How to Become a Justice of the Peace in New Zealand
New Zealand, like other former British colonies, has justices of the peace assist in legal matters, and there are several stages to achieve the position. First, your local member of Parliament decides the area needs more justices, often after advice from the closest justice of the peace association. Candidates then interview with their local District Court registrar, who reports to the associate minister of justice. After more reports, a vetting process and a period of candidate training, nominations go to the governor general, who makes the final appointment, says Nathan Guy, associate minister of justice.
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Instructions
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Be needed. Every member of Parliament must ensure that the electorate has enough justices who represent the electorate's demographic. At the associate ministerial vetting stage, the local justice of the peace association will say whether it needs more. As Guy says, "the purpose of the appointment is not to bestow an honor on a deserving citizen but to meet a public need."
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Be of good character and willing to serve. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude a nominee, but they must not be hidden either, Guy says. Bankruptcy will disqualify a candidate. To guard against a self-serving justice, nominees must provide: two letters of support from recognized community organizations, a work and community involvement curriculum vitae, and a self-written paragraph giving reasons for wanting to become a justice. "There must be no conflict, or perception of conflict of interest; the nominee must be respected as a person of good sense and integrity," Guy says.
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Be able to deal with legal matters and documents professionally. This is a judgment that the nominating member of Parliament must make as well. The Wellington Justices of the Peace Association says New Zealand justices will train for ministerial duties; witness signatures; certify documents; take statutory declarations, affidavits, affirmations, land transfer documents and marriage dissolution initial documents; and occasionally act for the coroner. Judicial duties require more training and include issuing summonses and search and arrest warrants, as well as receiving information and complaints. You will need ongoing training provided by your local Justices' Association to keep up with new legislation and to maintain knowledge. New Zealand justice's cannot perform marriages as part of their function. They must be a qualified marriage celebrant.
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Have the right job. Several community-oriented occupations preclude service as a justice of the peace: members of Parliament, clergy and persons in religious orders (because of the confidential nature of their work), barristers and solicitors, medical practitioners, public servants, and police officers.
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Tips & Warnings
Be prepared to wait. The process may take six months, according to the Wellington Justices of the Peace Association.
References
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