Justice of the Peace Amendment Bill
27 March
Justice of the Peace Amendment Bill
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NATHAN GUY (National): I acknowledge the good work that the Law and Order Committee did around this Justices of the Peace Amendment Bill. This evening we have heard in particular that this bill has been drafted, redrafted, and redrawn about six times to get to where it is in its present form. Sitting here listening to the addresses for the last hour or so, I know there is a lot of support around the House to get it right. Although we do have some concerns that some of the issues may not be addressed fully, and in the way the National Party would like them to be addressed, I think this is a good starting point.
In particular, I raise some concerns from the Horowhenua-Kapiti region, where we do at times, particularly in rural communities, find that it is a bit of a jaunt to get to a JP. Some of those in our rural communities have a bit of a struggle getting into a vehicle, finding a JP, and getting some of their documents signed, so I think that one of the real concerns out in rural communities around New Zealand is that JPs are accessible to those in areas that may be a little bit isolated. I think that one of the really important things for JPs is that they are accessible. It is great to have JPs running businesses, because people who need to get documents signed know that they can approach their JP, normally between the hours of 9 to 5.
This bill will actually allow JPs to have some training, which is very, very important. The most important thing is that JPs will have this training before they are approved or declined by the ministry, which I think is really important.
National supports this bill, and there is a lot of support across the House. However, we do have some reservations that longer term, I think, we will have to look at addressing. But the bill is a step in the right direction.