A higher threshold for claims at the Disputes Tribunal could improve access to civil justice

From today, the jurisdiction doubles from disputes worth up to 30 thousand dollars - to up to 60 thousand dollars.

The Ministry of Justice expects the change will allow a further 2000 claims per year.

Auckland University law lecturer Nikki Chamberlain says lawyers don't appear at the Tribunal as parties self-represent - which should significantly cut costs.

She says it will also likely reduce wait times - so it's a postive change from an access to justice perspective.