New Justice Minister Kiri Allan says victims of crime deserve better support, but is yet to specify how she'll improve what's on offer.
New Justice Minister Kiri Allan says crime victims deserve better. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Just 4 percent of eligible victims are getting the financial support they're entitled to through the Victim Assistance Scheme (VAS).
RNZ has reported that a budget bid shows this low uptake rate is strategic; the scheme deliberately under-promoted to stay within budget.
The Ministry of Justice document implicates both the ministry and Victim Support, the charity it contracts to run the VAS, as being responsible.
"This approach is untenable because victims are being deliberately excluded from accessing support they are entitled to receive," it reads.
"If this was widely known, it would erode public confidence and undermine the stated ethos of access to justice."
In a statement, Allan said victims of crime deserved better without saying what she would do differently.
She had been advised the ministry will review and change the scheme to better-promote its service, she said.