Witnesses should be present. If they are not present their evidence cannot be tested by cross-examination and may therefore be excluded.
Each witness states their full name, address and occupation and confirms (and if necessary corrects) their proof of evidence. Witnesses will not be allowed to elaborate upon the proof without leave.
(Practice Direction 10.5)
After each witness has confirmed his/her proof, the representatives of opposing parties may be allowed by the Tribunal to question that witness.
Consider carefully whether you need to ask questions.
The Chairperson may require you to identify each issue about which you wish to ask questions, and may disallow questions which are irrelevant or inappropriate.
When cross-examining only ask questions, do not make comments or statements. You will be given an opportunity to make comments and statements as final submissions.
Following cross-examination the parties who called the witness may re-examine the witness. Re-examination is to clarify issues raised during cross-examination, not to raise new matters.
Practice Directions of the Resource Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal, Practice Direction 10.5 -10.7 .
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Guidelines for expert witnesses
