Accessibility was the key takeaway for Justices of the Peace (JPs) at a recent Ashburton conference.

The Southern Region Justices of the Peace Association Conference saw 42 JPs travel from across the lower South Island to engage with their counterparts and share experiences.

It doubled as an opportunity for the Ashburton JP Association to celebrate 75 years of service to its Mid Canterbury community as an independent association.

The Southern region covers eight associations, ranging from the Conway River in North Canterbury to Stewart Island.

“These are big tracts of land that need JP services accessible to [their] population,” Ashburton JP Association Registrar Dr Jennie Coleman said. 

“The conference enables the kind of sharing that we need to have.” Topics around women in JP work, the importance of cultural awareness, and strategies for connecting with the public were discussed over the conference’s two days.

Coleman said the opportunities for JPs to ask questions, delve deeper into topics and ‘problem-solve’ with each other were few and far between.

“As JPs, at the base level, we operate largely in isolation from each other, apart from the Service Desks available at Signing Centres.

“Those who were present agreed [that] in-person meeting is the ideal… it is how we engage with each other

One panel on "cultural fabrics” saw JPs from rural, industrial, and different ethnic backgrounds share the context of their work.

Filipino JP Thelma Bell said she often found herself signing documents at unholy hours. 

“Many Filipino clients work irregular hours; I understand the circumstances.

“Serving my community has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life here in Ashburton.”

She is able to break down documents in her native tongue, helpful for those who don’t speak English as a first language.

Nepalese JP Rohit Ranjit made similar comments about ease of language.

“Its been easy for our people to come to me and get documents certified.

“They can come at any time, ring my bell with their documents.”

Often he’ll get contacted via social media for help.

“I’m really proud to present myself as a JP in the community,” he said.

The two were joined by rural-based Ian Moore, Cordelia Ale from Samoa, and industrial industry member Max Cawte to share how they tailored their approach to JP work for different demographics.

Other speakers at the event were retired JPs Bev Tasker and Anne Fleming, Special Agricultural Trade Envoy Hamish Marr, and Royal Foundation NZ Justices Association national president Nigel Tate. 

Feedback from members about the conference was generally positive.

“A marvelous Regional Conference,” one Ashburton association life member said.

“The programme was inspirational with top class speakers, the venue fascinating and a very high level of local involvement shows the Ashburton JP Association is in very good heart.

“You all made me very proud of my old Association.”

By Anisha Satya