SUSAN Willison. PHOTO BY MARY ANNE GILL, GOOD LOCAL MEDIA
LONG-TIME Taharoa resident Susan (Sue) Willison has put her hand up to serve her community as a Justice of the Peace.
Sue, who has lived at Taharoa about 32 years, is one of three new Justices of the Peace who are to be accredited at the Te Awamutu Courthouse today.
Upon his retirement last year, former JP Alan Smith approached Sue to serve the community in this role, and she agreed.
“I saw it as an essential service for many of the people out here. A trip into Te Kūiti or Ōtorohanga to do business can be quite a drive.”
After agreeing to serve as a JP a lengthy process began, which involved a formal interview, police vetting and training carried out both online and face-to-face. Unfortunately, much of the process involved became drawn out due to delays caused by Covid.
Though there will be ongoing training, Sue has attained sufficient knowledge to begin work as a JP. Now she is keen to put her skills to work for the good of locals, who arrange to meet up either at her place, or another venue. When she can, Sue also plans to step up to staff the JP desks.
“The JP’s role is essential in so many legal matters which require a person to identify themselves, or perhaps verify documents, comply with anti-money laundering legislation or whatever,” Sue said.
Sue can be contacted on 021 925 532.
