Incorporated Societies That Missed Deadline Urged To Act Now

Incorporated societies that missed the 5 April deadline to reregister under the 2022 Act can apply to be restored if they plan to continue operating as an incorporated society, says Companies Office National Manager Bolen Ng.

“While more than 90 per cent (19,428 societies) reregistered before the deadline and can now benefit from the more modern Incorporated Societies Act 2022, an estimated 1,800 societies that did not reregister have been removed from the register and no longer exist as incorporated entities,” says Bolen Ng.

“This may mean some societies are facing operational disruptions such as losing access to their bank accounts or having to field questions from funders, lessors and Inland Revenue.”

To resolve this and avoid extended disruption, these societies can now apply to the Companies Office to be restored and registered under the 2022 Act.

“Our focus has shifted to helping removed societies that wish to be restored to understand and complete this process, especially those experiencing disruption,” Mr Ng says.

“The restoration process is straightforward. As soon as you have your revised constitution ready, ensuring it’s compliant with the 2022 Act, you just need to submit an application with the required supporting evidence and pay the restoration fee. The sooner this is done, the less disruption your society will face.”

He says many of the removed societies will have decided not to reregister because they are no longer operating or have converted to a different structure.

“However, there will be some that wish to continue as incorporated societies. If that’s the case, there is plenty of support available to help them through the process.”

For more information, including stepbystep guidance and tools to help update constitutions, visit the Incorporated Societies website or call the Service Centre on 0508 762 438.

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