Justice of the Peace 🧑🏼‍⚖️🏳️‍🌈

I’m gay, progressive, and closely connected to the migrant and transgender communities. You can count on me for friendly, respectful service at a time that works for you.

Location

Depending on the time and day, I can meet you at 407/36C Welles Street or Level 1, 120 Hereford Street. I can travel for home or workplace visits if necessary.

Appointments

Make an appointment by texting 021 0298 0873. Please tell me the reason for the appointment. I'll confirm I can help and say what to bring.

You can also email hello@markd.nz or message my Facebook page, but I may not see it straight away.

My services are free

JPs cannot accept any form of gift, payment, or koha for our services. We are acting as a trusted, independent party for the good of the community.

If you are uncomfortable accepting my services for free, you are welcome to make a donation to a charity.

Other options

There are several other JPs nearby – search for the postcodes 8011 or 8013 on the JP website.

You can attend a scheduled JP service desk at many libraries across the city – including at Tūranga (the central city library) where there's a JP service desk on the third floor every Wednesday from 5pm till 7pm.

JPs are sometimes available at Christchurch District Court. A court registrar can also help with certain tasks.

For statutory declarations and affidavits, a lawyer may be able to help.

For name or sex marker changes, you can make an appointment with Internal Affairs. They're in the same building as me.

What to bring

Please carefully read any checklist or instructions you have been given and ensure all paperwork is filled in correctly.

Please bring all required forms, copies, printouts, original documents, and ID. If you need a certified copy of an electronic document, please bring a device to show me the electronic original.

If your form includes a statutory declaration, please don’t sign it in advance.

Keeping you safe 🏳️‍⚧️😷

Transgender or non-binary? I know it's tough asking a stranger to deal with documents that don't reflect the real you. I promise I will always treat you with dignity, respect, and confidentiality – and honour the name and pronouns you tell me.

Trying to avoid respiratory infection? I'm happy to wear a mask if you ask in advance.

Services

You can come to me for:

• a certified copy of your passport, drivers licence, or other ID
• a certified copy of your proof of address
• proof of your degree or other qualification
• identity verification for a bank, credit card, or finance company
• an immigration sponsored visa application that includes a statutory declaration – for example a partner’s resident visa
• an affidavit your lawyer has drafted for a court or tribunal case – this could be a statement of facts or events with evidence attached
• a statutory declaration – a legal promise by you that certain facts are true
• a divorce (dissolution of marriage)
• a KiwiSaver withdrawal
• changing your name or the sex marker on your birth certificate (Qtopia can provide support navigating this process in Ōtautahi; see also Gender Minorities Aotearoa’s guide to updating your identity documents)
• a private citizenship ceremony approved by the Department of Internal Affairs
• exam supervision
• any other purpose that requires a New Zealand Justice of the Peace.

You can learn more about JP duties on the official website.

I'm especially passionate about providing JP services to the LGBTQIA+, takatāpui, migrant, and city-centre communities.

Impartial

JPs promise to do the right thing for everyone – no special treatment, no discrimination, and always according to the law.

Thinking of becoming a JP?

I would love to help! It’s so important for the community to have a diverse range of JPs. Feel free to reach out with any questions – or you can read My journey to becoming a Justice of the Peace.