The Nelson (Whakatū) District Court at 200 Bridge Street is the first-appearance and trial court for both Nelson city and the Tasman region — Richmond, Motueka and Golden Bay — handling bail, pleas, sentencing and most trials, with the Family Court hearing separation, care of children, property and protection orders and the Youth Court dealing with most charges against 12–17-year-olds. The High Court at Nelson takes category 4 offences (murder, manslaughter) and serious jury trials transferred up. Blenheim serves Marlborough next door. Free help is well established: the Nelson Bays Community Law Service advises people across Nelson and Tasman who cannot afford a lawyer, the duty lawyer scheme covers first appearances, a Family Court Navigator (Kaiārahi) helps people find their way through family processes, and the Police Detention Legal Assistance scheme provides a free lawyer by phone, any hour, to anyone detained.
Criminal Law in Nelson
Charges across Nelson and Tasman start at the Nelson District Court at 200 Bridge Street — first appearance, bail, most trials — with the Youth Court there for most defendants under 18 and the High Court at Nelson taking category 4 offences and serious jury trials. National law applies: the Crimes Act 1961 and the Criminal Procedure Act 2011's categories.
Use the free layers: the duty lawyer at first appearance, criminal legal aid for serious charges, and the free Police Detention Legal Assistance phone lawyer in custody at any hour. Before any interview or plea, the free line gives the plain-English version — process, penalties, and the exits worth raising early. Speak to a lawyer about a criminal law matter → Family Law in Nelson
Separation, care of children, relationship property and protection orders for Nelson and Tasman run through the Family Court at Bridge Street — where a Family Court Navigator (Kaiārahi) helps people find their way through the processes. National rules decide: equal sharing after 3 years together, the child's welfare paramount, without-notice protection orders often within 24 to 48 hours — and the 12-month property clock after a divorce.
The Nelson Bays Community Law Service provides free advice for those who qualify, and Family Dispute Resolution mediation is the gateway for most parenting disputes. The free line explains what applies to your family, any hour. Speak to a lawyer about a family law matter → Employment Law in Nelson
Horticulture, seafood and seasonal tourism shape Nelson-Tasman's employment issues — and seasonal workers hold the same core rights as anyone: minimum wage, holiday pay, written agreements, protection from unjustified dismissal. The dispute path is national: a personal grievance raised within 90 days, free mediation, then the Employment Relations Authority.
The 90-day clock is strict. If something has happened at work — dismissal, unpaid wages, a "casual" arrangement that isn't — call the free line this week. Speak to a lawyer about a employment law matter → Drink Driving & Traffic in Nelson
Drink-driving charges from Nelson, Richmond and the Tasman roads are heard at the Nelson District Court. National limits: 250 micrograms of breath alcohol for drivers 20 and over, zero under 20, infringement to 400 micrograms, criminal above it — mandatory minimum 6-month disqualification on conviction, and the immediate 28-day roadside suspension over 650.
The free line explains where your reading lands and whether a limited "work" licence is realistic — before the first court date. Speak to a lawyer about a drink driving & traffic matter → Nelson Courts
Where your matter is heard depends on the offence and its seriousness. The courts that serve Nelson are:
Nelson (Whakatū) District Court
200 Bridge Street — first-appearance and trial court for Nelson city and the Tasman region (Richmond, Motueka, Golden Bay), with Family Court and Youth Court jurisdiction.
High Court at Nelson
Category 4 offences (murder, manslaughter) and serious jury trials transferred up from the district.
Blenheim District Court
58 Alfred Street, Blenheim — serving neighbouring Marlborough; your charge sheet or summons names the venue for your matter.
What to Do Right Now
1
Check which court your paperwork names — Nelson and Tasman matters are listed at Bridge Street; Marlborough matters at Blenheim.
2
Record what happened while it is fresh — dates, times, readings, names — and keep every document together.
3
Avoid irreversible moves — guessed pleas, contact with complainants, social-media commentary.
4
Call 0800 461 100 free, any hour, for plain-English legal information — and book a NZ$295 (GST inclusive) consultation with a New Zealand lawyer right on the call if you want one.
Nelson Legal Questions
Which court hears my Nelson or Tasman matter?
The Nelson (Whakatū) District Court at 200 Bridge Street serves both Nelson city and the Tasman region — Richmond, Motueka and Golden Bay — with the High Court at Nelson for the most serious criminal cases. Marlborough matters are heard at Blenheim.
Can I get free legal help in Nelson?
Yes — Legal Hotline's line is free, 24/7, on 0800 461 100. The Nelson Bays Community Law Service advises people who cannot afford a lawyer, the duty lawyer covers first appearances, the Family Court's Kaiārahi (Navigator) helps with family processes, legal aid funds serious defence, and the Police Detention Legal Assistance scheme provides a free phone lawyer to anyone detained, any hour.
How do I get a Nelson lawyer quickly?
Call 0800 461 100, free, any hour — immediate legal information first, then a one-hour consultation with a New Zealand lawyer (NZ$295, GST inclusive) bookable right on the call.
Are you a Nelson law firm?
No. Legal Hotline is not a law firm — the free line provides general legal information, not legal advice, and creates no lawyer-client relationship. When you want advice, we connect you with a New Zealand lawyer for a fixed-fee consultation. Nelson and Tasman lawyers can join through our For Lawyers page.