Three long-serving members of the Te Awamutu Justice of the Peace Branch were presented with certificates at a special luncheon held on Sunday.
Te Awamutu Justice of the Peace Branch chairperson Janet Livingston, right, with long-standing JPs Norris Hall, Paula McWha and Nicholas Prendergast. Photo: Viv Posselt
Paula McWha, Norris Ward and Nicholas Prendergast were among a group of JPs recognised for their lengthy service to the community by the Branch’s umbrella organisation, the Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices’ Associations.
Others were unable to attend the luncheon, which was hosted by branch chairperson Janet Livingston.
Both Ward and Prendergast received certificates for having completed 19 years each.
McWha’s Recognition of Retirement certificate was presented for her 26 years’ as a JP, a time she said had been thoroughly enjoyable.
The three JPs honoured at Sunday’s luncheon. They are, from left, Norris Ward, Paula McWha and Nicholas Prendergast. Photo: Viv Posselt
She told The News she had first become a JP in Murchison when New Zealand politician Damien O’Connor was MP for West Coast-Tasman, and remained a JP after she and her husband moved to Pirongia 21 years ago.
“I was very emotional at the luncheon because I have been a JP in the area for so long, seen so many people and made so many friends,” she said. “People used to come into my home all the time… it’s been hard stepping away from it.”
McWha said health reasons were behind her decision to step down.
The Te Awamutu Justice of the Peace Branch of the organisation has around 60 JPs servicing an expansive area stretching from Kāwhia to Pukeatua and beyond, and from Te Pahū to Arohena.
The branch has been going since 1972, when an inaugural meeting at the Te Awamutu Court House was attended by a number of local justices, as well as visitors from the Waikato JP Association. The meeting resulted in the establishment of the Te Awamutu branch with an initial membership of 29, led by Eric Laird as chairman, Bob Vaile as deputy and R.J. Jopson as secretary/treasurer.
The branch is currently led by Janet Livingston as chairperson, Amrit Singh as vice-chairperson, and Norris Hall as secretary/treasurer.
Te Awamutu Justice of the Peace Branch chairperson Janet Livingston embraces departing JP Paula McWha, who showed some emotion at retiring after 26 years as a JP. Photo: Viv Posselt
