Answer:
The purpose of a pre-trial conference may vary by jurisdiction and court system, but in general, it is an important step in the legal process to prepare for trial and achieve resolution before the trial date is set. According to the High Court Rules of New Zealand, a pre-trial conference is ordered by the Judge or Registrar for a proceeding that has been allocated a trial date. The conference aims to identify the facts agreed upon or in dispute, achieve fact-finding and resolution, deal with relevant matters, and prepare the parties for trial. The conference may be used for case management and settlements to prevent or reduce the need for going to trial. In summary, the purpose of a pre-trial conference is to facilitate the parties' preparation for trial and case management and achieve resolution where possible before proceeding to trial.