If you’re a club or other organisation that is incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908, you need to re-register under the new 2022 Act to remain an incorporated society. 

Don’t panic. You have until 5 April 2026 to do it, but we encourage you to get the ball rolling now. Any incorporated society that does not reregister by the cut-off date will cease to exist.

Until your club or organisation re-registers it must operate under (and comply with) the 1908 Act but once your new re-registration application is approved, you’ll be bound by the 2022 Act.

There is no fee for reregistration, but you will need to do a few things before you can re-apply.   

The most important task is to ensure that your Rules document (now called a constitution) complies with section 26 of the 2022 Act. You don’t need a lawyer to do this but we are always on hand if you need help.

The Companies Office has some excellent information to help you.

You can sign up to receive updates from the Companies Office. Just look for the button at the bottom of the web-page in the above link.

There is also a constitution builder you can use to create a constitution which complies with the 2022 Act. For some societies, this may be easier than changing your existing Rules.

Rule changes or adoption of a new constitution will require a general meeting of members and it makes sense to deal with this at an Annual General Meeting rather than calling a Special General Meeting. When is your AGM held?

While April 2026 is still two years away, time has a funny way of disappearing so don’t leave it to the last minute.  

If you’re feeling a little stressed about it all and want some guidance, give us a call, we’re here to help. 

Level 1, 62 Ardmore Street, Wanaka,