Justice Minister Judith Collins is proposing an increase in the value of claims that can be heard by the Disputes Tribunal, saying it will resolve common disagreements more quickly.
At the moment, the tribunal deals with civil claims of $15,000 or less, or up to $20,000 if all parties agree.
Ms Collins wants to increase the limit to $30,000 for disagreements over issues such as goods and services and property damage.
She says it will result in more people taking their claims to the tribunal, rather than using the District Court process, which she says can be lengthy and expensive.
Other proposed changes include requiring tribunal referees to explain their decisions in writing and for the hearings to be open to the public and the media.
