How to become a Justice of the Peace
Our Services
Becoming a Justice of the Peace is an interesting and worthwhile way to serve your community – to show manaakitanga. Justices of the Peace provide voluntary service from their homes and some workplaces by appointment and at the 19 Library and Community Centre-based Service Desks across the Canterbury Region.
As a JP you will help people from all walks of life, often for many years. The office of a Justice of the Peace has responsibilities that involve dealing with the private affairs and rights of individuals from all races, creeds and backgrounds and, as such demands sensitivity, and the maintenance of high standards in both the private and working lives of Justices of the Peace.
How to become a Justice of the Peace for New Zealand
If you would like to become a JP, click the button below to download ‘A Guide to becoming a JP’.
You should also check the Royal Federation Website where there is a section on Advice for Intending Nominees to the Office of Justice of the Peace for New Zealand.
Nominations for Appointment are only accepted from the Member of Parliament for the Electorate when the nominee resides. In order to apply go to your local Member of Parliament’s office where nomination forms and further information is available.
Training
The Canterbury Justices of the Peace Education Team provide Initial training for new Justices of the Peace.
Although the core tasks of a Justice of the Peace are relatively straightforward, it is important that Justices of the Peace keep up to date and are therefore competent to do the tasks. There are often procedural and technological changes to be aware of, as well as new questions and concerns brought about by various client requests and circumstances. These form the basis of the ongoing education sessions offered regularly by our Association. It is a requirement of the Code of Conduct that Justices of the Peace attend education sessions, and you are encouraged to attend as often as possible.
We ask all Justices of the Peace working on our service desks to be Accredited. This means that the Justice regularly participates in ongoing education and assessment to ensure that they are providing a professional service.
Contact
If you would like to talk to someone about becoming a Justice of the Peace please contact the Canterbury Justice of the Peace Association Registrar: Mr. Kevin Felstead.