Celebrating 63 years of combined service as a Justice of the Peace to the Wairoa community was recognised last week when Long Service Awards were presented to Dave Withers and John Gemmell.

Mayor Craig Little hosted Justices of the Peace from throughout the Wairoa district to acknowledge their two colleagues.

Mr Withers who has served as a JP for 33 years and Mr Gemmell who has served for 30 years were commended for their work in supporting the Courts, the Wairoa Police, working with youth, the farming community and the broader Wairoa community.

Mr Withers said it is a privilege to serve the people of Wairoa. “Being a JP is about serving people and serving the community.”

He acknowledged his fellow JPs and encouraged them to continue their work in providing support to Wairoa.

“We do a great job for our community. Wairoa is a great town and we are so fortunate to be able to live and work here. I’m so grateful for this acknowledgment and I want to encourage you all to continue the good work that we do,” Mr Withers said.

Mr Gemmell also acknowledged the importance of working for the Wairoa community as a JP, “I was born here and it’s an honour to serve the people of Wairoa. I’m going to continue to serve and will look forward to receiving my next long service award when I hit the 40 year mark.”

Senior Sergeant Tony Bates also spoke about the important work of JPs. “Sometimes you get a call at short notice, sometimes either late at night or during work hours and you leave your family, your place of work and come in to support us when we call on you. Your families and places of employment should also be acknowledged for their generosity in sharing you with us. On behalf of the Wairoa Police and others we thank you for your service.”

Mayor Craig Little said he was proud to host a reception for Justices of the Peace from throughout Wairoa to come together to celebrate two of their own and to acknowledge their long service to the Wairoa community.

5 July 2016

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