A Reminder: Always Check JP Hours from the Official Source

We recently had a situation where a client turned up at one of our Service Desks expecting to be seen—only to find the desk was not operating at that time. The client had used ChatGPT to check the Service Desk hours, and unfortunately, the information provided was outdated, sourced from a third-party website that had not been updated.

This incident is a timely reminder that while tools like ChatGPT (or any AI with browsing capabilities) can be helpful, they must be used with caution—especially when seeking time-sensitive or official information like Justice of the Peace hours.

Why AI Needs Oversight

Using AI to browse the internet is becoming more common, but it’s not without risk. Here’s why:

Information Accuracy – ChatGPT retrieves information from websites currently available online—but it does not verify if that information is up to date. If the original website is wrong or hasn’t been maintained, AI may pass along the incorrect details.

Source Transparency – While ChatGPT usually shows you where it got its information, the responsibility still falls on the user to double-check any critical details against official sources.

The Authoritative Source for JP Hours

When you need to find out the hours of a Justice of the Peace Service Desk in Auckland, the only source you should rely on is the AJPA website: jpauckland.org.nz

This site is updated regularly and maintained by the Auckland Justices of the Peace Association, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

In Summary

AI tools are here to stay, and they can offer helpful information—but they are not infallible. When it comes to official or time-critical services like JP availability, don’t rely on AI. Advise clients to go straight to the source:  jpauckland.org.nz. It is also a timely reminder that the Association has provided all Support Groups with business cards featuring a QR code that links directly to the ‘Locate a JP’ tool. Please ensure you are handing these cards out to clients at your Service Desks. It’s a simple, effective way to guide the public to the most reliable and up-to-date information.  Additional cards are available from the Registrar.