Changing your trust board's name

How to update your name on the register

When a charitable trust board decides to change its name, it must apply to us to have the name updated on the register. The name change does not legally take effect until this has been done.

Choosing your new name

Before deciding on a new name, be sure that you can use it.

How to change your trust board's name

To update your trust board's name online

If you're updating your details online, you must have:

  • a RealMe® login
  • an online services account with the Companies Office
  • authority to manage information for your charitable trust board.

Step by step

Then follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your online services account.
  2. On the dashboard, select the charitable trust board you wish to update from 'My Businesses'.
  3. On the 'View Details' page, select the 'General Details' tab, and click the 'Change Name' button.
  4. Enter the proposed new name, and to confirm it can be used, click 'Name Availability Check'.
  5. If you have documentation to support your application, click 'Upload' to attach documents. Please note, these documents will not be available for public view.
  6. Complete the signatory details and click on 'Submit'.
Register a name change for a trust board

To submit your request manually

  1. Download Form CT3 – Change of name, variation of trust or alteration of rules of a charitable trust board.
  2. Complete the form, making sure the confirmation box is ticked if the alteration involves a change of name for your charitable trust board.
  3. Attach any supporting documents (for example, if you need permission to use a particular name, confirmation that you have this permission).

Send your completed form to us.

By post to —

Companies Office
Private Bag 92061
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142

or by email to processing@companiesoffice.govt.nz

What happens next

Reviewing your application may take up to three working days.

A change in the name of a charitable trust board takes effect from the date we update the register. At that time we'll issue an updated Certificate of Incorporation.

The name change doesn't affect the rights or liabilities of the charitable trust board, and doesn't affect legal proceedings by, or against, the board. Legal proceedings taken against the trust board under its former name may be continued against it under its new name.