Changes to the Oaths & Declaration Act 1957

Royal Federation have advised that there has been an amendment to the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957  effective immediately.

“The Statutes Amendment Act 2025 (Part 30, 2A) makes changes to the Oaths and Declaration Act 1957, confirming that where an oath, affirmation or statutory declaration must be taken in the presence of the person administering or taking it, that requirement can be met using an audiovisual link.

Please note that when an audio-visual link is used, the administrator (the JP) must ensure that:

• • • the call uses both video and audio (an audio-only call is not enough, and the client’s camera must stay on)
    • the client signs any relevant documents during the audio-visual link
    • the client sends the signed documents (or a photograph or scan) to the administrator for them to sign as soon as possible.

What a Justice of the Peace needs to know:

• Audio visual is now acceptable: JPs may witness statutory declarations, oaths, and affirmations via a real time video call (not audio-only).
• Video and audio required: The client’s camera must stay on during the entire process.
• Signing must happen live: The declarant must sign the document while on the video call.
• Document transfer: The signed document (or a clear photo/scan) must be sent to the Justice of the Peace promptly so they can sign.
• Same verification standards apply: Justice of the Peace must still confirm identity, even over video.”

Royal Federation also state that:

• Justices may provide a service to clients who wish to process documents via Audio-visual link.
• Provision of this service is optional for Justices of the Peace who have the hardware and software and are competent and willing to do this.
• There is no provision for reimbursement of costs of AV document processing incurred by Justices. 
• If Justices are unable or unwilling to offer an AV service, refer the client to the District Court ph 0800 268 787 from NZ (or from overseas phone +64 9 583 1900)