Yesterday, Justice Minister Simon Power announced the levy collection rate reached its first year target of $2 million last month - five months earlier than expected.
But critics have pointed out that with the impost of establishing and running the scheme at $2.4 million, it has cost more than it has returned.
Figures released to the Otago Daily Times show $82,818 was collected in Otago, $88,916 in Southland, with $37,172 in South Canterbury and $242,801 in North Canterbury.
From July 1 last year, convicted offenders were required to pay a $50 levy at the time of sentencing, regardless of the crime they committed.
Mr Power said the Government achieved the $2 million levy target earlier after 55% - rather than the anticipated 42% - of offenders paid the $50 levy.
"That's fantastic news for victims of crime because it means we can put more into services for them," he said.
"This levy is an important part of the Government's work programme to put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system."
"Because of this levy, victims of serious crime are now getting some entitlements and services they never had."
Labour law and order spokesman Clayton Cosgrove says Labour's prediction that National's $50 levy on every offender would cost more to administer than it would raise to help victims is being borne out.
