21 August 2013

Greens back bringing incorporated societies law up-to-date

The Law Commission’s recommendations to update laws governing incorporated societies needs to be advanced by the Government, Green Party community and voluntary sector spokesperson Denise Roche said today.

The Incorporated Societies Act 1908 has rarely been amended since its enactment. The Law Commission has just released a report looking at ways to bring this legislation up to date.

“The law that governs incorporated societies is terribly outdated,” Ms Roche said today.

“The Green Party welcomes the Law Commission’s recommendations that will bring this early 20th Century legislation into the 21st century.

“If enacted, the recommendations from the Law Commission will ensure incorporated societies have clear rules and guidelines that will promote transparency and accountability.

“Given these organisations receive large amounts of money through donations, grants and funding contracts it is essential that New Zealand has clear, concise legislation governing this sector,” Ms Roche said.

“Incorporated societies are an important part of the not-for-profit and community and voluntary sector which contributes nearly 5% of New Zealand’s GDP.

“These organisations are significant players in our economy and the sector needs legislation that works for the digital age rather than laws made prior to the sinking of the Titanic,” Ms Roche said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media