Service desk boosts JPs' links with public

HERE TO HELP: Peter Debney, Justice of the Peace and president of the Wairarapa JP Association, and Masterton Court Services manager Lauri Blyth-Carter, stand beside a sign promoting Justice of the Peace services available at Masterton District Court.PHOTO/ANDREW BONALLACK

Need the services of a Justice of the Peace?

You'll now find them regularly fronting a Wairarapa JP Association service desk at Masterton District Court on Fridays.

In a joint initiative with Masterton Court Services manager Lauri Blyth-Carter, the desk will start operating on May 30 and continue each Friday from 11am to 1pm.

Association president Peter Debney said 2014 is "The Year of the JP", in conjunction with the 200th anniversary since the first Justice of the Peace was appointed to New Zealand. The Wairarapa JP Association has undertaken to boost service desks across the region, with a goal to create a desk in each township.

"It's providing that link in the community, the JP providing that first step in the justice process."

Examples of JP services are completing oaths, applications for separations and witnessing documents, he said.

Ms Blyth-Carter, a court registrar, has welcomed the desk at court, which also has its own walk-in services such as collections and fines.

"We just think it will deliver better customer services, with a shared counter with the JPs," she said. "It's a great benefit to have the resources of the JPs."