KEY POINTS:
The family of murdered Karl Kuchenbecker say they have been overwhelmed by offers of help to pay their legal aid bill.
The 29-year-old father of two was killed by Graeme Burton during a rampage in the Wainuiomata Hills on January 6 last year.
Taxpayers funded the family's representation at the November inquest into Mr Kuchenbecker's death, but the Legal Services Agency, which administers legal aid, has now asked his partner to repay the bill of up to $19,000.
The woman, living on the domestic purposes benefit while she raises two young boys, has been told to pay off the account at a rate of $25 week - which could take 14 years. She has asked not to be identified.
Since news of the request was revealed on Saturday, the family have been flooded with offers of help, and the Government is promising to make the system fairer on victims.
Mr Kuchenbecker's father, Paul, told the Dominion Post his phone was running "pretty hot" with people offering to help pay off the outstanding bill.
"We have had strangers come up with envelopes of money."
The family had rejected all offers to date, but were overwhelmed at the kindness shown.
He would not say how much the offers totalled, saying it was the gesture rather than the amount that was important.
"Whether it's five cents or $50,000, it's about the generosity New Zealanders have felt about the whole thing."
Justice Minister Annette King said she was "alarmed" by the demands being made on the family and promised an urgent examination of the legal aid system.
"[The ministry] will examine what changes are needed to ensure that victims are treated in a caring and compassionate way," she said.
A spokesman for Ms King said the minister was concerned the family did not get victimised twice.
Ms King met Justice officials yesterday morning for her usual weekly meeting, and it was likely she would have more to say on the legal aid issue in a couple of weeks, the spokesman said.
Paul Kuchenbecker said he was heartened by Ms King's comments, as the possibility of repaying legal aid bills could deter other victims from seeking help for representation.
- NZPA
