Teina Pora has made a formal claim for compensation for wrongful conviction and imprisonment.
Justice Minister Amy Adams confirmed today she had received a letter from Mr Pora's lawyers notifying her of the claim.
Mr Pora was convicted of the rape and murder of Susan Burdett, and served more than 21 years in prison before the Privy Council quashed his conviction in March. He will not be retried.
Ms Adams said as a retrial was not ordered, the application was within Cabinet guidelines for compensation.
She would be seeking advice from officials on the next steps.