Incorporated societies in New Zealand have several legal responsibilities to ensure they operate lawfully and transparently. Here are some key obligations:
- Compliance with Rules or Constitution: Societies must follow their own rules or constitution, which outline their purposes and how they operate.
- Lawful Activities: All activities must be lawful and align with the society’s stated purposes.
- Financial Reporting: Societies are required to maintain accurate financial records and file annual financial statements with the Companies Office. If registered with Charities Services, they must file an annual return there instead.
- Membership Register: Societies must keep an up-to-date register of their members.
- Updating Details: Any changes to the society’s name, rules, or registered office address must be reported to the Registrar.
- Asset Management: Members cannot have a personal interest in the society’s assets, which must be used for the society’s purposes.
- Winding Up: If a society ceases to operate, it must be wound up and removed from the register.
These responsibilities help ensure that societies remain accountable and serve their intended purposes.
Contact us today to secure your society’s future with expert compliance assistance
