South Waikato District Council is urging sports clubs, arts societies and community clubs to reregister as an Incorporated Society before 5 April 2026.

“If you are an incorporated society that hasn’t reregistered, you will not be able to continue to operate as a society and you will be removed from the register,” said Cr Josaiah Teokotai who heads SWDC’s Community Engagement and Investment Committee.

“We have a lot of organisations carrying out the hard mahi in our community that rely on funds and grants. If they are not reregistered, they will end up losing access to these funds and to the contracts they hold, as well as leases and rental agreements.”

The New Zealand Companies Office’s website states that all societies registered under the 1908 Act must reregister under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 before Easter Sunday.

Clubs that are registered as an incorporated society can maintain their own separate legal identity even when membership changes. They can lease, rent, buy and sell property, borrow money, and sign contracts. They can also apply for funding through community grants and local government contracts.

If a club does not reregister, it will cease to exist as an incorporated society. It could lose access to its bank accounts and have its property and assets distributed as directed by the registrar. Members could be held personally liable for the society’s debt, financial obligations, or leases.

“Obviously, that’s not an outcome we want for our clubs,” Teokotai said. “Kia tere e te iwi – act quickly and reregister now to ensure that the good work you are doing for our hapori can continue.”

If you are wishing to reregister, you can find more information and advice on https://www.companiesoffice.govt.nz/ or email info@southwaikato.govt.nz.

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