Common Questions
Why aren't I receiving payments?
Why are my payments so small?
Will reparation be paid if the offender is in prison?
What if the offender can't pay?
Can I pick up payments from my local District Court?
What happens if I don't have a bank account?
I live overseas, how can I receive my payments?
What if I have insurance cover?
Why can't the court pay me and then get the money from the offender?
What if the offender pays me directly?
Can I appeal the amount of reparation if I don't think it's enough?
Why aren't I receiving payments?
There are several reasons why you might not be receiving payments, such as:
- A number of people might be receiving reparation payments from the same offender. In these cases the oldest reparation is generally paid first.
- The offender might be in prison. In these cases we will still try to collect the reparation. If the reparation order can not be paid, further enforcement action will be taken when the offender is released.
- The offender cannot be found - some offenders try to avoid paying or move address without telling the Court. We will still try to trace them, but this can take time. If you know the offenders whereabouts, tell the Court.
- You have changed address or bank account and we don't have your new details. Please contact us whenever your details change.
Why are my payments so small?
If the offender is paying reparation to several people under the same reparation order, payments are shared between the parties. The offender may also be on a low income and making payments by instalment in which case you may receive small payments over a period of time.
Will reparation be paid if the offender is in prison?
The Court will still try to collect the reparation, although it can be difficult to seize and sell their personal property. If the reparation order can not be paid, further enforcement action will be taken when the offender is released.
What if the offender can't pay?
Those people who have no income or assets to seize will be ordered to appear before a District Court Judge. The Judge may replace the Reparation Order with an alternative sentence of community work or imprisonment. If this happens, we will send you a letter and cancel the Reparation Order.
Can I pick up payments from my local District Court?
No. Payments can only be made by direct credit or cheque.
What happens if I don't have a bank account?
You need to call 0800 909 909 and discuss your options.
I live overseas, how can I receive my payments?
We need to make special payment arrangements if you live overseas. You will need to fill in and return a Payment Request Form (pdf 105Kb) indicating your preferred method of payment and return it to us.
What if I have insurance cover?
If you have insurance to cover the damages you have suffered, you need to tell your insurance company about the Reparation Order. If necessary, you can arrange for the reparation payment to be paid directly to your insurance company.
Why can't the Court pay me and then get the money from the offender?
The New Zealand law does not allow the Court to do this and the Court is not funded to make advance reparation payments.
What if the offender pays me directly?
Please tell us if you receive any money directly from the offender so we can adjust our records. Otherwise we will continue to seek payment.
Can I appeal the amount of reparation if I don’t think it’s enough?
No. But you could take civil action for any extra amount you think is owed. You would need to talk to a lawyer or your Community Law Centre about this option.
