Copies of NZ Government issued documents – questions to ask clients

As Justices of the Peace we have jurisdiction in New Zealand.

When clients present copies of NZ Government-issued documents such as a Birth Certificate or a Marriage Certificate, Justices are encouraged to ask the client why they require the copy. 

If the copy is to be sent overseas, it may be that validation of the original, rather than a simple certified copy, is required ie a copy for an Apostille, which must be done by a Notary Public, rather than a Justice of the Peace. Be aware that in some cases the client may not understand the difference. However gentle questions from the Justice to discover the purpose of the copy are justified in order to ensure that the correct process is followed.

Auckland Notaries report that there have been a number of instances in recent months of applicants attending a Notary with documents which have been signed by a Justice of the Peace, sent overseas, and rejected by the overseas authority. 

For further information please look again at the article on page 10 of the January 2026 issue of Justice Quarterly