EBOP Justices of the Peace

30/01/2026

🎇 Congratulations to our newest Unsung Hero... Maureen! 🎉

Some highlights from his lovely nominator, Sharelle:

"Maureen has always had a heart for the community in Whakatane.

She was a Town Host many years ago when the Public Relations Office would welcome newcomers by sending a friendly local ambassador (Town Hosts) out the homes of families to personally welcome them and answer any questions they might have - local schools for kids, sport club contacts, where to buy fish n chips - all of the important things!

They would leave newcomers with a folder full of information and vouchers to be used at various retail places to help them integrate into their new home. Maureen was an active member of Jaycees, the AMP Show team and has just completed 17 years serving Whakatane as a JP, focusing on helping some of our most vulnerable people which often meant trips to the hospital or police station during the night.

There is not a week that goes by where she isn't cooking a meal for someone, baking, driving people to specialist appointments in Tauranga, Rotorua or locally, doing someone's shopping for them or taking them out. And if you are one of the lucky ones, who she spots in the supermarket counting pennies or the kid who desperately wants a wee toy whose parents have said they can't afford, and she's offered to pay - well you've just been blessed by this unsung hero. "

Maureen takes home a $100 Prezzy Card, thanks to Alpha Pipelines, but it sounds like she's already rich with aroha for our region and it's people! 🙌

👉 Nominate your own Unsung Hero here: 1xx.co.nz/unsungheroes

29/01/2026

This month one of our long-standing Justices of the Peace - Mrs Maureen Good JP, stood down and retired from active duty after 17 years in an active role. Thank you, Maureen, for all of the hours you have committed to serving our Whakatane Community over that time and especially for the extra work you put in with some of our most vulnerable citizens. Thank you & enjoy your retirement.

24/01/2026

22/01/2026

Please see updated information regarding Karakia in Whakatane this afternoon.

Today our Justices in The Eastern Bay of Plenty, acknowledge the passing of Dr Tuihana Pook QSM, JP.

Tuihana has been serving the whanau of Te Whanau a Apanui from her home in Whangaparaoa- Cape Runaway, and from the school - Te Kura Mana Māori o Whangaparaoa, where she was the Principal for many years. Last year Tuihana was awarded a doctorate from Te Wananga o Awanuiarangi, recognising her contribution to education, and to the governing board of the university.

I understand arrangements are not yet confirmed, however there is likely to be Karakia in Whakatane today around 3pm at Gateway Funerals in Awatapu Drive for people to pay their respects, before Tuihana is taken home to Kauaetangohia Marae for tangihana on Monday 26th January. Obviously due to the recent weather events the Coastal Highway 35 is under a lot of pressure with slips etc.

Details will be updated as they come to hand.

Our JP Association is especially grateful for the service Tuihana provided to the whanau of the rohe.

12/01/2026

Community Service Desks are back & running in Whakatane, Kawerau and Opotiki for those requiring the services of a JP.
A couple of things to note_ you can google 'find a JP in NZ' and this will show you who is close by. You can then phone and make a time that works for you and the JP , rather than holding out for a service desk.

Whakatane Courthouse - Mondays 10.30 - 12.30
Thursdays 1.00 - 3.00

Kawerau - KEA Centre Onslow St, Mondays 10.30-12.30

Opotiki - Thursdays - MSD / Community Hub Church St
Thursdays 10.30-12.30

Fingerprinting - some nationalities like South Africa and Malaysia - require fingerprints on their identity documents- this is outside the scope of JP work. Please contact the only licensed agent in the Bay of Plenty - Paper Plus Papamoa - and make a time to have your fingerprinting carried out. There is a cost for this service, unlike our JP services, which we carry out as Community Volunteers.

Happy New Year all... !

Send a message to learn more

01/12/2025

Thank you, Wendy Tozer, for organising an awesome end of year JP dinner at the Whakatane Sport Fishing Club tonight. You are a superstar. If anyone has any Foodbank / Cram the Van items - Wendy is still collecting for a couple of days.

Nga mihi o te kirihimete kia koe

28/11/2025

This morning in a special sitting of the Whakatane District Court - three ‘Wahine Toa’ - Carolyn Hamill, Colleen Banks and Gloria Leokava Taani took the Oath of Allegiance to serve as Justices of Peace in the Eastern Bay. They were supported by their whanau and community, making this a very special milestone in their contribution as volunteers in our communities.
Congratulations on all of the hours you have put into your learning to meet the needs of those who seek your assistance.

06/11/2025

Great article on Stuff Online today about Kawerau sisters- Gloria and her sister Sela, proud of their shared Tongan and Māori heritage.
Gloria has recently completed her JP training and will be sworn in later this month in the Whakatane District Court.
Gloria and Sela were successful candidates in the 2025 Kawerau District Council Local Body Elections. For Sela - it is a return to business, whilst for Gloria - the Kaupapa is a huge learning curve. They are both passionate and ardent supporters of the people of Kawerau.
Congratulations Gloria (and Sela).

06/11/2025

Let’s not forget to let our Social Coordinator - Wendy Tozer - if you are attending our End of Year JP Dinner at the Whakatane Sport Fishing Club on Monday December 1st.
Christmas Hat and non perishable item ( or grocery gift card) for the Foodbank box please.

06/11/2025

Congratulations Bradley Shaw JP on your recent appointment to this leadership role.

🙌 We are thrilled to celebrate our Director Bradley Shaw, who has achieved a major milestone being named the youngest ever National President of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ).

This is a significant honour that clearly reflects his dedication to innovation and compassionate service within the funeral industry. We are proud to have a leader who is committed to upholding high standards, not only here in Whakatāne but across the entire country.

Brad shared his perspective on this new role:
“I am honoured to announce my appointment as National President of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand. I look forward to leading this association with an approachable and contemporary view on what is a very traditional industry. Our industry is changing, and it’s important that the organisation representing the majority of funeral professionals nationwide is able to lead with professional standards and, most importantly, a humanised approach.”

Even with his national leadership responsibilities, Brad's passion for our local community remains central to his work. His involvement with local groups such as the Eastern Bay Community Foundation, Pou Whakaaro, and Lions demonstrates his deep commitment to giving back.

Please join us in congratulating Brad on this achievement! We are confident his leadership will continue to make a meaningful positive impact on both our industry and our community. 👏👏👏

06/11/2025

It was ‘Welcome to Council’ day today in Whakatane for elected members.