Northland JP Brian Jaques still going strong at 82

At 82 and even after serving as a JP for 45 years, Kaiwaka's Brian Jaques still has a burning desire to serve his community.

Brian Jaques has spent more than half his life serving as a Justice of the Peace and has no plans to call it quits any time soon.

He was sworn in as a JP in 1971 at Maungaturoto Court after being nominated by the then Otamatea County Council while he was running the F J Jaques Store, which was started by his father Frank in 1924.

The great-grandfather, aged 82, is one of Northland's longest serving JPs.

Tomorrow Mr Jaques will celebrate with other JPs the 65th anniversary of the Northland Justices of the Peace Association. There are 145 members in the association.

He and Joan Howse - a long-serving former JP who was appointed in 1974 - will cut a cake during a special morning tea at A'Fare on Lower Dent St.

The association covers areas from Kaiwaka to Towai, including Dargaville.

Mr Jaques said the work of JPs, particularly in smaller towns in Northland, was just as important these days as it was when he was appointed.

"If it wasn't for JPs, people would have to find solicitors to do their work. Having them in smaller or even bigger towns like Whangarei makes it easier for people to have their documents signed."

He said the work of JPs had not changed over the years but noted there was more education and training these days, often three or four times a year.

Mr Jaques said having more JPs meant they were easily accessible to people.
On whether he planned to retire, Mr Jaques said he still enjoyed volunteer work and was busier than ever.

"I enjoyed my time as a JP and am still enjoying the work. I am just glad to help people who need my services."

Mr Jaques has worked in the family store, now known as Jaques Four Square, all his working life after starting there in 1950.

He and his four brothers took over running the supermarket in 1967 before Mr Jaques' sons Glen and Greg took charge in 1998.

He still helps out with odd jobs such as packing shelves three days a week.

Mr Jaques has volunteered for several organisations in his community over the years, including Kaiwaka Rugby Club, Eastern United RFC and Kaiwaka Sports Association.

In 1992, he received the Queen's Service Medal for services to the public and district.