New legislation for societies

On 5 October 2023, the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 (the 2022 Act) came into force.

  • Existing incorporated societies (those incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908) will need to reregister under the 2022 Act if they want to remain as an incorporated society.
  • New societies wanting to register will automatically register under the 2022 Act.

Starting a society

To incorporate a new society you need to —

  • complete an online application,
  • upload your constitution, and
  • pay the application fee $88.89 (plus GST).

Before you apply, there are a few things you need to do.

What societies must file each year

Your society must file a copy of its financial statements with us every year unless it's registered with Charities Services. These records help to show that your society is still operating, and therefore, should remain on the register.

Societies registered under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 must also complete an annual return.

Societies must keep the register up to date

Once you've registered your incorporated society, keep its information up to date on the register, including —

  • the society's contact details,
  • details of its officers, and
  • its rules or constitution.

News and notices

Law changes for Incorporated Societies come into force

The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 and the Incorporated Societies Regulations 2023 have come into force.

Primary Register: Incorporated Societies Published:

Regulations for incorporated societies have been finalised

The Incorporated Societies Regulations 2023 were published on the New Zealand Legislation website on 7 September 2023.

Primary Register: Incorporated Societies Published:

New fees and levies are coming for Companies Office registers

The Companies (Levies) Amendment Act 2022 was passed on 28 November 2022 and is the first step in a new fees and levies regime for Companies Office registers.

Primary Register: Companies Office Published: