A Bill to modernise and introduce significant changes to the role of Justices of the Peace (JP) has been put into the ballot by Labour MP, Jenny Salesa.
The most notable change proposed in the Justices of the Peace (Regulating Justices) Amendment Bill is replacement of lifetime tenure for JPs with a renewable 5-year tenure.
The Bill also envisages to ‘modernise’ the role of JPs, ‘ensuring they remain active in their communities, connected with other JPs’ and their ongoing professional development to ‘ensure New Zealanders have access to consistent, timely, and high-quality JP services.’
“JPs hold a key and trusted role within our communities and it’s important they are equipped with the resources and support to serve their communities well,” says Labour MP Jenny Salesa.
“I have been working with the Auckland JP Association for more than a year now to address some of the issues raised with JPs and MPs.
“The proposed Bill aims to ensure that all New Zealanders have access to consistent, high-quality, and timely JP services, while supporting the recruitment, retention, and professional development of JPs.
“Proposed changes include JPs being reappointed every five years and required to join the JP association. They will also be required to undergo a minimum of two hours of training annually and perform duties for at least 12 individuals per registration year.
“Existing JPs will have a four-year grace period to meet the new training and service requirements.
“I think of constituents in my own electorate of Pānmure-Ōtāhuhu who rely on these services. Some who will be handling legal documents for the first time on their own, and others who might need extra support.
“Updating this legislation reflects a balanced approach to modernising the JP system, ensuring accountability, consistency, and quality in services while respecting the voluntary nature JPs have in serving their communities,” Labour MP Salesa says.
The Bill also establishes specific annual requirements for JPs including mandatory membership in a Justice of the Peace association and ongoing education and training.
According to the proposed amendment, these measures “balance the volunteer nature of JP service with the need for competence, training, and consistent public service delivery.”
Justices of the Peace are trained, trusted members of the local community and commit themselves to serve their community for no monetary rewards. Their services include administering statutory declaration or affidavit, witnessing signatures on documents, confirming identity for various agencies, etc.
