Incorporated Society Changes

If you are an incorporated society you have until 5 April 2026 to re-register under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 with a Constitution that must be compliant with this Act and associated regulations.

If you do not register by that date, you will automatically cease to be an incorporated society.

Our team can assist your society through the process and discuss with you:

• Is the incorporated society structure still suitable for your organisation?

• What are the key legal changes under the Act, including minimum number of members and Officers, Officers’ duties, financial reporting, conflict of interest disclosure obligations, mandatory disclosures at an AGM, dispute resolution, procedures consistent with natural justice, surplus assets to be distributed to non-for-profit entity(ies).

• Officer consent and certificates.

• What are the minimal mandatory legal requirements you must include in your Constitution?

• Other updates and amendments to your Constitution that might be more suitable now and for the future.

• Undertaking a review and update of associated policies, bylaws, regulations.

• The consultation process with members.

• Timeframe for consultation on proposed changes to the Constitution, and voting, to meet the 5 April 2026 deadline.

Turner Hopkins can offer a reduced rate for services to not-for-profit entities and the sport and recreation sectors.

This article is not to be taken as legal advice. 

If you have any queries about incorporated societies contact Catherine Pendleton:

Email: catherine.pendleton@turnerhopkins.co.nz

Call: +64 9 486 2169