Help with Legal Compliance for Incorporated Societies.

Understanding Your Responsibilities

Incorporated societies must meet specific legal requirements under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. We help you understand what is required, identify potential risks and keep your society running smoothly and with confidence.

Constitutions, Governance, and Updates

We assist societies by:

• Drafting and reviewing constitutions that comply with the 2022 Act

• Advising on governance models and committee structures

• Supporting decision-making processes that reflect your society’s purpose and meet legal standards

Support with Re-Registration and Reporting

The 2022 Act requires all incorporated societies to re-register with the Companies Office and meet new reporting and governance standards. We can:

• Guide you through the re-registration process step by step

• Help you avoid common pitfalls and administrative delays

• Ensure your rules, officer roles and financial reporting meet the updated legal requirements

Where We Work

Our team is based in Wellington, Christchurch, Kāpiti, Lower Hutt and Masterton. We support incorporated societies, community groups and not-for-profit organisations throughout New Zealand.

Questions We Often Get Asked About the Incorporated Societies Act 2022

When do societies need to re-register under the new Act?

All incorporated societies must re-register with the Companies Office by April 2026 to remain active. Societies that do not re-register by this date will cease to exist. We help you prepare your documents and submit them correctly.

What are the key changes in the new law?

The 2022 Act introduces clearer duties for officers, updated dispute resolution processes, and new requirements for financial reporting. It also modernises how constitutions are drafted and lodged. We explain what has changed and what steps your society needs to take.

What happens if we don’t update our constitution?

If your constitution does not meet the new legal standards, your society will not be able to re-register. We review your existing rules and update them so they comply with the new Act while still reflecting your group’s purpose and operations.

Do all societies need to file financial statements?

Yes. Most societies must now prepare and file annual financial statements that meet the standards of the External Reporting Board (XRB). The level of reporting depends on your society’s size and funding. We can help you understand which category you fall into.

Can existing committee members stay on after re-registration?

Yes, but they must meet the new eligibility criteria for officers, including being over 16 and not disqualified under the Companies Act. We can help you confirm eligibility and document appointments correctly.