The Otago Justices of the Peace Association Inc has JP service bases around the city, but for many years, their base in South Dunedin has been transitory.
Now, for the first time, they have a more permanent home at the South Dunedin Community Library, and South Dunedin residents were queuing for their services on opening day at the new site yesterday.
Association member and justice of the peace Dr Lester Flockton said it was important to have a JP service in South Dunedin because the community had many people with limited means and modes of transportation.
People came to JPs to get document and text copies certified, which included signing and witnessing statutory declarations, affidavits, signatures and ID photographs for passports, land transfers, dissolutions of marriage, anti-money laundering statutory declarations and immigration documents, he said.
The new library was palatial compared with their previous premises in South Dunedin, which was "quite a drafty place".
"The library staff have been wonderful people in terms of making sure we’re comfortable, and that people who are queuing up are also made to feel at ease."
South Dunedin resident Gundula Guldner, 65, was at the JP service yesterday to have Dr Flockton witness her signing documents which would allow her to gain access to her KiwiSaver funds.
She said it was in a great location in the community.
"It’s basically on my doorstep. It’s really lovely to be able to get here by foot or by bus."
It was like "a wee hub", where she could check out library books, pay council bills, go next door and get groceries or visit the bank while she was there.
"It’s a one-stop shop, and it has become really popular for people in South Dunedin.
"I’m actually really surprised how many people are here, and I will be regular as well."
The South Dunedin JP service operates Tuesdays 11am-1pm, and Thursdays 1pm-3pm.
JP services also operate at various times at Community House (Princes St), Tūhura Otago Museum, University of Otago, Dunedin Public Library, Mosgiel Library and Port Chalmers Library.
