>>509188710
If you didn't know, you have to pay for Legal Aid in New Zealand.
Even if you're on a benefit you have to prove that paying $20 fortnightly would destroy your life.
Which means you have to be on a permanent Medical Benefit to qualify because otherwise it's expected that you will have a job in the near future and be capable of paying.

It's proper bullshit, cops can charge you with a crime, you get Legal Aid, and Win!, except you never win because now you have a $7,000 bill for 3 court sessions even though the charges were always bogus.
It's a poor tax.
All fines, taxes and charges related to the government in NZ is just poor tax.