News

Officially, from today, JPs can expect to be presented with new application forms for the 18+, Evidence of Age document. 

The new form is still issued by the Hospitality Association of New Zealand and processed at NZ Post’s PostShops. 

The latest version of the application form has a fresh, modern design and it’s similar to the old one in that the same proof of identity is required together with a recent photo… along the applicant’s Statutory Declaration saying “everything in this form is true”.

JPs will find the Statutory Declaration is step 6 in the process, not with the wording “Statutory Declaration” as such, but look out for this…

Step 6 | Official statement that you are telling the truth…

which includes the usual “solemnly and sincerely declare…. etc” and wording designed to be easily understood by young people.

Old application forms will still be acceptable until supplies are exhausted. The 18+ card has also been redesigned.

This year’s Auckland Regional Conference is being held on Sunday 14th September 10am - 3pm at Alexandra Park, Epsom. Registrations are now open – the form’s found in the Members’ Section of our website and can be returned  on-line (see below for details to access Members' Section)

A varied programme has been arranged by Wallis Walker, Auckland Regional Representative to Royal Federation.

Included is an address by Bruce Adin speaking on Population Trends, updates on Support Groups and further information on the “Active and Trained” initiative – a move to get more JPs involved in community service. 

There’s also opportunity for members to suggest remits for next year’s National Conference in Auckland.

Members: Access the Members Section of the website this way…. on the Any Page ...

Enter Username: your surname and JP number e.g. Bloggs92345 (if your number is fewer than 5 letters put noughts in front to make it up to 5 numbers)

Enter Password: your date of birth ddmmyyyy, e.g.  21st May 1999 will be  21051999

Press Log In and go to Regional Conference 2014.  

For a direct link click here for the the Region Conference Page

The Association has recently received several expressions of concern regarding the use of the letters 'JP' and/or the words 'Justice of the Peace' by JPs who are also marriage/civil union celebrants.

From time to time we also receive complaints about other professionals using the letters 'JP' and/or the words 'Justice of the Peace'.

In 2010 the Royal Federation conference discussed and agreed on guidelines for the use of 'JP' and/or 'Justice of the Peace'.  These guidelines can be found in the members' section of  the Association's website.

All JPs are reminded that the letters ‘JP’ or the words 'Justice of the Peace' should never give the impression of furthering trade, business or professional interests.

Otara Support Group – Has appointed Rosie Brown, J.P. as Pacific Liaison Officer to help the many Pacific Island J.P.s who work in the district.

Mt Albert Support Group – Last meeting was addressed by a Police Sergeant who spoke on identity crime and fraud, passing on useful tips on what to look out for, as well as advice for personal safety when strangers come to our home.

Botany Service Desk at CAB - Latest monthly return shows 167 clients, 501 Certified Copies, 70 Statutory Declarations. Not bad business for 3 afternoons a week! 

Helensville Support Group - meetings are divided with the first hour is devoted to local issues and sharing experiences, while the second hour is occupied with in-house training. The group recently celebrated mid-winter with a special dinner. 

Northcote Service Desk - has moved with the CAB to new premises in the local library complex, 5 Ernie Mays Street right in the heart of Northcote.

Waiheke Support Group plans to add to current sessions at the CAB with members rostered on Saturday mornings.

Hibiscus Coast Support Group, growing in number, has held recent meetings with training centred on personal safety and privacy matters.

Remuera Support Group’s next meeting will discuss J.P. roles in the upcoming General Election.

We will catch up with other Support Groups and Service Desks in later Round Ups.  

The draft of the proposed new Rules of the Association (updating the current Constitution) is now available for perusal in the Members Only section on the website, together with a memo from President Colin Davis.

A committee of Council recently completed a revision of the Constitution which was originally implemented in 1997 and had been amended, piecemeal, over the years. The committee says every effort’s been made to use plain language to assist easy understanding.

The Registrar, Roger Brookes, will receive submissions until the end of the first week of September.

Members will be asked to approve the final draft of the new Rules at the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 29th October.

Members: Access the Members Section of the website this way…. on the Home Page ...

Enter Username:  your surname and JP number  e.g. Bloggs92345 (if your number is fewer than 5 letters put noughts in front to make it up to 5 numbers)

Enter Password: your date of birth ddmmyyyy, e.g.  21121999

Press Log In

Access the Draft Rules this way…

Go to Members Home Page. (another link at the bottom every page)
Look down the page until you see Notices
Click on Constitution - Rules of the Association

Update: Or you can just download them on the links below!

Draft Rules 2014

Report Accompanying Draft Rules 2014

In initial conversation with the couple in front of me during my session at the Service Desk it was obvious that English was their second language. The document they presented had already been processed as a Statutory Declaration by another J.P.

So, why had they come to the CAB to see another J.P. and what did they want me to do?

The gentleman pointed to Section 18 which in the document followed the Statutory Declaration and stood out as the only section not signed off. Section 18 asked “Is the applicant of sound mind?”

I told the couple that as a J. P. I was not qualified, nor prepared, to sign on the dotted line. Once this had sunk in disappointment was written large over both faces, but the woman dived into her bag, and produced a letter, a guide to help complete the form. She thrust it out, confident this would solve any problem and that, in a flash, I would be signing and stamping the document.

“Section 18….” the notes said “… must be completed by a registered medical practitioner who has known you for at least 6 months”

Right, I concluded, just a small misunderstanding because of the way spoken English sounds, and only one letter out! The applicant needs a G.P. rather than a J.P.!

The Association is joining with Royal Federation and the Ministry of Justice, playing catch-up on well-deserved recognition of those Justices of the Peace who have served over the decades.

The Ministry recently agreed to award a certificate for those achieving 30 years and 10 members of our Association will soon receive their certificates.

The Registrar is advising Royal Federation of a number of Auckland J.P.s who have served as many as 57 years, asking that they be accorded some form of recognition.