Civil litigation in New Zealand refers to the legal process of resolving disputes between individuals, businesses, or other entities through the court system. Unlike criminal cases, civil litigation deals with private rights and obligations. Common areas of civil litigation include:

1. Contract Disputes: Cases involving breaches of contracts, misinterpretations, or failures to deliver agreed services.

2. Property Disputes: Issues such as boundary disputes, lease disagreements, or ownership claims.

3. Tort Claims: Cases where one party seeks compensation for harm caused by another, such as negligence, defamation, or personal injury.

4. Debt Recovery: Legal action taken to recover unpaid debts or enforce financial agreements.

5. Employment Disputes: While often handled under employment law, serious disputes may escalate to civil litigation.

6. Consumer Protection: Disputes related to defective products, misleading advertising, or breaches of the Consumer Guarantees Act.

Civil litigation in New Zealand typically follows a structured process, including filing a statement of claim, engaging in pre-trial negotiations or mediation, and ultimately presenting the case in court if no settlement is reached. The goal is to achieve a fair resolution, often through compensation, injunctions, or court orders.