Defamation Act 1992

Causes of action

4: Defamation actionable without proof of special damage

You could also call this:

"You can sue for defamation without proving you were specially harmed."

When you are taking someone to court for defamation, you do not need to say or prove that you suffered special damage. This means you can still take action against someone for defamation even if you cannot show that you were specially harmed. You can make a claim for defamation without having to prove special damage.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM281211.

This page was last updated on 2 December 2025 — View changes

Topics:

Crime and justice > Courts and legal helpRights and equality > Anti-discrimination

3: Application, or

"When This Law Applies to You and the Government"

5: Malicious falsehood actionable without proof of special damage, or

"Saying false things to hurt someone's business can get you in trouble"

Part 1Causes of action

4Defamation actionable without proof of special damage

In proceedings for defamation, it is not necessary to allege or prove special damage.

Compare

1954 No 46 s 4(1)