Gisborne District Court handles limited licence applications for the Gisborne and East Coast region. This is one of the most geographically isolated areas in New Zealand, and losing a driving licence here has particularly severe consequences.
Geographic isolation
Gisborne is one of the most isolated cities in New Zealand. The nearest major centres — Napier and Hamilton — are over four hours' drive away. Within the Gisborne region, communities are spread across large distances with no intercity bus services and no passenger rail.
This isolation is directly relevant to limited licence applications. The court recognises that in areas where there are genuinely no alternatives to driving, the hardship of losing a licence is particularly acute.
Rural employment
The East Coast economy is rural. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing dominate employment. Workers in these industries need vehicles to reach their workplaces — farms, forests, and fishing operations that are on rural roads far from any public transport. For many residents, losing a licence means losing the ability to work entirely.
Our service for Gisborne applications
We prepare complete limited licence applications for $749 + GST. Your application is prepared by a qualified lawyer and formatted for the Gisborne District Court. Court filing fees and the NZTA reinstatement fee are payable separately.