Why Become a JP?
Becoming a Justice of the Peace is an interesting and effective way to serve your community and to show manaakitanga (showing respect, generosity and care for people). As a JP you will help people from all walks of life, often for many years.
We welcome applications from people of all ages who value honesty and service and have community links. Community links might include a community or ethnic group, your iwi, your church, your workplace, or your study place.
How To Become a JP
If you would like to become a Justice of the Peace, the first step is to download and fill in the nomination form (see link below) and get the Statutory Declaration part of the form completed in front of a Justice of the Peace. Then contact your local Member of Parliament’s office for an appointment to hand in the nomination form. Your MP will usually interview you (with your whānau if you wish), before passing the form on to the Ministry of Justice. There is a link below to help you find your local MP.
Once checked by the Ministry of Justice and accepted in principle as suitable, there is an interview with a senior member of your local JP Association and a representative from the Ministry of Justice . You are welcome to bring whānau to this interview.
If both the Ministry of Justice and the Association recommend you to be a JP, then the Ministry will issue provisional approval and you will be trained in the “Ministerial” functions so you can confidently:
- Witness signatures on documents
- Certify copies of documents (including email attachments and phone messages)
- Take oaths, declarations, affidavits or affirmations
- Confirm a person’s identity
The final steps are publication of your name in the NZ Gazette followed by being sworn in before a District Court Judge (whānau are also welcome to attend this event).
The whole process usually takes at least six to twelve months.
Who is Suitable?
An ideal nominee for a JP is someone who has community links and is happy to be regularly available to everyone, whether its in a workplace, a community setting such as a library, a church, an Office or marae. They will also speak and write English well.
We are especially looking for diversity, younger JPs still in the workforce, people with iwi links, and people who can can speak more than one language.
JPs must also be confident on a computer and it’s essential that they have never been declared bankrupt or had a criminal record.
Forms and Further Information
Click here to download a nomination form: Justice of the Peace Nomination Form
Click here to find out how to contact your local Member of Parliament: Who is my MP ?
This website from the Ministry of Justice provides more information about the functions of a JP and the appointment process: Ministry of Justice website
If you still have questions or if you need more information contact us using the Contact Us button above.
