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Sending the wrong message to fines defaulters

Pay or Stay

The Ministry of Justice has just launched an advertising campaign warning people with outstanding fines that they will not be permitted to leave the country. But it’s hardly about to put the fear of God into fines defaulters.

The campaign is called “Pay or Stay” and I suppose it’s an accurate summary of the legislation which is so wishy washy that offenders are permitted to owe up to $5000 before being prevented from leaving the country. If they have managed to run up such a staggering total – and avoid paying it – then they must stay in Godzone. This is a disincentive?

Wouldn’t it be better to give fines defaulters a message that might actually make them think about paying up? Something like “Pay EVEN IF YOU Stay” or “Pay OR Prison”?