Law, crime and justice

  • Crimes and emergencies

    • 111 emergency service

      If you need help from the police, the fire service, or you need an ambulance, dial 111 and the emergency operator will connect you to the right place.

    • Report a crime that's not an emergency

      Use 105 to report crimes to Police that are not urgent and do not need Emergency Services.

    • Help for victims of crime

      If you or someone you care about is the victim of a crime, there's support and help available.

  • Paying fines

  • Abuse, harassment and domestic violence

    • Domestic and family violence

      Services and support for anyone experiencing abuse from a partner, ex-partner, family member, flatmate, friend, or carer.

    • Legal help when being harassed

      If you're being harassed by someone you're not in a relationship with, you can apply for a restraining order.

    • Child abuse

      If you're worried a child is being abused, please report your suspicions so authorities can investigate.

    • Bullying

      Bullying is a form of aggressive or threatening behaviour — either at school, in the workplace or in the wider community.

    • Financial abuse

      Anyone can be a victim of financial abuse — find out how to recognise it, who to contact when it’s happening and how to protect yourself in the future.

  • The courts

    • Jury service

      If you're enrolled to vote, you can be asked to serve on a jury once every 2 years.

    • Your rights after being arrested

      When you’re arrested, you have the right to get legal help before you say or do anything. You don’t have to make a statement, but you do have to tell the police some basic information about yourself.

    • Legal aid

      If you cannot afford to pay for a lawyer, you can apply for legal aid.

    • Going to court as a witness

      If you're asked to give evidence in court, you’ll have to swear to tell the truth and answer any questions the judge says you have to answer.

    • Appearing in court

      You’ll first appear to enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, you’ll appear again at a later date. If you plead guilty, you’ll either be sentenced immediately or appear later for sentencing.

  • Prison life

    • Prison life and going to prison

      If you’re convicted of a crime and sentenced to a prison term, or if you’re awaiting trial or sentencing without bail, you’ll go to prison.

    • Support someone in prison

      If you know someone in prison, you can support them by visiting, calling or writing to them.

  • Human rights in NZ

    • Human rights and freedoms

      All New Zealanders are entitled to basic human rights and freedoms to protect them from unlawful discrimination. Find out about your rights, and how to get help or make a complaint.

    • Complain about discrimination

      Discrimination is illegal — you have the right to complain.

  • Telling someone about your criminal record
  • Identity theft
  • Scams
  • Making a statutory declaration
  • Online safety