Business Law Library & Tracker

Charities, Clubs & Member Governance

Member organisations, constitutions, officers, registration and reporting.

Sources last reviewed 28 July 2026

Main law guides

157

Acts, regulations and codes worth reading first

Topics

60

Plain-English clusters

Published case explainers

96

Selected cases with a business lesson

Tracked updates

8

New, amended & reviewed

Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.

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Main laws

Main lawNew Zealand

Charities Act 2005

2005 No 39

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Not-for-Profits & CharitiesRegulatory ComplianceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsCharities, Clubs & Member Governance
Main lawNew Zealand

Incorporated Societies Act 2022

2022 No 12

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Not-for-Profits & CharitiesRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member Governance
Main lawNew Zealand

Charitable Trusts Act 1957

1957 No 18

PriorityIn force8 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Not-for-Profits & CharitiesRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceBusiness Identity, Registers & FilingsStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand

Major Events Management Act 2007

2007 No 35

PriorityIn force7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionRegulatory ComplianceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceTransport, Shipping & LogisticsTelecommunications, Media & Content
Main lawNew Zealand

Arms Act 1983

1983 No 44

PriorityIn force10 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Regulatory ComplianceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsRecords, Reporting & NotificationsCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsTelecommunications, Media & ContentStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Main lawNew Zealand

Building Research Levy Act 1969

1969 No 23

PriorityIn force9 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Construction & TradesRegulatory ComplianceRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsRecords, Reporting & NotificationsCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceConstruction Contracts & Payment
Main lawNew Zealand

Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981

1981 No 47

PriorityIn force10 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionRegulatory ComplianceAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawNew Zealand

Anzac Day Act 1966

1966 No 44

PriorityIn force7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollCharities, Clubs & Member GovernancePayroll Deductions & Minimum Standards

Cases

Employment Court of New Zealand[2026] NZEmpC 5319 Mar 2026

Faitala and Vea v The Pacific Island Business Development Trust

Employers must ensure that redundancy processes are genuine, transparent, and in compliance with employment agreements and good faith obligations. Employees have...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Employment Court of New Zealand[2026] NZEmpC 1051 Jan 2026

National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges Nga Whare Whakaruruhau O Aotearoa v Love & Crestani

For ordinary employers, the lasting lesson is about responsibility. Even where another organisation funds you, audits you, sets standards, requires reporting, or...

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Employment & WorkplaceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsWorkplace Investigations & MisconductStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Employment Court of New Zealand[2025] NZEmpC 694 Apr 2025

Bread of Life Christian Church in Auckland v Chen

Bread of Life Christian Church in Auckland v Chen confirms that employment law applies to religious and charitable organisations when they employ staff. The courts...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernanceDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member Governance
Employment Court of New Zealand[2025] NZEmpC 22314 Oct 2025

McGearty v Air New Zealand Ltd

Employers cannot rely solely on collective agreements or industry standards to justify actions that disadvantage employees due to age. They must actively consider...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceTransport, Shipping & LogisticsEquality, Discrimination & AccessibilityUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial ActionStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Employment Court of New Zealand[2025] NZEmpC 20815 Sept 2025

Soapi and Others v Pick Hawkes Bay Inc

Employers must be careful when making deductions from employees’ wages, especially for accommodation and other costs. Deductions must be lawful, agreed to in...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceAgriculture, Farming & Rural BusinessImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsMigrant Workers & Labour HirePayroll Deductions & Minimum Standards
Employment Court of New Zealand[2025] NZEmpC 1364 July 2025

Tighe-Umbers v Jetconnect Limited

Employers must not rush to dismiss staff who cannot comply with health orders. Instead, they should carefully consider all reasonable alternatives, including leave...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceHealthcare & Regulated ProfessionsTransport, Shipping & LogisticsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial Action
Employment Court of New Zealand[2024] NZEmpC 18327 Sept 2024

Auckland Trotting Club Inc v Payne

Employers cannot rely on verbal agreements to change written employment contracts. Changes to pay structures, particularly involving commissions or bonuses, must be...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceEmployment Contracts & PoliciesWages, Leave & PayrollDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Employment Court of New Zealand[2024] NZEmpC 8421 May 2024

E Tū Inc v Singh

Employers and unions must ensure that disciplinary processes are conducted fairly, with clear reasons for dismissal and a genuine opportunity for employees to...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceTelecommunications, Media & ContentEquality, Discrimination & AccessibilityMigrant Workers & Labour HireWorkplace Investigations & MisconductStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Employment Court of New Zealand[2024] NZEmpC 2823 Feb 2024

Keighran v Kensington Tavern Ltd

Employers must consult with staff before making significant changes to their roles or hours, especially when those changes are prompted by workplace disputes or...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsHospitality, Alcohol & Gambling
Employment Court of New Zealand[2023] NZEmpC 7416 May 2023

Nelmac Ltd v Reunited Employees Assoc Inc

The Employment Court confirmed that both employers and unions must uphold the duty of good faith during collective bargaining. If negotiations become antagonistic...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial Action
Employment Court of New Zealand[2023] NZEmpC 23420 Dec 2023

New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Assoc IUOW Inc v Tasman Cargo Airlines Pty Ltd

If you announce a pay rise to all eligible staff, you must honour it for union members, even if collective bargaining starts soon after. Withholding a promised...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceContractors & Worker StatusDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceAgriculture, Farming & Rural BusinessTransport, Shipping & LogisticsUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial Action
Supreme Court of New Zealand[2015] NZSC 5912 May 2015

New Zealand Fire Service Commission v Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand Incorporated & Vero New Zealand Limited

Do not assume a levy or similar statutory charge will always track the way your insurance programme is packaged. In this case, the Supreme Court focused closely on...

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Finance, Payments & SecurityFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceInsurance Policies & ClaimsTransport, Shipping & Logistics