Almost $3 million in reparation ordered through Otago courts remains outstanding, as the Government strengthens its collection measures.
As at July 31, $2,852,401 of reparation relating to Otago courts had yet to be collected, although all but $718,117 was subject to a payment arrangement.
In the 2011-12 financial year, $921,949 of reparation was collected throughout the region.
The Government enhanced court powers to collect fines and reparation through the Courts and Criminal Matters Bill, changes to which were implemented this month.
From February, those who refused to pay fines and reparation were subject to credit reporting, and now judges could cancel reparation orders and replace them with sentences, including home detention or imprisonment.
It meant fines and reparation remained credible sanctions, Courts Minister Chester Borrows said.
"Reparation payments are an effective form of punishment, but sometimes reparation orders are made after unreasonable promises to pay, are simply never paid, or take so long to pay the order is worthless."
Next year, a further initiative would allow the court to suspend driver's licences for unpaid traffic-related fines.
New legislation also allowed people to contest fines through the internet, as well as by post or in person at court.
