Not-for-profits & Charities Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on not-for-profits & charities for new zealand businesses.
Do I Need A Lawyer To Set Up A Charitable Trust?
Setting up a charitable trust? Here's when you can DIY, when legal review helps, and which deed clauses can slow down charity registration in New Zealand.
7 November 2026
Charity Trust Registration Checklist For NZ Founders
Ready to turn your community project into a registered charity? Use this practical checklist to prepare your trust deed, trustees and key registration steps.
7 November 2026
Charitable Trust Deed Template: What To Include
Starting a charitable trust in New Zealand? Your deed should do more than fill a template - it needs clear purposes, trustee powers and winding up rules.
6 November 2026
Incorporated Society Rules Template: What To Include
Updating your incorporated society rules can feel fiddly, but it does not have to be. Here is what to include before you register or re-register in New Zealand.
26 October 2026
Do We Need A Lawyer To Re-Register An Incorporated Society?
Re-registering your incorporated society? Here's when you can handle it yourself, and when legal help is worth it for your rules and governance.
26 October 2026
What Is a Trust Company and How Does It Work?
A trust company is usually a company that acts as trustee, or provides trustee-related services, for assets held on trust. This guide explains how trust
8 August 2026
What Is the Role of Ex Officio Directors and Board Observers in New Zealand
Ex officio directors and board observers can help New Zealand businesses and charities with representation and oversight, but the legal effect depends on
21 July 2026Amending an NFP Constitution in New Zealand: Legal Steps to Follow
Amending a not for profit constitution in New Zealand is not just a paperwork step. This guide explains the legal process, common mistakes, and what
31 May 2026Charity and NFP Constitutions in New Zealand: What Founders Should Include
Setting up a New Zealand charity or not for profit? Learn what a strong constitution should include, the common drafting mistakes founders make, and how
24 May 2026When Should You Use a Special Purpose Company in New Zealand?
A special purpose company can help New Zealand businesses ringfence a project, asset, investment or not-for-profit activity, but only if the structure and
2 May 2026
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policies And Legal Requirements In NZ
If you’re running a small business, “doing the right thing” is usually already part of how you operate. You might be paying staff fairly, choosing ethical suppliers, cutting down waste, or supporting...
25 March 2026
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Examples: Legal Considerations For NZ Businesses
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can feel like something only big organisations have the time (or budget) to do properly. But in practice, CSR is often most powerful when it’s built into the...
25 March 2026
What Is A Public Benevolent Institution? (2026 Updated)
If you’re running (or planning to start) a charity or social enterprise, you’ve probably come across the term Public Benevolent Institution (often shortened to PBI ) and wondered: “Is that something we...
6 January 2025
False Charity Claims: What Can The Law Do? (2026 Updated)
Most people in New Zealand want to support good causes. Whether it’s donating to disaster relief, sponsoring a community initiative, or buying from a “for-purpose” brand, the trust we put in charities...
6 January 2025
Setting Up a Charity – Part I: Get The Legal Structure Right (2026 Updated)
Running a small business often comes with a bigger purpose than just profit. Maybe you want to formalise your community work, create a charitable arm for your brand, or set up a...
6 January 2025
Setting Up a Charity – Part II: Get Registered (2026 Updated)
If you’ve read Part I of this series, you’ve already done the hard (and very important) thinking: choosing the right legal structure for your charity and getting your governance foundations in place....
6 January 2025
Beware: Why Your Charity May Be Disqualified (2026 Updated)
Running a charity is rewarding, but it also comes with responsibilities that can catch even experienced trustees off guard. And here’s the tricky part: a charity can be doing “good work” in...
6 January 2025
Incorporated Associations: Everything You Need To Know
Incorporation isn’t just for businesses - not-for-profits can also choose to incorporate their organisation. Whether your organisation is a charitable trust, social club, non-governmental organisation, foundation, or community club, you have the...
16 October 2024How To Fundraise For Your Not-For-Profit In New Zealand
When you’re running a not-for-profit or a charity, one of your main tasks will be to raise money for your venture. Raising funds for your organisation can take various forms- you might...
24 January 2024
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