Restorative Justice in New Zealand: What It Is and How It Can Help Your Case
If you’ve been charged with an offence in New Zealand, you may have the option to take part in restorative justice a process that focuses on healing, accountability, and making amends. For many clients, restorative justice can lead to reduced sentences, better outcomes in court, and genuine resolution for everyone involved.
At Anj Singh Law, I have supported many clients through restorative justice with thoughtful preparation and guidance. This process is not about punishment it’s about understanding, repairing harm, and moving forward with dignity and insight.
This blog explains what restorative justice is, how it works, who qualifies, and how it can help your case.
What Is Restorative Justice?
Restorative justice is a structured, voluntary meeting between the person who committed an offence (the defendant) and the person who was harmed (the victim). It gives both parties a safe, respectful space to:
Talk about what happened
Share how they were affected
Ask questions and express feelings
Explore how the harm can be repaired
It is facilitated by trained restorative justice professionals and usually takes place before sentencing.
What Are the Goals of Restorative Justice?
Restorative justice focuses on healing, accountability, and resolution. The aim is not to shame the offender, but to give both sides a voice and create a path forward.
For the defendant, it can:
Show the court that you take responsibility
Give you a chance to apologise directly
Help you understand the harm caused
Support you in making meaningful amends
For the victim, it can:
Offer answers or closure
Allow them to speak honestly and safely
Give them a sense of control in the justice process
Who Can Participate?
Restorative justice is not available in every case, but you may be eligible if:
You have pleaded guilty to the charge
There is a clear victim who is willing to participate
The offence is appropriate for dialogue (e.g. assault, theft, property damage, family violence, youth offending)
You are willing to accept responsibility and take part in good faith
Participation must be voluntary for both the offender and the victim.
The court may refer you to restorative justice, or your lawyer can request a referral. Judges often support these referrals where appropriate.
What Happens During the Process?
Here’s how restorative justice typically works in New Zealand:
1. Referral
You are referred to a local restorative justice provider after pleading guilty and before sentencing.
2. Pre-Conference Preparation
A trained facilitator meets separately with you and the victim to explain the process and make sure everyone feels safe and supported.
3. Restorative Justice Conference
If everyone agrees, a conference is held—often in a neutral location. The facilitator guides the discussion. You will have a chance to speak, listen, and work toward a resolution.
4. Outcome Report
After the meeting, the facilitator writes a report for the judge. This includes:
What was discussed
How you responded
What outcomes were agreed (e.g. apology, reparation, counselling, community work)
This report is then taken into account at sentencing.
How Can It Help Your Case?
Participation in restorative justice shows the court that you are taking accountability and making real efforts to address the harm caused. This can result in:
A lighter sentence (such as a discharge without conviction, supervision, or community-based sentence)
Reparation being recognised
The court seeing you as rehabilitative, not just punitive
In some cases, the judge may refer to your efforts as a key reason for avoiding imprisonment
Restorative justice does not guarantee a specific outcome, but it often plays a powerful role in sentencing decisions.
Why Preparation Matters
Restorative justice is meaningful but it is also emotional. Being prepared is essential.
As your lawyer, I will:
Help you understand what to expect
Assist in preparing a genuine statement of apology
Ensure you are ready to participate respectfully and safely
Work with the facilitator and prosecution where necessary
Present the outcome to the judge in a way that supports your sentencing goals
Restorative Justice Is a Second Chance to Do the Right Thing
Facing a criminal charge is difficult. But restorative justice gives you the opportunity to take control of your story, make amends, and show the court that you are serious about change.
At Anj Singh Law, I approach this process with empathy, structure, and cultural understanding especially when working with rangatahi, Māori and Pasifika clients, and those affected by trauma.
Let’s Talk About Whether It’s Right for You
If you have pleaded guilty and want to explore restorative justice, contact me today. I will assess your case, talk you through your options, and help you approach the process with confidence and integrity.
📞 Contact Us Now for personalised legal advice and support through every step of your case. Together, we can turn a difficult situation into a constructive outcome.
