UK Magistrate (JP) - transferable to NZ?

[Liz F-C]

I approached the NZ JP's association with this question a few weeks ago but they haven't responded. If anyone has any advice I'd be most grateful.

I have been a JP in the UK for 7 years. I'd like to be able to do something similar in NZ but I don't know if I'd need additional training.

In the UK, magistrates give their time freely - many people think we are highly paid but sadly not! I can't seem to establish if this is or isn't the case in NZ.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[JandM]

Did you find this page of information? http://www.jpfed.org.nz/Becoming+a+JP.html

As NZ is a totally separate country with its own laws, I rather doubt that having been a JP in the UK would allow you to short-circuit any of the NZ procedure for getting appointed, although it certainly might make a favourable impression when you initially apply.

[72andsunny]

In the UK, magistrates give their time freely - many people think we are highly paid but sadly not! I can't seem to establish if this is or isn't the case in NZ.

It is an unpaid position here, as well...though you can collect money for performing marriages.

[girlwithanewf]

JPs here sign certified copies for free and therefore perform a valuable role! I have used three since being here, 2 of which were actually from the UK originally.
Re your enquiry - I would just get back in touch with them as if it was a few weeks ago it could perhaps have been during the long Christmas/summer break - lots of people take a fair amount of time off in December and January. And sometimes they are a bit slack at answering emails too...

[Liz F-C]

Ooh you're all very helpful as usual, thank you. I think it would be great to be able to continue to do interesting voluntary work in NZ - this is all assuming INZ approve us which is going to be a long way off since we don't submit our ITA until tomorrow - just got to collect the blood test results then it's off to the Post Office, clutch of lovingly prepared and carefully ordered paperwork in hand!

I think some of my original confusion arose from a JP friend here who hails originally from NZ - her situation was basically the reverse of mine a couple of decades ago, and things are bound to have changed in that time.

Many thanks again.