Community Law
Your local Community Law Centre can provide you with free initial legal advice.
Find your local Community Law Centre online: www.communitylaw.org.nz/our-law-centres
Access the free “Lag Law: Your Rights Inside Prison and on Remand” book. This book answers heaps of common questions you might have if you’re going to prison, in prison, or getting out of prison.
Online: communitylaw.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Lag-Law-text-2021-1.pdf
Email for a hard copy: publications@wclc.org.nz
Phone: Community Law Wellington and Hutt Valley – 04 499 2928
Ministry of Justice
The Ministry of Justice provides useful information about court procedure for criminal matters.
Website: www.justice.govt.nz/courts/criminal
Paying your fines
You can learn about, check or pay your fines (infringement and court-imposed) by phone or online. Unpaid fines can stop you leaving New Zealand – use Ministry of Justice’s fine checks form to find out if you have outstanding debt.
Website: www.justice.govt.nz/fines
Phone: 0800 4 FINES (0800 434 637)
Fine checks form: www.justice.govt.nz/fines/find-out-if-you-have-a-fine-or-check-your-balance-online/fines-check-form
Department of Corrections
The Department of Corrections website has helpful information for offenders and their whānau. It provides insight into the procedure before sentencing, while in prison and on parole.
Website: www.corrections.govt.nz
Restorative Practices Aotearoa
Restorative Practices Aotearoa provides information on when restorative justice may be appropriate, and where in New Zealand it is available.
Website: www.restorativejusticeaotearoa.org.nz
Email: admin@rpa.org.nz
Phone: 0800 RJA INC (0800 752 462)
Information for victims
Victims Information
Victims Information provides help to victims of crime, their whānau or friends to deal with the practical and emotional effects of a crime. It also provides information to help victims understand the legal and court process.
Website: www.victimsinfo.govt.nz
Phone: 0800 650 654
Manaaki Tāngata – Victim Support
Victim Support provides a free, nationwide support service for people affected by crime, trauma, and suicide in New Zealand. They help clients to find safety, healing, and justice after crime and other traumatic events.
Website: www.victimsupport.org.nz
Phone: 0800 VICTIM (0800 842 846)
Victim notifications register
Victim notification gives victims of serious crime, who are registered on the victim notification register, a way to stay informed about the person who offended against them.
Website: www.corrections.govt.nz/information_for_victims/victim_notification_register
