Abstract
This article argues that New Zealand should accede to the Hague conventions on international civil procedure: the Service Convention, the Evidence Convention, the Choice of Court Convention and the Judgments Convention. The article describes the function of the four conventions, summarises the advantages and disadvantages of accession, and supports analysis of the possibility of ratifying and incorporating them into domestic law. It argues that accession to the conventions will bring concrete advantages to participants in the New Zealand justice system that have cross-border disputes, will promote access to justice, and will be consistent with New Zealand's reputation as a member of the international community. Despite competing demands on the Government's time, accession to the conventions should be a priority.