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Three retiring JPs honoured by the Mayor

Monday 28 November 2011, 4:08PM

By Taupo District Council

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Left to right: Tony Israel, Lesley McKeesick (wife of Hugh), Colleen Cameron, Hugh McKeesick, Sharon Simpson, Val Hoogerbrugge, and Mayor Rick Cooper.
Left to right: Tony Israel, Lesley McKeesick (wife of Hugh), Colleen Cameron, Hugh McKeesick, Sharon Simpson, Val Hoogerbrugge, and Mayor Rick Cooper. Credit: Taupo District Council

TAUPO

Three long-standing Justices of the Peace (JP), serving the Taupō District community for a combined total of 67 years, have retired from service. The three JPs were honoured by the Mayor at a formal morning tea on Thursday 17 November for their years of diligence and service to the community.

Colleen Cameron, 28 years of service, Hugh McKeesick, 25 years of service and Sharon Simpson, 14 years of service, have all retired as Justices of the Peace. The trio each received a certificate of appreciation and their official status as ‘JP Retired’ from Taupō Mayor, Rick Cooper.

Former President of the Royal Federation of New Zealand JPs Association, Tony Israel, and the Chair of the Taupo Turangi Justices of the Peace, Val Hoogerbrugge, were also present to honour their colleagues.

Sharon was born in Canada and in her time as a JP has served on the bench in the North Shore and Auckland City before moving to the Taupō District. She says serving on the bench gives you a real sense of responsibility.

Hugh, an avid tramper, mainly served the rural community in the area near Te Pahui. He says his location was important for locals to bridge the gap between cities. “In the old days, it was a long drive to Napier just to get papers signed. Me being there and having this power saved people a lot of time and energy.”

Colleen agreed, saying it is just about being available when needed. “It’s a great feeling knowing you’re helping your community.”

In New Zealand, JPs serve the community in matters including both Ministerial and Judicial duties and are usually selected by their local MP. Commonly, JPs have the power to sign legal documents, such as passports and wills, but can also serve in District Courts on minor and traffic offences, and preliminary hearing of indictable offences.

Tony Israel says JPs are a vital part of a functioning society. “JPs are upstanding people who work hard to serve the community they live in for no remuneration at all. If you were to take away the some 8000 JPs currently in service in New Zealand it would put a huge strain on Mayors, Judges and other officials.”

Fellow JP Val Hoogerbrugge said the idea of JPs retiring was a fairly new practice and is a chance to acknowledge their service to the community.

Mayor Rick Cooper echoed their sentiments, saying that New Zealand would not function without volunteers. “Look at Ironman for example; Taupō produces over 2000 volunteers each year for that event alone. It’s a reflection of New Zealand’s attitude towards serving the greater good. When you consider the many hours of service our JPs donate over the years, a cup of tea with the Mayor is the least we can do. My sincerest thanks and congratulations go to these amazing, selfless people.”