Civil & Community Matters

Professional Advocacy for Everyday New Zealanders

 

The Advocacy Partnership provides clear, practical assistance in a wide range of civil and community disputes.

 

We act for individuals and community members who need support resolving issues with public agencies, service providers, or other private parties.

 

Our focus is on fair process, accountability, and resolution — ensuring you are treated lawfully and that your voice is heard in systems that can otherwise feel overwhelming or inaccessible.


Small Claims and Consumer Disputes


If you’ve paid for a product or service that wasn’t delivered as promised, or suffered loss due to poor workmanship or negligence, we can assist you through the Disputes Tribunal process.

 

This includes:

 

  • Defective goods or unfinished work
  • Disagreements over service quality or payment
  • Refunds, repairs, or replacement claims
  • Contract misunderstandings between individuals or small businesses


We prepare evidence, draft submissions, and guide you through the Tribunal’s process to ensure your claim is clearly and professionally presented.

 

Privacy and Human Rights Concerns


Everyone in New Zealand has the right to privacy, dignity, and freedom from discrimination.

We support clients in matters involving breaches of the Privacy Act 2020, Human Rights Act 1993, or related ethical and procedural obligations.

 

Common cases include:

 

  • Unlawful sharing of personal or medical information
  • Workplace or tenancy discrimination
  • Harassment or retaliatory treatment after making a complaint
  • Requests for access or correction of personal information under the Privacy Act


Our advocacy focuses on restoring fairness and accountability through mediation, negotiation, or formal complaint procedures.

 

ACC and Health-Related Advocacy


When injuries or health conditions are involved, navigating ACC or healthcare systems can be difficult and intimidating.

We assist with:

 

  • ACC cover and entitlement disputes
  • Declined or delayed claims
  • Medical misadventure or treatment injury cases
  • Access to rehabilitation, support services, or reviews


We liaise with ACC, medical professionals, and review panels to ensure your evidence is properly considered and your rights to care and compensation are upheld.

 

Education and Social Service Reviews


We represent students, parents, and community members in disputes involving schools, tertiary institutions, or social support agencies.

 

This may include:

 

  • Challenging school suspensions, exclusions, or disciplinary action
  • Addressing enrolment or attendance issues
  • Complaints to the Ministry of Education or NZQA
  • WINZ benefit reviews, Oranga Tamariki matters, or other social service disputes


Our goal is to make sure education and welfare decisions are fair, evidence-based, and compliant with the law.

 

Community or Administrative Law Matters


Administrative law governs how public agencies and councils make decisions.

We act where individuals or groups believe a government department or authority has acted unfairly, unlawfully, or without proper procedure.

 

Examples include:

 

  • Requests under the Official Information Act (OIA)
  • Privacy and data access issues
  • Unfair local council enforcement or planning actions
  • Reconsideration or review of government decisions affecting individuals or communities


We ensure your case is handled with professionalism and precision, working toward fair outcomes and institutional accountability.

 

Our Approach

 

Civil and community matters often involve both legal and human dimensions.

We approach every case with empathy, attention to detail, and respect for the processes involved.

Whether through mediation, written submissions, or formal hearings, we aim to achieve balanced, sustainable outcomes without unnecessary conflict or cost.