How the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 affects charitable trust boards
An overview of the law changes for incorporated societies and what they mean for society-based charitable trust boards
From 6 April 2026 there is one Act that incorporated societies need to comply with in New Zealand; the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 (2022 Act).
The 2022 Act came into force on 5 October 2023 and also brought in changes for society-based charitable trust boards.
Groups cannot incorporate as a society-based trust board
Groups can no longer incorporate as a society-based charitable trust board under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957.
A group with a charitable purpose can apply to be incorporated as a society under the 2022 Act. Like charitable trust boards, incorporated societies can operate with a charitable purpose and register with Charities Services.
Existing society-based trust boards can reregister as an incorporated society
Existing society-based charitable trust boards can apply to reregister as an incorporated society under the 2022 Act.
If your trust board decides not to reregister as an incorporated society, it remains on the Charitable Trusts Register and continues to be governed by the Charitable Trusts Act 1957.
Background to the law changes for incorporated societies
The 2022 Act and Incorporated Societies Regulations 2023 came into force on 5 October 2023. Together, these put in place a modern legal, governance and accountability framework for incorporated societies and the people who run them.
Other guides in
Getting started on the register
- About charitable trusts
- Your responsibilities as a charitable trust board
- How to use our services
- Uploading documents to the Charitable Trusts Register
- Setting up your online account
- Confirming your authority to update the register
- The role of Charities Services