Top Tips for Organisations
Each fortnight we will be adding to this Resource from our ‘Top Tips’ feature in our Sector Update Newsletter/Panui, so that if you miss a week, you can catch up here.
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Week 1: Incorporated or Not? (Charitable Trusts)
Does your trust know whether it’s incorporated? It’s a common blind spot – many boards have never actually checked.
Why it matters:
An unincorporated charitable trust has no separate legal identity – trustees can be personally liable for the trust’s debts and contracts. Once trustees incorporate as a charitable trust board under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957, the board becomes its own legal entity.
☑️ Quick check: Search your organisation on the Charitable Trusts Register to confirm your status with the Companies Office.
☑️ Thinking about incorporating? Your trust needs to exist principally for an approved purpose (education, religion, relief of poverty, or other community benefit), and trustees will need a trust deed, complete the form, and a statutory declaration. Full guidance here: Incorporating a Charitable Trust Board – Companies Office
Week 2: Is Your Charities Services Information Up to Date?
When did your organisation last check its listing on the Charities Register? Out-of-date details are a common (and easily fixed), compliance gap.
Why it matters:
Your Charities Register listing is public – funders, donors, and the public use it to check your organisation is legitimate and active. Registered charities are legally required to notify Charities Services of changes within 3 months, including:
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Officer changes (new or departing board/committee members)
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Change of address, contact details, or balance date
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Changes to your rules/constitution
☑️ Quick check:
Log in to your charity’s account and review:
- Are all current officers listed (and past ones removed)?
- Is your contact person/email still correct?
- Is your last annual return actually filed and up to date?
Missing or incomplete returns put your charity’s registration at risk – and repeated non-filing can lead to deregistration.
☑️ How to update:
Log in to your charity’s account and complete the ‘Update Details’ form.
For more help with these things or anything you need support with – if you are in the Western Bay of Plenty – click below.
