---
title: "Keep affidavits in the witness's own words"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-litigation-and-dispute-resolution/draft-an-affidavit-or-witness-statement-from-the-proof/new-zealand"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A5-T1-R3-NZ"
practice_area: "Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution"
tier: "red"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["NZ"]
last_reviewed: "2026-09-23"
---

# Keep affidavits in the witness's own words

> Turn the witness's existing notes into a structured outline of topics for the lawyer and the witness to settle together.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-litigation-and-dispute-resolution/draft-an-affidavit-or-witness-statement-from-the-proof/new-zealand  
Last reviewed: 2026-09-23

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution](https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-litigation-and-dispute-resolution.md) |
| Human involvement | Red: Lawyer writes; AI may check, clarify or collect data |
| How AI is used | Turn the witness's existing notes into a structured outline of topics for the lawyer and the witness to settle together. |
| What the lawyer must review | Keep the affidavit as the witness's own evidence Do not let a tool invent facts, witnesses or testimony Remember you remain responsible for everything filed |
| Written for | New Zealand |
| Applies to | [Draft an affidavit or witness statement from the proof](https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-litigation-and-dispute-resolution/draft-an-affidavit-or-witness-statement-from-the-proof.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: Turn the witness's existing notes into a structured outline of topics for the lawyer and the witness to settle together.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 23 September 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- The lawyer remains responsible for everything put before the court.

## Sources

- [Courts of New Zealand: GenAI guidelines — Lawyers (7 December 2023)](https://www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/6-Going-to-Court/practice-directions/practice-guidelines/all-benches/20231207-GenAI-Guidelines-Lawyers.pdf) (checked 2026-09-23)
- [NZLS: Generative AI guidance for lawyers (March 2024)](https://www.lawsociety.org.nz/professional-practice/rules-and-maintaining-professional-standards/generative-ai-guidance-for-lawyers/) (checked 2026-09-23)
- [Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008](https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2008/214/en/latest/) (checked 2026-09-23)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*