We are aware of a high number of scam texts and emails about fines being sent (from 18 August 2026). We do not send direct payment links via text message or email. If you receive a message about a fine and are unsure whether it is genuine, please contact our call centre on 0800 4 FINES (0800 434 637) before making any payment. Read more about identifying scams.
The information detailed in this section applies generally to all courts. However, the Family Court, the Māori Land Court, Environment Court and Coroners Court have additional or special provisions regarding access to court information, which are in section 7. Some Tribunals and Authorities also have special access rules; please contact the Media Team for more information.
The laws and rules around access to records held by a court attempt to balance the principle of open justice and the public’s right to know, against the principle of individual privacy.
The registrar will provide access to court information where legislation allows. Where legislation does not allow all substantive decisions on requests for access to documents will be made by a judge, rather than by a registrar, unless a judge first considers the request and decides that it is appropriate for the request to be referred to a registrar for determination.
Access to court documents may be subject to the payment of a fee.