N.Y. Jud. Law § 117

§ 117. Powers of official referees. As to all motions, actions or\nproceedings submitted to an official referee by stipulation of the\nparties appearing therein, or order of the court, except matrimonial\nactions, the same shall be deemed duly referred to said official referee\nand he shall proceed therein with the same power and authority as a\njustice presiding at a regular special term of the supreme court and\nentertain and grant motions for a new trial, grant stays and orders to\nshow cause, and he shall have similar jurisdiction and authority as to\nany other action or proceeding referred to him by order of the supreme\ncourt including matrimonial actions. Every official referee shall have\nthe power to administer oaths and take acknowledgments; the violation of\nan order of such official referee may be punished as for a contempt of\ncourt by the court at special term.\n