The only charges that cannot be heard by the District Court are category 4 offences, such as murder, manslaughter and crimes against the state (e.g. treason).

Civil claims where the amount is $30,000 or less are usually heard by the Disputes Tribunal rather than the District Court.

Civil claims involve arguments over money and property and can include complex commercial transactions.

Judges are permanently based in the main centres, but travel to other courts on circuit.

While each District Court judge can preside over minor criminal matters, they each specialise in particular aspects of the District Court's jurisdiction, either jury trials, family or youth.