have to give evidence in the Tribunal? Yes.  You will have to give evidence about what happened and how it has affected you.  Your evidence will be a written statement that you read out at the hearing.  The defendant's lawyer will have the opportunity to cross-examine you and you will also need to answer questions from the Tribunal about your evidence. A lawyer from the OHRP will help you to prepare your written statement and will meet with you before the hearing to prepare you for giving evidence. Will the case be public? The Tribunal's hearings are usually open to the public.  Media can come to the hearing and report on your case.  In special circumstances, the Tribunal will order name suppression. If I'm successful, will I get financial compensation? In some cases, yes.  The Tribunal can award damages for financial loss (e.g. lost earnings), loss of a benefit and/or emotional harm.  Our lawyers can discuss with you what kind of damages might be appropriate in your case. The Tribunal can also make an order that the defendants attend Human Rights Act training. If your complaint is about legislation, then the only order the Tribunal can make is a declaration that the legislation is inconsistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. Can my case be settled without a hearing? In some cases, yes.  The Director has the power to send matters back to mediation with the HRC.  In some cases when the Director refers a matter back