National Justices of the Peace conference in Rotorua

Members of the Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices' Association Board at the mayoral reception held yesterday. Photo/Supplied

More than 100 of New Zealand's 6500 Justices of the Peace are in Rotorua for the 89th annual Conference and AGM of the Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices' Association.

The three-day conference will be attended by 130 JPs and begins tomorrow.

Mayor Steve Chadwick welcomed members of the Federation Board at a mayoral reception at the Rotorua Lakes Council Chambers yesterday, acknowledging the significant voluntary service of JPs, describing them as "the community face of the justice system".

Mrs Chadwick reflected on the fact JPs had been serving the community since 1814 and being the first woman mayor of Rotorua, for her it was extra special to be welcoming Royal Federation president Denise Hutchins and vice president Rachael O'Grady as it was the first time in the Federation's history that there are women in both leadership positions at the same time.

Also in attendance at yesterday's reception were Rotorua and Districts JP Association president Noel Stevens, vice president Kathy Doyle, and long serving registrar Barry Gaylard.

There are approximately 200 JPs in the Rotorua district, which includes Taupo, Turangi, Tokoroa, and eastwards to Galatea, Minginui and Murupara.

Justices of the Peace receive their warrant from the Governor General and provide a range of services largely related to witnessing and certifying documents and taking affidavits and statutory declarations.

Increasingly, the documents JPs are verifying are in electronic form.

In addition to the ministerial duties of JPs, a small number assist with court work following completion of special training for those duties.

The conference is running March 3-5 at the Distinction Hotel.