Document background
The Expert Witness Declaration is a crucial document in New Zealand's legal system, required whenever expert testimony is presented in court proceedings. It serves as the foundation for expert evidence, establishing the witness's credentials and the basis for their professional opinions. The declaration must comply with Schedule 4 of the High Court Rules 2016 and the Evidence Act 2006, which set out specific requirements for expert testimony. This document is typically prepared before an expert gives evidence in civil or criminal proceedings, during dispute resolutions, or for tribunal hearings. It must include detailed information about the expert's qualifications, their methodology, the materials they relied upon, and their reasoned conclusions. The Expert Witness Declaration also contains a formal acknowledgment of the expert's paramount duty to assist the court impartially, rather than advocate for any party's position.
