For many residents, the need for a Justice of the Peace (JP) arises suddenly – often when you are finalising a house purchase, applying for a job, university admission or sorting out financial or legal documents. The Hutt Valley & Districts Justices’ of the Peace Association is here to make that process as accessible and straightforward as possible for our community.

What We Do

Our JP’s are sworn judicial officers who volunteer their time to serve the public. We provide a range of essential administrative and judicial services free of charge. You can visit us to:

• Witness signatures on documents.
• Certify copies of original documents (including text messages or email attachments).
• Take oaths, declarations, affidavits, and affirmations.
• Confirm your identity for financial institutions and other agencies.
• Handle dissolution of marriage or civil union applications.

Where to Find Us

We understand that convenience is key. Our Association covers the entire Hutt Valley —from Wainuiomata in the south to Kaitoke in the north. There are two main ways to connect with a JP:

1. Visit a Service Desk (No Appointment Needed)

We operate 11 Service Desks across the region, typically located in libraries and community hubs. These desks are open at set times for walk-in visitors. Some of our popular locations and times include:

• Upper Hutt Library: Thursdays, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Upper Hutt Citizens Advice Bureau: Saturdays, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
• Hutt Valley District Court: Mondays and Thursdays, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
• War Memorial Library: Wednesdays, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Wainuiomata Community Hub: Thursdays, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
• Queensgate Shopping Centre: Last Thursday of the month, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (Level 1, near The Warehouse)
• Petone Library: Last Friday of the month, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
• Eastbourne Library: 1st Saturday of the month, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
• Taita Library: 1st Tuesday of the month, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
• Naenae Community Library: 4th Wednesday of the month, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Please note: We also have desks at the Moera Library (by appointment). We recommend checking our website for the most up-to-date rosters.

2. Find a JP Near You

If you cannot make it to a service desk, you can search for a local JP to arrange a private appointment. Simply use the “Locate a JP” feature on our website to find a volunteer in your suburb and contact them directly.

What to Bring

To ensure we can help you efficiently, please remember to:

• Bring the original document and a photocopy if you need a certified copy.
• Bring Photo ID (such as a Driver Licence or Passport).
• Do not sign your document beforehand; it must be signed in the presence of the JP.

Connect With Us

For the full schedule of service desks, to find a local JP, or to learn more about our work, and information to become a JP please visit our association’s website: www.huttjp.org.nz or the royal federation website: www.jpfed.org.nz

Amit Kakroo JP
Vice President
Hutt Valley & Districts Justices’ of the Peace Association

amit.kakroo@huttjp.org.nz         www.huttjp.org.nz

A “thank you” to Amit Kakroo JP for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

12/12/25