Ken Shields

The shortest day is behind us and already there are signs of spring. Yes, there are freezing mornings with frost on the ground and several of my garden plants have given up and said “I be back when it gets a lot warmer”, but there are crisp clear days and blue skies to lift the spirits.

Covid continues to take its toll on society and, when it’s combined with winter flue and other illnesses, those of us who have escaped so far are entitled to be a little anxious about going about our daily lives. So we should follow the advice to “mask up”, sanitize and be cautious in how we interact with others. I insist on clients wearing a mask when they come to see me – both for my protection and theirs.

New Justices

Eleven new Justices were sworn-in in two ceremonies on the 20th May 2022 and we formally welcome – Brandan Hooper, Shirley Keith, Kerry Little, Daniel Nicholls, Bishnu Pokhrel, Mahfuzer Rahman, Kathleen Scales-Thain, Hiok Tan, Susan Teki, Susan Unsworth and David Wong. All these new JPs have been given the opportunity to sit at a Service Desk to observe JPs in action and some have now joined a service desk roster. We have also welcomed by transfer IN the following:- Juliette Hayes from Otago and Stephen Roberts from Waikato. When the opportunity arises please make yourselves known to all the new members and welcome them into our association.

Retirements and Resignations

These Justices have recently retired from active service and some already retired JPs have now resigned from the Canterbury Association – Lyne Cameron, Francis Bleach, Peter Fantham, Helen Harkness, Mollie Woods, Mary Reynolds, Christine Wheeler and Ann Duncan. Collectively they have provided 193 years of service to their communities and we thank them all for their dedication and commitment to their roles as Justices of the Peace for New Zealand. The following people have resigned from the CJPA – Robert Eathorne JP (Retired), Russell McGowan JP (Retired), Rita Townshend JP (Retired) and Leiola Pelesikoti who had dual membership with Auckland.

Obituaries

Current serving JPs Kevin O’Grady and Fiona Cox both died and we express our sympathies to their families and friends along with the families of retired members Michael Hammersley and Richard Boulton. Several formers members also passed away and we note their passing with sadness – Dame Aroha Reriti-Crofts, Jeanette Downs and Allan Ramsey.

Congratulations

These Canterbury Association Justices received Honours in the Queen’s Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours List 2022:- Mr Nicholas Stuart Atkins MNZM, JP for services to science and the community, Mr Llewelyn Philip Duval QSM, JP for services to the community and Mr William Edward Woods QSM, JP for services to conservation and the community. We congratulate them all on the deserved recognition they have received.

Certificates

Retirement Certificates continue to be presented when the opportunity arises and the MOJ Long Service Certificates for 2022 are being presented at Education and Training sessions – along with the Canterbury Associations twenty year certificates.

Getting it “Right”

We have been emphasising at all Education sessions the fact that we can no longer do things “the way they have always been done”! Last week I had a very polite but rather upset lady who had had her Kiwi Saver withdrawal documents sent back because the JP had not used the required wording on the certification of identity and this was in spite of the fact that she had printed out the instruction from the bank and given them to the JP concerned. The JP ignored the banks instructions and said “this is what you need” as they put their standard certification stamp on the document.

This is exactly what the client didn’t need!! What all clients need are JPs who are trained and up-to-date with the changes in certification and who are flexible enough to adapt to doing thing differently and, if they are not sure, are prepared to seek advice. Please don’t be the JP who gets it wrong by doing things the way they used to be done.

Finally - after my little gripe – thank you all for your ongoing service to your communities, for attending Education sessions and for your support of me and the CJPA Council. With this newsletter there will be a link to a Nomination Form for the elected positions on Council. Nominations close on September the 1st but don’t leave it until the last minute to send it in. Take an active part in your Association and use your expertise to help this organisation. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me.

Ken Shields JP

Registrar