Jury Service 

Jury service is a civic duty where everyday New Zealanders are called to serve as jurors in court. It’s a key part of our justice system, allowing members of the public to decide the outcome of certain cases. Every year, thousands of people across New Zealand receive a jury summons from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

For businesses, jury service can be a little disruptive. An employee being away for days or even weeks can affect productivity and scheduling. However, it’s important for employers to understand their obligations and support staff who are called to serve. Handling jury service correctly also helps maintain trust and compliance with employment laws.

In this guide you’ll learn:

• What jury service means for New Zealand employers and employees
• How jury service pay and leave work
• Employer responsibilities and employee rights
• What to do if an employee is summoned

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What Is Jury Service?

Jury service is when citizens are selected to sit on a jury and help decide the outcome of a criminal or civil trial. It’s a civic duty that helps ensure fair trials in New Zealand. The Ministry of Justice randomly selects people from the electoral roll, meaning anyone over 18 could receive a summons.
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Most people are required to serve unless they have a valid reason not to. Common exemptions include health issues, extreme hardship, or certain job roles such as emergency workers.
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Who Is Eligible for Jury Service in New Zealand?

Anyone can be called for jury service if they:

• Are aged 20 to 65 years (the jury service NZ age limit)
• Are enrolled to vote in New Zealand
• Have lived in New Zealand for at least 12 months in the past 3 years
• Can understand English

If you don’t meet these requirements or you fall under an exemption, you can apply to be excused.
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How Long Is Jury Service NZ?

Most jury service lasts about one to two weeks, though some trials are shorter or longer. Court hours are generally 9 am to 5 pm, and jurors are expected to attend each day until the trial ends.
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Employees should let their employer know as soon as they receive a summons so work schedules can be managed. Employers should treat this time as an official absence, similar to other types of leave.
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Jury Service Leave for Employees

Under New Zealand employment law, employees are entitled to jury service leave. This means they can take time off work to attend court without risking their job.
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Employers cannot dismiss, penalise, or treat an employee unfairly because they are called to jury service. While the law doesn’t require employers to pay wages during this time, they can choose to continue paying normal pay.
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If they do, the employer can apply to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) for reimbursement of the standard jury service payment. 
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Jury Service Pay in New Zealand

The jury service payment is set by the Ministry of Justice and depends on how many days you serve:

• Around $65 per day for the first five days
• Rates increase after day six and again after ten days for longer trials
  

This payment helps cover some costs while you’re away from work. Some employers choose to pay the difference between the jury pay and normal wages, while others top it up entirely.
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Employees should check their employment agreement or talk with their employer to confirm what pay arrangements will apply during jury service.
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What Employers Should Do When an Employee Is Summoned

When an employee is called for jury service:

1. Acknowledge the summons positively. It’s a civic duty and shows good citizenship.
2. Plan ahead. Review rosters and workload to cover the absence.
3. Stay flexible. Jury service length can change depending on the trial.
4. Apply for reimbursement. If you keep paying wages, claim the jury service pay from the MoJ.
5. Keep communication open. Support your employee before, during, and after service.

A construction company in Auckland once shared that a key staff member was called for a long trial. The business rearranged shifts early, avoiding delays and keeping morale high; showing that a bit of planning goes a long way.
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What Employees Should Do If Summoned

If you receive a summons, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

1. Tell your employer right away. Give them the date and expected duration.
2. Check your obligations. Read the summons carefully; it explains when and where to attend.
3. Ask about pay. Clarify whether you’ll receive normal pay or jury service pay.
4. Plan your commute and schedule. Courts generally run on business hours.
5. Dress neatly. If you’re wondering what to wear to jury service NZ, choose tidy and comfortable clothing that’s respectful: no singlets, ripped jeans, or jandals.

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Key Takeaways for Employers and Employees

• Jury service is a civic duty that applies to all eligible New Zealanders aged 20–65.
• Employees are entitled to leave for jury service and should communicate early with their employer.
• Employers must allow leave and can claim reimbursement for jury service pay if they continue paying wages.
• Jury service hours NZ usually match normal business hours, but trial length can vary.
• Exemptions are available for hardship or essential work, but must be approved by the Ministry of Justice.
• Open communication helps both sides manage time off smoothly and maintain positive workplace culture.

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