Drafting Constitutions and Rules for Incorporated Societies.

Legal Support for Incorporated Societies

We help societies comply with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, providing tailored legal advice on drafting compliant rules, updating governance and completing re-registration. Our goal is to make the process straightforward and ensure your society is well structured for the future.

Meeting the New Requirements

The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 introduces significant changes to how societies operate and govern themselves. Whether you are:

• Starting a new society

• Updating an existing constitution

• Preparing for re-registration

We help you draft clear and compliant rules that meet legal standards while reflecting your group’s structure, purpose and values.

Practical, Tailored Advice

We advise on what to include in your constitution, such as:

• Governance and decision making processes

• Dispute resolution procedures

• Member rights and responsibilities

• Committee structure and officer duties

We work with sports clubs, community groups, professional associations and other not-for-profit entities to ensure their constitutions are practical and compliant.

Guidance Beyond Drafting

Beyond preparing your rules, we assist with:

• Re-registration and document filing

• Updating committee structures and internal policies

• Clarifying board responsibilities and duties under the new Act

We help your society adapt confidently to the new requirements and maintain compliance over the long term.

Where We Work

We are based in Wellington, with offices in Lower Hutt, Masterton and Christchurch. We support incorporated societies, sports clubs, associations and community organisations across the Wellington region, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, Canterbury and throughout New Zealand.

Questions We Often Get Asked About Incorporated Societies

What has changed under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022?

The new Act introduces clearer governance standards, dispute resolution processes and financial reporting requirements. We explain what these changes mean for your society and help you update your constitution and procedures accordingly.

Does every society need to re-register?

Yes. All incorporated societies registered under the old Act must re-register under the 2022 Act by the deadline set by the Companies Office. We help prepare and file the required documents so the process runs smoothly.

What should be included in a society’s constitution?

Your constitution must include rules about membership, governance, decision making, dispute resolution and financial management. We help you draft or update your rules to ensure they meet both legal and practical requirements.

Can you help new societies register under the 2022 Act?

Yes. We assist new societies with drafting compliant rules, preparing registration documents and ensuring they meet all statutory requirements under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.