Allen Mazengarb · Taupō, New Zealand
Notarial services in Taupō for property, pensions, estates, qualifications and business abroad. Witnessed, certified and sealed so overseas authorities accept them the first time.
Please don't sign your document before you arrive. I need to see you sign it.
Powers of attorney, affidavits and declarations for use abroad.
Passports, degrees and transcripts for overseas use.
Annual life certificates for overseas pension funds.
Lodged with DIA on your behalf when required.
Why people come to me
A bank, lawyer, embassy or pension fund asks for a document that's "notarised" or "apostilled". These are the situations I help with most often.
Selling the family home in the UK, buying in Australia, or closing an old account back home.
Settling the affairs of a loved one who died abroad is hard enough without paperwork bouncing back.
Retired to the lake with a pension from home? Many funds want proof each year that you're still here.
Your New Zealand qualifications need to be recognised by an employer, university or registration board.
Getting married abroad, or the children are flying with one parent or with grandparents.
Forestry, farming, tourism and geothermal businesses here deal with offshore partners every day.
An overseas organisation needs to be sure a copy is genuine and that you are who you say you are.
Some embassies and high commissions say it plainly: notarised, not signed by a JP.
Don't see your situation? Send me what you've been asked for and I'll tell you whether I can help.
Notary, JP or lawyer?
A Justice of the Peace is the right person for most New Zealand paperwork, and it's free. But overseas organisations generally don't recognise a JP's signature. A notary's seal is recognised internationally, and the New Zealand government can verify it with an apostille.
For documents used in New Zealand
For documents used outside New Zealand
For advice and NZ court documents
Still not sure? Ask whoever requested the document: "Does this need to be notarised, and does it need an apostille?" Their answer tells us exactly what to do.
Apostilles, in plain English
An apostille is a certificate from the New Zealand government confirming that my signature and seal are genuine. Countries in the Hague Apostille Convention accept it with no further steps. I can lodge it for you, so you don't have to deal with Wellington yourself.
You sign in front of me, or I certify your copies. I attach my notarial certificate, signature and seal.
The Department of Internal Affairs checks my seal and attaches an apostille for Hague Convention countries, or an authentication for everywhere else.
Countries outside the Convention may also want their embassy or consulate to legalise it. I'll tell you up front if yours does.
Good to know. New Zealand government documents, like birth certificates, can often go straight to DIA without a notary. If you don't need me, I'll say so.
DIA charges its own fee for each apostille, separate from mine. Current fees and processing times are at govt.nz/authentications.
How it works
What the document is, which country it's going to, and any instructions you were given. A photo of it helps.
You get a quote, a list of what to bring, and whether you'll need an apostille.
Bring your photo ID and the unsigned document.
Leave with it, or I'll courier it to DIA for the apostille and on to you or overseas.
What to bring
Most return trips happen because a document was signed early or the ID didn't match. This list prevents both.
Leave the signature and date blank. You'll sign it in front of me.
A passport is best. The name must match the document.
The email or letter from the overseas lawyer, bank or agency.
For certified copies, bring the original, not a photocopy.
A recent bank statement or rates notice.
Signing for a company or trust? Bring the resolution or trust deed.
I must be sure you understand what you're signing.
Each signer attends in person with their own ID.
Questions
Usually, yes. I can only witness a signature I see being made. Print a fresh copy, or ask the sender for one, and bring it unsigned.
The organisation asking for the document will say. Look for the words "apostille", "legalised" or "Hague Convention" in their instructions. If you're unsure, send them to me and I'll read them.
Often, yes. I need to understand what you're signing, so bring a translation from a certified translator. I'll also check whether the overseas recipient wants the translation notarised.
No. You need to be in New Zealand and sign in front of me in person.
I'll make sure you understand what kind of document it is and what you're confirming by signing. If you need advice on whether to sign, for example about property or an inheritance, talk to a lawyer first.
If you have an overseas deadline, tell me when you get in touch and I'll do my best to fit you in before it.
Make an appointment
I'll reply with what's needed, a quote and a time that suits you.