Ashburton’s Justice of the Peace drop-in signing centre is moving to a new location.
For about 15 years now those wanting to access the services of a Justice of the Peace have been able to go to the signing centre at Community House Mid Canterbury. But from April 1, it will be at the town’s library, Te Kete Tuhinga.
JP signing centre coordinator Kirsty Shearer said since its establishment, the centre had proved valuable, enabling people to easily access a JP.
It also meant they did not have to go to Justice’s homes.
‘‘This lessened the risk of unwanted complications and making it safer for Justices,’’ Shearer said.
The free service operates on Tuesdays and Fridays from noon to 2pm. There is no need to make an appointment.
During a calendar year, 24 volunteer JPs in Mid Canterbury are available at the centre.
They work in pairs, and certify copies of documents such as driver licences, birth certificates, passports and qualification certificates. Other documents include KiwiSaver withdrawals, partner/family sponsorship NZ Immigration, Dissolution of Marriages, affidavits statutory declarations, witnessing a signature and identity of client’s certification.
Those attending need to bring proof of identity, completed forms and paperwork, including the instructions agencies need to be followed, and where necessary copies of documents.
A variety of forms of identification can be used such as passport, gun license and community service cards.
Each year new JPs are sworn in, ensuring the diversity of the district is reflected in the JPs and that there is a good spread of JPs around Mid Canterbury.
While it is still possible for people to contact a JP to arrange to meet, more people are choosing to visit a signing centre.
Since 2017 until the end of 2024, JPs have spent about 3700 hours at the signing centre seeing more than 8500 clients while processing more than 25,000 documents. Over time the types of inquiries there have changed, especially with the introduction of the Anti-Money Laundering law.
