We are aware of a high number of scam texts and emails about fines being sent on 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.
We use automated calls and text messages to remind people they owe fines. We do not include links in our texts. Find out how to check calls and texts are genuine
Legal aid is government funding to pay for legal help for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal aid is an important part of New Zealand's justice system. It helps people to resolve legal problems that may go to court and makes sure that people are not denied justice because they can't afford a lawyer.
Find out about user charges for family and civil matters, including how much the user charge is and where to pay it, and when a user charge doesn't apply.
Find out about legal aid repayments, if you need to make repayments, how to make repayments, if there are problems with repayments and if your debt will be secured over any property you own.