Tisch Lindsay: Justices of the Peace Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
Tisch Lindsay: Justices of the Peace Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:638;Page:8642] 
LINDSAY TISCH (National—Piako) 
: 
 The third reading is an interesting point as far as justices of the peace go and I acknowledge the registrar who is in the gallery. The Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices’ Associations has been very proactive over the last few years in updating the Justices of the Peace Act which dates back to 1957—it is 50 years old. The role of the justice has changed considerably in recent times. We have more Acts that are more specific and more accountability is required. 
Although I was not a member of the Law and Order Committee and did not hear the submissions I have been involved in my local branch of the association as the president and I have been on the Waikato executive of the justices’ association. So I have an understanding of the challenges facing justices throughout New Zealand. 
It is interesting to note Madam Assistant Speaker that you are a JP as is Martin Gallagher which was mentioned before and the Hon George Hawkins— 
Hon George Hawkins 
: Not me. 
LINDSAY TISCH 
: The member’s name is in the directory. It states that Mr Hawkins is a JP. 
Hon Clayton Cosgrove 
: When he was mayor. 
LINDSAY TISCH 
: When he was mayor. I know that my colleague Anne Tolley is a JP. So a number of people within Parliament have the role of JP. 
It is an honourable tradition that dates back to the 14th century when the post was set up as wardens conservators and keepers of the peace. This bill acknowledges the changes that JPs need to be kept up to speed with. The provision relating to training before a person is finally gazetted to become a JP is important. We heard during the Committee stage that there have been some problems when people have not understood the role or have not been able to commit to the job. Training will be an integral part of solving that problem. 
The provision in relation to JPs moving to retired status is important. Those who have given honourable service may have met an age that means they do not want to be involved further but feel obligated to be. There is a role for them to be respected and honoured for their commitment over the years. I think that being able to say “JP (retired)” is a noble cause and it is a provision that we have supported. 
The role of the Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices’ Associations in relation to disciplinary matters is an important measure in order to maintain the integrity that the community looks to justices for. Being able to have those rules in place and being able to have discipline and guidelines that are clearly set out allows for that integrity. 
During the Committee stage I commented that many seek the role of justice of the peace as a self-promotion. Although there was some nodding and agreement about that in the Committee stage I want to make it clear that I was not saying that all people who aspire to become justices of the peace fall into that category. I just want to clear up that matter because it might be construed that there is a lot of self-promotion. Although that does happen we look for people in the community as has been identified today who can act in the role and fulfil the obligations that communities look for. 
The role of justice of the peace is an admirable one that is steeped in history. Over 26000 hours of voluntary time is put in by justices of the peace and our communities are well served. We are indebted to their commitment to our communities. I wish all justices of the peace and the royal federation all the best with the passing of this bill.