Receiving reparation

Getting confirmation of a reparation

If a judge orders someone to pay you reparation, you will be sent a Reparation Notice.

The Reparation Notice tells you:

• how much the offender has been ordered to pay
• how long the offender has to pay – usually 28 days to pay or start paying
• any instructions from the judge about how payments are to be made.

The court collects payments and we send them to you. If you receive any payments directly from the offender, please contact us. 

Finding out if you are owed reparation

If you don’t know if you are owed reparation, call us on 0800 909 909 or complete the online form:

Reparation check form

If you have insurance cover

If you have insurance that covers the damage the reparation is for, you should talk to your insurance company. The insurer may be able to pay you directly and claim some or all of the reparation from the offender.

Getting payments by direct credit

Your reparation payments will be made by direct credit to your bank account. The money will be disbursed directly into your nominated bank account at set intervals, as we receive it.

To set up direct credit, call 0800 909 909 and give us your bank account details.

If your address or bank account details change, let us know. You can call us on 0800 909 909 

Getting payments if you live overseas

There are several payment options available if you live overseas. To set up the right payment method for you, fill in the overseas payment request form. Email or post it to the address on the form.

If you need to talk to us, phone +64 4 915 8586 (or tollfree from Australia 1800 144 239).

Overseas payment request form. (PDF, 874 KB)(external link)

How the court can get offenders to pay

Collecting reparation is a priority for the court. If the offender does not pay, the court can enforce reparation in the same way it enforces people to pay fines. The enforcement action can include:

• taking money from their wages or benefit
• taking their property and selling it
• suspending their driver licence
• arresting them.

Unpaid fines – what happens next

If you’re getting small payments or no payments

There are a few things that may be affecting your payments:

• Check your details are up to date. If your address or bank account change, please contact us.
• Several people could be receiving reparation from the same offender. The oldest reparation is usually paid first. If more than one person is due reparation, the payments are shared between the parties. 
• The offender may have a low income. You may receive small payments over time. The court cannot make an order that would make their deductions more than 40% of the offender’s income.
• The offender may be in prison. We will still try to collect the reparation. If we cannot get payment while the offender is in prison, we will take enforcement action when they are released.
• The offender cannot be found. If you know where the offender is, please contact us

Changes to reparation

Sometimes changes are made to reparations after the order has been made. This can happen, for example, if:

• the sentence is appealed
• the offender cannot pay
• the terms for payment change
• the reparation gets replaced by another type of sentence.

Only a judge can make changes to reparation. If there are any changes to your reparation, the court will send you a letter.

If you feel the reparation isn’t enough

You may be able to take the offender to court, in a civil action, for any extra amount you think is owed. 

A lawyer or your local Community Law Centre can give you advice about your options.

Find out more on the Community Law website.(external link)