna Singleton \u2013 Barrister, Woodward Street Chambers&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Civil Litigation Workflows author<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nicholas Wood \u2013 Special Counsel, Chapman Tripp, Wellington\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other articles in The Expert\u2019s Edge series include:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/insight.thomsonreuters.co.nz\/legal\/posts\/civil-litigation-insights\">Current Civil Litigation insights<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/insight.thomsonreuters.co.nz\/legal\/posts\/the-experts-edge-current-employment-law-insights\">Current Employment insights<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/insight.thomsonreuters.co.nz\/legal\/posts\/aviation-and-space-law-insights\">Current Aviation and Space insights<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/insight.thomsonreuters.co.nz\/legal\/posts\/current-criminal-law\">Current Criminal insights<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/insight.thomsonreuters.co.nz\/legal\/posts\/local-government-insights\">Local Government insights<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The High Court\u00a0(Improved Access to Civil Justice)\u00a0Amendment Rules 2025\u00a0introduce major changes to the High Court Rules \u2013 in force from 1 January 2026. The new regime\u00a0changes how ordinary proceedings will&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4011,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[513,514,13,625,497,1],"tags":[109,601,834,903,251],"insight_job_role":[447,553,468,471,475,604,646,487,554,498,499,502],"insight_practice_area":[446],"class_list":["entry","author-legaladmin","post-4002","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-legal-commentary-and-opinion","category-legal-research","category-opinion","category-research-and-commentary","category-research-and-know-how","category-uncategorised","tag-compliance","tag-high-court","tag-legal-industry","tag-legal-intelligence","tag-legal-issues","insight_job_role-barrister","insight_job_role-compliance-officer","insight_job_role-general-counsel","insight_job_role-in-house-lawyer","insight_job_role-knowledge-manager","insight_job_role-lawyer","insight_job_role-managing-partner","insight_job_role-partner","insight_job_role-principal","insight_job_role-senior-executive","insight_job_role-solicitor","insight_job_role-student","insight_practice_area-administrative-law","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - 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