Incorporated Societies Re-Registration – Act Now to Meet the April 2026 Deadline

Written by Tenille Burnside | May 4, 2025 12:00:00 PM

Incorporated Societies Re-Registration – Act Now to Meet the April 2026 Deadline

The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 introduces important updates to the way incorporated societies in New Zealand are governed. It aims to strengthen governance by setting out new officer duties, conflict of interest rules, and requiring dispute resolution processes.

The re-registration deadline closes on 5 April 2026 — less than one year away.

All existing incorporated societies must re-register under the new Act by this date, or they will cease to exist and be removed from the register.

Do you amend your current constitution or start fresh?

A key decision for every incorporated society is whether to:

Amend your existing constitution to meet the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 requirements, or
Start with a new compliant constitution using a template tailored to your organisation’s current needs

We advise incorporated societies in New Zealand on both approaches. Whether you only need minor updates or a complete constitutional refresh, we can guide you through the re-registration process with practical, sector-specific advice.

Key changes under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022

If you’re part of an incorporated society in New Zealand, you’ll need to comply with new requirements under the Act:

- Minimum members reduced from 15 to 10
- Member consent required (e.g., tick box at membership renewal)
- Appoint 1–3 Contact Persons (aged 18+, NZ residents) for the Registrar
- Membership register must include current members and resigned members (for the past 7 years)
- Committee of at least 3 qualified officers (majority must be members)
- New officer duties: act in good faith, in the society’s best interests, comply with the Act and constitution, exercise reasonable care
- Mandatory dispute resolution process in the constitution
- New conflict of interest rules requiring disclosure
- Societies may indemnify and insure officers, employees, and members
- Financial reporting obligations based on society size

Experts in advising incorporated societies across New Zealand

We assist a wide range of incorporated societies, including:

- Sport and recreation organisations (national, regional, and local)
- Industry, professional, and trade associations
- Residents’ associations
- Educational organisations and schools

We understand the governance, compliance, and structural challenges that different types of societies face. We tailor our advice to fit your organisation’s size, purpose, and sector.

Specialist experience with sport and recreation organisations

We have extensive experience working with sport and recreation organisations in New Zealand. Our team sits on boards and committees of national sports organisations (NSOs) and regional organisations and clubs, so we understand the practical governance challenges these organisations face.

Whether you’re a large national body or a grassroots club, we can help you update your constitution, meet governance requirements, and ensure a smooth re-registration.

Don’t leave your re-registration too late

With less than a year to go, make sure your incorporated society is ready to meet the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 re-registration deadline in New Zealand.

Nigel Stirling – nigel.stirling@gibsonsheat.com

Tenille Burnside – tenille.burnside@gibsonsheat.com

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