If you’re a club or other organisation incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908, you’ll need to re-register under the new 2022 Act to remain an incorporated society.
Don’t panic though, you still have until 5 April 2026 to do it, but we encourage you to get the ball rolling now. Any incorporated society that does not reregister by the cut-off date will simply cease to exist.
Until your club or organisation re-registers it must operate under (and comply with) the 1908 Act but once your new re-registration application is approved, you’ll be bound by the 2022 Act.
There is no fee for re-registration, but you will need to do a few things before you can re-apply.
The most important task is to ensure that your Rules document (now called a constitution) complies with section 26 of the 2022 Act. You don’t need a lawyer to do this but we are always on hand if you need help.
The Companies Office has some excellent information to help you. https://is-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/law-changes-for-societies/getting-ready-for-reregistering/
You can sign up to receive updates from the Companies Office. Just look for the button at the bottom of the web-page in the above link.
There is also a constitution builder you can use to create a constitution which complies with the 2022 Act. For some societies, this may be easier than changing your existing Rules.
Rule changes or adoption of a new constitution will require a general meeting of members and it makes sense to deal with this at an Annual General Meeting rather than calling a Special General Meeting. When is your AGM held?
While April 2026 is still two years away, time has a funny way of disappearing so don’t leave it to the last minute.
If you’re feeling a little stressed about it all and want some guidance, just give us a call.