1. Introduction An article, “The New Incorporated Societies Act – Guide for Societies”, at https://nfplaw.co.nz/the-new-incorporated-societies-act-guide-for-societies/ sets out information about the reforms effected by the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 Act. This (rather long) article sets out in detail what I believe existing incorporated societies now need to do to re-register a society under the new Act […]

Is there a problem?  Members of a society or trustees of a charitable trust may be concerned that the entity has “lost its way.”  That phrase can apply to a not-for-profit entity in different circumstances and be evidenced in a number of ways: Falling attendances at entity events and meetings, Vocal grumbling amongst the membership […]

Some of what should be in a society’s rules is required by law, but those requirements are (under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 and Charitable Trusts Act 1957) very basic, and inadequate to provide the framework for good governance and good relationships between a society and its members and between the members themselves.  The new […]

What is the issue?  In 2011, a reader of my articles raised an issue for consideration in this series of articles, saying: Over the years I have had cause to read many constitutional documents, perhaps more carefully than some of the officers or members of the societies concerned.  Frequently there is a clause relating to […]

I have written elsewhere about the need for members of a society to exercise vigilance if they are to protect or control the destiny of their society (see for instance, “Trouble at the Courts – anyone for tennis?”LINK).  The ease by which the balance of democratic power can be tipped is illustrated by the facts […]