Bringing a trust board to an end

Applying to have a board dissolved

If your charitable trust board is no longer operating, you can apply to us to have it dissolved and removed from the register.

Before requesting that a charitable trust board be dissolved, you must deal with any outstanding assets and/or liabilities in the manner specified in its rules or trust deed.

Read section 26 of the Charitable Trust Act 1957 for more information .

Information you’ll need to confirm

A charitable trust board applying to be dissolved must confirm that it:

  • is no longer operating
  • has no assets – all surplus assets have been disposed of as required by the trust deed/rules and the Charitable Trusts Act 1957
  • has no liabilities (debts) including contingent liabilities
  • is not a party to any legal proceedings or disputes.

How to apply to dissolve a trust board

To apply online

Before applying online to dissolve a charitable trust board, you must have:

  • a RealMe® login
  • an online services account with the Companies Office
  • authority to act on behalf of the charitable trust board

RealMe logins and setting up your online services account

Confirming your authority to manage information

Step by step

Then follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your online services account.
  2. On the dashboard, from 'My Businesses', select the charitable trust board you wish to dissolve.
  3. On the 'View Details' page, from the 'Maintain Charitable Trust Board' menu select 'Request to Dissolve a Charitable Trust Board'.
  4. Confirm the required conditions for dissolving the board (as stated above), and that a resolution has been passed to apply for dissolution.
  5. Once you have confirmed the above, complete the ‘Signatory Details’ section and click the 'Submit' button.
Request to dissolve a trust board

To submit your application manually

  1. Download Form CT5 – Request to dissolve a charitable trust board.
  2. Complete the form, confirming that the trust board has ceased operating.

Send the completed form, and any supporting documents to us.

By post to —

Companies Office
Private Bag 92061
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142

or by email to compliance@companiesoffice.govt.nz

Form CT5 – Request to dissolve a charitable trust board PDF, 176 KB opens in a new window

What happens next

Your application is reviewed to ensure all requirements are met. If your application is accepted:

  • The trust board is immediately removed from the register.
  • You are notified of the outcome of the request.
  • Public notice of the dissolution will appear in the New Zealand Gazette and Companies Office website.

All help topics

Getting started on the register 8 guides

Find out about charitable trusts and the Charitable Trusts Register, how to set up an online services account, and where to start when incorporating a charitable trust board.

Searching the Charitable Trusts Register 2 guides

Searching the register for information about charitable trust boards and their status.

Starting a charitable trust board 5 guides

To incorporate a charitable trust board you must submit an application, along with the required documents. There is no registration fee.

Keeping charitable trust board details up to date 7 guides

Once you've registered your charitable trust board, you're required by law to keep certain information about it up to date.

Ending a charitable trust board 2 guides

There are two ways to end a charitable trust board. If the board is no longer operating, it can apply to be dissolved. If it is unable to pay its debts, it can be placed in liquidation.

Restoring a charitable trust board to the register 1 guide

A trust board that has been removed from the Charitable Trusts Register can apply to us to be restored.

Managing your online account 6 guides

Your online services account allows you to update and manage personal and organisation account details from your online dashboard.

Forms 1 guide

Find the forms you'll need to register your charitable trust board or keep its details up to date. Please note: there are no fees for registering or maintaining a charitable trust board.