Governance and Management Tools

Governance for clubs and organisations in New Zealand revolves around establishing clear roles and responsibilities for officers, maintaining a strong constitution, and adhering to legal frameworks like the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. Resources such as the Community Toolkit and Sport New Zealand offer comprehensive guides on setting up governance structures, conducting annual general meetings, and ensuring proper financial oversight. Key officers, such as the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary, play critical roles in ensuring the effective running of the organization. Templates and governance resources are available via the Community Resources Kit and similar platforms.

To establish a club or organisation in New Zealand, you’ll need to follow a few key steps depending on the structure you’re aiming for, such as an Incorporated Society or a Charitable Trust.

1. Incorporating a Society:

Incorporating a society provides your group with a legal identity, allowing it to enter into contracts, own property, and limit the liability of its members. To incorporate a society, you’ll need to:

• Draft and submit a constitution that complies with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. The Constitution Builder tool provided by the New Zealand Companies Office can help with this process​(Charities Services).
• Submit the necessary forms and pay a registration fee via the Companies Office​.

2. Starting a Charitable Trust or Non-Profit:

You can also consider forming a Charitable Trust, which can manage and distribute funds for charitable purposes. You’ll need to draft a Trust Deed, which outlines the purposes of your trust and how it will operate. If you’re aiming for tax exemptions, you’ll also need to register with Charities Services.

• For guidance on setting up and running a community organisation, you can refer to the Community Resource Kit, which offers a comprehensive guide​.

3. Legal and Tax Considerations:

• If you’re registering your non-profit with the Charities Act, your organisation may be eligible for tax exemptions. Be sure to obtain an IRD number and familiarise yourself with the obligations of filing tax returns, including the IR9 for clubs and societies​ (LegalVision New Zealand)​(Charities Services).

For more detailed resources, visit the Community Toolkit and LegalVision for guidance on choosing the right structure and the necessary steps.