Incorporated Societies Act 2022 and Regulations
Incorporated Societies Act 2022 and Regulations
The Incorporated Societies Act was updated in 2022 to modernise how incorporated societies are governed.
All incorporated societies were required to re-register under the new Act by 11.59pm on 5 April 2026. There were no extensions or exceptions to this deadline.
If you did not re register by the deadline
If your society did not re‑register, it was removed from the Companies Office Register on 6 April 2026 and is no longer legally recognised as an incorporated society.
This means:
- your society no longer legally exists as an incorporated entity
- anyone continuing to run activities (such as events or competitions) is doing so in a personal capacity
- the organisation cannot enter into new contracts and may be in breach of existing ones (for example, leases, funding or sponsorship agreements, or licence conditions)
- you may not be able to access the society’s bank accounts
- the organisation can no longer use the word ‘Incorporated’ in its name and the name may be used by another group.
This may also affect:
- your ability to receive funding
- insurance cover
- membership with regional or national sport organisations.
If this applies to your organisation, it’s important to understand your options and next steps.
Restoring your incorporated society
In some circumstances, societies that missed the deadline may be able to apply for restoration.
Key things to know:
- Restoration is done online through the Companies Office.
- The application fee is $177.78 + GST.
- Societies removed on 6 April 2026 can apply for restoration up until 5 April 2032.
- Until restoration is approved, the society continues to be treated as having ceased to exist under the law.
- To be restored, the society must:
- have a constitution that meets the requirements of the Act, and
- meet the minimum requirements for members and committee members.
The application process differs slightly depending on whether the application is made by an officer, committee member or a member of the society.
See guidance on the restoration process below.
If you’re unsure what applies to your situation, talk with your Sport NZ partnership manager or email governance@sportnz.org.nz.
Support for national and regional organisations
If you are a national or regional organisation with clubs or member associations that did not re register, there may be implications for:
- membership eligibility
- minimum membership requirements
- constitutional obligations.
See guidance below for national or regional organisations supporting clubs or member associations that missed the re registration deadline.
Resources and templates
The resources below remain available to support organisations that are:
- applying for restoration, or
- re-registering under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
Additional resources
Financial Reporting guidance [Companies Office website]
Financial reporting for small societies [External Reporting Board website]
