Ministry of Justice apologises for erroneous fine text messages

Tuesday 26 August 2025 · 4 outlets · 5 reports · updated Tue 26 Aug 2025, 6:07pm

In this story Ministry of Justice

Around 8,000 people incorrectly received text messages regarding a $135 fine due to a system error on Monday afternoon. The messages included bank details and reference numbers, with some individuals receiving the same text up to eight times. The Ministry of Justice has issued an apology for the mistake.

How they headlined it

5:12pm

1. 1NewsTue 26 Aug 2025, 5:12pm

   Thousands sent texts about fine in error by Justice Ministry (opens in new tab)

2. RNZTue 26 Aug 2025, 5:39pm

   Ministry of Justice apologises after thousands sent texts about fines (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesTue 26 Aug 2025, 5:52pm

   Thousands incorrectly told of fines by Ministry of Justice (opens in new tab)

   • Thousands get incorrect fine texts from Ministry of Justice (opens in new tab) Tue 26 Aug 2025, 5:52pm
4. NZ HeraldTue 26 Aug 2025, 6:07pm

   Justice Ministry apologises after fines text mistakenly sent to thousands of people (opens in new tab)