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Story: Victims of crime

Unusual restorative justice

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Unusual restorative justice

In early 2008 John Little (left), guitarist in Whanganui heavy-metal band Pariah, assaulted a man while drunk. As well as apologising and paying reparation to the victim, Little had to take part in a restorative justice programme, including community service. Little suggested that as part of this, Pariah could raise money for Victim Support. The idea went down well with both victim and judge. The band is seen playing at the first of two fundraising gigs in Whanganui's Majestic Square.

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Whanganui Chronicle

Reference: 200908WCNEMETAL3

by Nikki Williams

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How to cite this page

Nancy Swarbrick, Victims of crime – Law reforms, 1990s and 21st century, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/26853/unusual-restorative-justice (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 22 March 2011.