The principal intermediate appellate court and, in practice, the final court for most litigants, since a further appeal to the Supreme Court needs leave. It normally sits in panels of three, with a permanent bench supplemented by High Court judges. Its decisions bind the High Court and all courts below.
How the court is constituted
- Tier
- appellate
- Court type
- Intermediate appellate court
- Jurisdiction
- Appeals from the High Court in civil and criminal matters, and from some specialist courts and tribunals.
- Seat
- Wellington
- Established
- 1862
- Composition
- The President and other Judges of Appeal, sitting in panels of three (occasionally five for significant matters).
- Appointment
- Appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Attorney-General.
- Languages
- English, Māori
Where an appeal goes next
Appeal to the Supreme Court of New Zealand, with leave.
Filing at this court
- Civil appeal
- Notice of appeal within 20 working days of the decision
- Criminal appeal
- Within 20 working days of conviction or sentence
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