What does a Justice of the Peace (JP) do?
How does somebody become a Justice of the Peace?
How do I find a Justice of the Peace?
What does a Notary Public do?
How do I become a Notary Public?
How do I find a Notary Public?
What does a Justice of the Peace (JP) do?
All JP services are free. They have two sets of responsibilities – ministerial and judicial. Their ministerial roles include;
- Witnessing documents such as passport applications and applications for citizenship
- Taking declarations, affidavits or affirmations
- Certifying copies
- Witnessing signatures
Judicial duties require additional specific training and could include;
- Hearing summary offences
- Conducting traffic courts
- Hearing bail applications and requests for remands and adjournments
- Issuing search warrants
How does somebody become a Justice of the Peace?
You can talk to your local Member of Parliament (MP) if you’re interested in becoming a Justice of the Peace – your MP can tell you about the responsibilities of the role, and whether you’ve got the right qualifications. MPs can nominate suitable people to the Minister of Justice. If you’re suitable, then you’ll take an oath of office – the same oath taken by Judges of the High Court and the District Court.
The Royal Federation of NZ Justices' Association describes JP nominees as having;
- An adequate standard of education
- A genuine desire to serve the community
- A good standing in their community
- Respect as a person of good sense, character, and integrity
How do I find a Justice of the Peace?
Look in the Yellow Pages under ‘Justices of the Peace’.
The Citizens Advice Bureau can also help you find a JP. Many Bureaux have volunteers who are JPs and can provide JP services to members of the public. Some of our Bureaux hold JP clinics where members of the public can receive JP services at designated times at the Bureau. Contact your local CAB for more information.
What does a Notary Public do?
Notaries Public are not as well known as JPs because they have specialised services that you’ll usually have to pay for. Their responsibilities include;
- Authenticating documents
- Taking affidavits and declarations
- Administering oaths
- Certifying copies of documents and signatures
- Preparing documents that will be used overseas, e.g. documents for adopting an overseas child.
How do I become a Notary Public?
You have to be a qualified solicitor with several years experience, and you need to take an oath of office.
How do I find a Notary Public?
You can contact your local CAB .
Or else, there is a list of Notaries Public available through the Embassy of the United States of America's website or through Finda.