Incorporated Societies Bill receives Royal Assent

6 April 2022

As expected the Incorporated Societies Bill has powered through the final stages of the process and received Royal Assent on 5th March 2022 to become the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. 

The good news is you need not panic, for a society that is already incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 you will continue to be subject to the 1908 Act until you reregister as a society under the 2022 Act or until the transition date, which is the later of 1 December 2025; or the date that is 2 years and 6 months after the commencement of clause 4.

We suggest that clubs do not need to race to reregister under the new act and we expect that the Incorporated Societies Office will produce information and guidance to assist in the re-registration process.  But, it is advised that you begin planning and determine what steps need to be taken to get ready for re-registration.

When the 2022 Act comes into force, all existing incorporated societies will be required to re-register with the Registrar of Incorporated Societies.  An application for re-registration will need to be accompanied by a copy of the incorporated society's compliant constitution. Now is a timely opportunity for clubs to review their existing rules/constitutions to ensure they will be compliant with the requirements of the 2022 Act and also pay consideration to whether current officers are compliant with the eligibility criteria.

To assist clubs through the transitional process Clubs New Zealand intends to:

  • Release a model constitution designed for clubs which will be peer reviewed.
  • Release fact sheets and need to know information as required.
  • Launch a new Governance Training Programme. 
  • Update Clubs New Zealand resources and factsheets.

If you have any questions please contact National Office on 0800 4 CLUBS or email enquiries@clubsnz.com

The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 can be read here https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2022/0012/28.0/LMS100809.html

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