Information sharing between the ministry and credit reporting agencies, Inland Revenue and the Ministry of Social Development was also helping to reduce amounts owed.
The total value of Wairarapa fines imposed dropped from $6,642,611 to $4,163,647 in the past five years, part of a trend that has seen falling crime rates leading to less fines being imposed nationwide, said Courts Minister Chester Borrows.
Masterton lawyer Frank Minehan said it was common for clients to get fines remitted to community work, although he had not noticed an increase in the practice.
"I think we have to see it in the context of the overall Government claim that crime - in terms of being brought to prosecution - had steadily declined."
Ministry of Justice collections general manager Bryre Patchell said nationally the ministry collected just under $250 million in fines and reparation each year on behalf of victims, local authorities, and agencies such as the police.
About 90 per cent of the money collected was for traffic-related offences.
"The amount of outstanding fines and reparation are at levels that haven't been seen for a decade, with $560.57 million owing at April 30, 2014, down from about $806 million in 2009."
While the ministry attempted to seek full payment of fines or negotiate payment, enforcement actions were taken when required and the ministry's efforts were "paying off".
Enforcement included claiming vehicles, seizing and selling property, making compulsory deductions from a person's income or bank account, suspending driver licences or preventing travel. APNZ
