Justices Of The Peace Assn

Sunday 15 September

Good afternoon. It's great to welcome you to Christchurch.

Justices of the Peace play a valuable and vital role in communities throughout New Zealand. The office of justice of the peace is an institution built on volunteering.

There is a dimension outside economic reality and government. It is the dimension of family and community. By volunteering for duty as a JP you are aspiring to take care of your family and community in a very special and practical way.

Justices of the Peace share a proud history of community service in this country. The first-ever New Zealand justice of the peace was appointed in 1814 and there are currently approximately 10,700 JPs, one for about every 400 New Zealanders.

Justices of the Peace play an important part in the provision of frontline services to our communities.

Your ability to support New Zealanders in times of need - as well as in times of celebration - is a cornerstone of our society.

I am delighted to announce this Canterbury Justices of the Peace Southern Regional Conference now officially open.

ENDS