Notarial services at the High Commission are suspended at this time.
However, many New Zealand organisations and government departments will accept documents witnessed or certified by any person with the authority to witness and certify documents. This can include United Kingdom lawyers, solicitors, notary publics, or court registrars.
This provision is outlined in the New Zealand Oaths and Declarations Act 1957 (Section 11 Declarations made outside New Zealand). http://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1957/0088/latest/DLM316109.html(external link)
You can search for a local solicitor via www.lawsociety.org.uk(external link) or Notary Publics on www.thenotariessociety.org.uk(external link)
Please note the following:
- We cannot certify photocopies. We will make the copies.
- We only certify foreign passports in limited circumstances.
- Your passport or photo driver licence or other current government issued photographic identity document must be produced as ID and confirmation of your signature for all witnessing.
- It is your responsibility to accurately present the documents and you must be clear on their particular requirements. We cannot give guidance or show you what is required.
- It is your responsibility to ensure that the receiving organisation will accept documents witnessed or certified by the High Commission. Our authority is as 'Commonwealth Representatives' under section 10 of the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957.
- The High Commission reserves the right to not sign any document the client does not fully understand, or copy any document which is outside the scope of our notarial services.
- The New Zealand High Commission does not provide legal services or advice on legal documents. For this you should seek the advice of a lawyer, a list of which can be provided on request. Consular officers are not Notary Publics or Justices of the Peace.
- For legal services for foreign documents, including foreign passports, please contact the Embassy/High Commission of that country or a UK Notary Public.
Fees: Fees are payable by card, cash or verified cheque.
- To certify a true copy of a document
£25.00 for the first copy
£12.00 for each additional copy of the same document - To have your signature witnessed or to make a statutory declaration
£50.00 for the first document
£25.00 for each additional document
Please inquire about fees for consular letters and other notarial services.
Marriage documents Form BDM58 – Notice of Intended Marriage (Resident outside NZ) can be signed by the staff in the London Passports Office for no charge. In Scotland and Northern Ireland the New Zealand Honorary Consuls can sign this document. Please contact them for appointment times and fees.
Legalisation, authentication or an apostille for New Zealand documents can only be done by the Department of Internal Affairs in New Zealand. Their website has information on how to arrange these services from overseas.
Website: www.dia.govt.nz/document-authentication(external link)
Email: auth.unit@dia.govt.nz
Phone: +64 (0)4 460 2221
Office hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm NZ time
Legalisation, authentication or an apostille for United Kingdom documents are done by the UK Legalisation Office.
Website: www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised(external link)
Email: legalisationenquiries@fco.gsi.gov.uk
Phone: 03700 00 22 44