Statutory Declarations

A statutory declaration is a written statement of facts that you say are true.
You need to see an authorised witness, such as a JP, who will take your declaration and witness your signature.

• Statutory declarations follow a set legal format.
• It’s a crime to make a false declaration.
• Banks, KiwiSaver providers, insurance companies, and others, provide you with the form you need for their purposes.
• If you wish to make a personal statutory declaration, you can download a blank form from our website.

Getting a statutory declaration witnessed

• Fill in your full name, home address, and occupation, before seeing the JP.
• Bring your declaration to the Justice of the Peace yourself.
• Take a photo ID document such as Passport, Driver Licence, Firearms Licence, Kiwi Access card etc.
• Do not sign the document until you are with the JP.
• The Justice will ask you if the contents of your declaration are true.
• You must answer the question out loud (“yes” or “I do”).
• The JP will ask you to sign your declaration.