The Upper Clutha welcomed its newest Justice of the Peace (JP) at a ceremony held in Queenstown in September.

Jane Stalker, best known for her role in organising the annual Wānaka A&P Show, was sworn in at the Queenstown District Court and Central Otago Justice of The Peace Association president Ralph Fegan says more local JPs are needed.

“In the Upper Clutha area we have around 30 active JP’s including [in] Luggate, Lake Hāwea and Wānaka,” Ralph said. 

“It would be nice to have some further people in Lake Hāwea [and] Makarora along with Cardrona.”

Ralph said the role of a JP is “many and varied”, from certifying copies of passports, birth certificates and property transactions through to authorising the release of Kiwi Saver funds and the dissolution of marriage.

Ralph said the voluntary role involves serious duties and responsibilities which provides a satisfying career in serving the public in the district.

“The whole process for a new JP takes around 12 months to enact,” Ralph said.

“Each new appointment is signed off by the Governor General and a warrant card is issued.”

JPs swear the same oath as judges, community magistrates and dispute referees to ‘do the right to all people after the laws and usages of New Zealand without fear or favour and affection or ill will’.

Anyone interested in becoming a JP is asked to contact Ralph Fegan directly by phoning 0274323616.

If you require the services of a JP they can be found here, or call Community Networks to book an appointment. JP services are provided free of charge.

PHOTO: Supplied