BvonD News
Constitution-Builder for Society Constitutions
Background The Law Commission’s 2013 Report, A New Act for Incorporated Societies, noted at paragraph 7.58 that: During our consultation we were constantly told of the need for education and guidance for societies in drafting their constitutions and in running societies in general. An internet-based constitution builder tool would provide that guidance and would greatly […]
Essential Record-Keeping for Not-for-Profit Organisations
Introduction Most not-for-profit organisations (societies and charitable trusts, abbreviated to N-f-P’s in these notes) are governed and managed by well-intentioned, honest people, but many of those people lack some or all of the knowledge and skills about the decision-making and record-keeping required in such an organisation. The sections that follow provide a brief guide to […]
Codes of Conduct in Not-for-Profit Governance
Introduction Those involved in the governance of a not-for-profit entity (incorporated society or charity, whether or not incorporated under any statute) have duties and responsibilities: These may be specified in the constitution of the not-for-profit entity, They may be specified in any legislation under which the not-for-profit entity may be incorporated or which applies to […]
Business Numbers – What they Mean for Not-for-Profits
The New Zealand Business Number Act 2016 provides that incorporated societies registered under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908, charitable trusts incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957, friendly societies and credit unions registered under the Friendly Societies and Credit Unions Act 1982, and industrial and provident societies registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1908 are eligible to obtain a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN).
New Incorporated Societies Act – Progress?
These notes, prepared by Mark von Dadelszen QSM, provide an overview of the more significant elements of the proposals to replace the Incorporated Societies Act 1908.
Record-Keeping for Not-for-Profit Organisations
Introduction Most not-for-profit organisations (societies and charitable trusts, abbreviated to N-f-P’s in these notes) are governed and managed by well-intentioned, honest people, but many of those people lack some or all of the knowledge and skills about the decision-making and record-keeping required in such an organisation. The sections that follow provide a brief guide to […]
New Zealand Copyright for Musicians[1]
Copyright is a property right that comes into existence automatically in respect of original qualifying works, and it applies to a wide range of items including toilet pan connectors, kiwifruit trays, clothing, and musical scores, with original literary and musical works being expressly listed as such qualifying works (Copyright Act 1994, section 14).
When a Society can Find no Officers
We are quite frequently asked by members of incorporated societies for advice about a problem which is not uncommon – a society which is unable to find anyone willing to stand for office as chairperson, secretary or treasurer, and where the constitution does not outline what should be done in those circumstances (and few society constitution do so).
GOVERNING CHARITABLE TRUSTS AND CHARITABLE SOCIETIES
This article has been prepared to help trustees of a charitable trust or committee members of a charitable society governing the charity more readily to understand the obligations they assume when appointed or elected.
Not-for-Profits and Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism
Risks relating to Money Laundering or Financing of Terrorism The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AML/CFT) is intended to prevent money-laundering by criminals and the financing of terrorism. Societies and charitable trusts (“not-for-profits”) and those providing them with services (such as legal, accounting and banking) are now affected by this legislation: […]