Who are we?
We are the Hutt Valley and Districts Justices’ of the Peace Association. The Association was formed in 1960 as a branch of the Wellington Justices of the Peace Association. It became a separate Association in 1973 and has just celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
How many Members do you have?
As at 14 January 2025 we have 126 Members in our Association. Members range in age from 31 to 90 and cover a range of cultures.
What area do you cover?
The geographical area we cover runs from Kaitoke in the north to Wainuiomata in the south.
The Associations comes under 4 Electorates – Remutaka, Hutt South as well as being part of 2 Māori electorates, Ikaroa-Rāwhiti and Te Tai Tonga.
The Association operates 11 “Service Desks” across 10 sites in the Hutt Valley:
Hutt Valley District Court War Memorial Library Wainuiomata Library
Eastbourne Library Taita Library Naenae Library
Petone Library Upper Hutt Library Queensgate
Upper Hutt CAB (Saturdays only) Moera Library (By Appointment)
Members of the Public do not need an appointment to attend a Service Desk. Days of operation, times etc can be found on the Association’s website, www.huttjp.org.nz
Also, Justices of the Peace do not charge for their services. It is a voluntary service.
What is the Management Structure of the organisation?
Like most voluntary organisations, we are registered with the Companies Office as well as Charities Services. Our Management Committee is made up of a President, Vice President, Immediate Past President, Treasurer and 6 Committee Members.
How can I get in touch with the Association?
Go to www.huttjp.org.nz and you will find a link to send an email.
How can I find a Justice of the Peace?
You can find a JP by going to our website www.huttjp.org.nz or to the website of the Royal Federation of NZ Justices’ Association, www.jp.org.nz
Do you have any facts and figures available?
In calendar year 2024 our Service Desks processed 3,861 clients and 11,382 documents.
In April 2024 the Association started collecting data on work undertaken by JPs at their home or work. From April to November 2024, we processed 6,568 clients and 15,507 documents.
What can a JP do?
JPs are sworn judicial officers. They undergo regular training and can:
Witness your signing a document
Certify copies of documents (including email attachments or mobile messages)
Take oaths, declarations, affidavits (including Marriage and Civil Union dissolutions) and affirmations
What else do Justices of the Peace do?
Justices of the Peace can, if they wish, undertake additional training for the following roles:
Judicial Justice of the Peace – attend the District Court and hear defended hearings or applications for Bail.
Issuing Officer – consider applications for Search Warrants and Production Orders.
Visiting Justice – hear charges and appeals relating to offences against Prison discipline.
Assist during a General Election – Under the Electoral Act 1993 to act as an independent observer for various stages of the electoral process (during the issuing of advance votes) and being present during the official count of the votes at the Electoral Headquarters.
Nominated Witness – The Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 stipulates that when Police interview a child or young person under 17 years there must be a parent or guardian present, or another adult nominated by the young person.
If none of these persons is available or the young person declines to accept any of these options, the police can nominate an adult of their choice. This is often a Justice of the Peace who has volunteered for this role.