Legal considerations
Every community group needs to operate within New Zealand law so make sure that you know your individual and group legal responsibilities.
Parry Field Lawyers has some free guides for non-profit organisations including charities, faith groups and incorporated societies to help you consider legal issues when operating your group. Check out the resources here.
Community Law offers free legal help throughout Aotearoa, you can visit their website to find legal information and resources. They also travel to Central Otago on the first consecutive Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday of each month to host advice clinics, you can view the dates they will be in Central Otago here.
The Community Toolkit is a practical legal resource designed to support organisations working in the community (not-for-profit) sector. It’s aimed at those who:
- are planning to set up a new community group, or
- are reviewing how their existing community group is structured and organised, or
- are involved in managing an existing community group and want information about their group’s legal powers and obligations.
If you’re setting up a new group or reviewing your existing group’s structure and organisation, you may find you need help answer the following sorts of questions:
- Should your group seek charitable status?
- What kind of legal structure should your group have?
- How can your governance structure can incorporate and reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- How will the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 (the “2022 Act”) affect what your group needs to do?
- What other laws will you need to know about?
Check out their website here.
The Parliamentary Counsel Office - Te Tari Tohutohu Paremata is where you will find public access to up-to-date New Zealand legislation including Acts of Parliament, Legislative Instruments (regulations), Bills, and Supplementary Order Papers. You can view the website here.
