Applying is free. You do not need a lawyer.

Apply now

 
Who can apply 

You can apply if:

• You must have been convicted of a criminal offence in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
• You believe there may have been a miscarriage of justice in your case.
• You have already appealed your convictionor sentence.

You can apply yourself, or someone can apply on your behalf with your permission.
 

Before you apply 

Important things to know before you apply  

• We are independent of the courts, Police and Government.
• We do not decide guilt or innocence.
• We investigate and review whether there may have been a miscarriage of justice.
• If it is in the interests of justice we refer your case to the court of appeal.
• The court of appeal then decides the outcome.

We will keep you informed about the outcome of your application.
 
 

 
What happens when you apply 

1. We assess your application and any supporting information. 
2. We investigate and review whether something may have gone wrong with your case.
3. If we consider it is in the interests of justice, we can refer the case back to the Court of Appeal.
4. The Court of Appeal then decides the outcome.

We will keep you informed about the progress of your application.
 

Pātai auau | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Read answers to common questions about applying and how cases are reviewed.

FAQs
 

Application form 

Download the applicaton form in your preferred language

• English (PDF)
• Te Reo Māori (PDF)
• Gagana Samoa (PDF)
• Cook Islands Māori (PDF)
• Tongan (PDF)
• Niuean (PDF)
• Chinese (PDF)