Change of guard for Justice of the Peace

ROYAL OCCASION: Back row (from left) incoming Wairarapa JP council president Peter Debney, Royal Federation vice president Graeme Kitto, Royal Federation president Greg Weake, Southern region representative Bill Saxton, Royal Federation immediate past president Kevin Geddes and outgoing Wairarapa JP president John Bunny. Front: Northern region representative Racheal O'Grady, Central region representative Denise Hutchins and Auckland region representative Pat Samson.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Wairarapa Justice of the Peace council president John Bunny has stepped down from the position after a "thoroughly enjoyed" two-year term.

Mr Bunny handed over the reigns to unsuccessful Masterton District Council candidate Peter Debney at the recent Wairarapa JPs annual general meeting at the Copthorne Hotel, in Masterton.

Mr Bunny, who was appointed as a JP in 2007, moved up the ranks from vice president, to senior vice president, to president. He now assumes the position of immediate past president.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed being the president and I'm happy to hand over the reigns and for Peter to carry on the work," he said.

JPs have ministerial and judicial powers, such as witnessing documents and taking declarations. Specially trained JPs can sit in the District Court to hear minor traffic and some summary offences.

The 84 Wairarapa JPs in attendance also welcomed a special appearance from members of the Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices Associations, the national body which represent JPs throughout New Zealand.

"It just so happened this one was different in that the Royal Federation board, based in Wellington and has representatives throughout New Zealand, decided to join with us at our annual general meeting.

"It's a pretty unusual occasion to happen, it was a bit of a feather in the cap really, having them come and visit us," Mr Bunny said.

Next February JPs will gather in Waitangi to celebrate 200 years of service in New Zealand.