The 5 April 2026 deadline to re-register your incorporated society is now little more than a month away and according to the Registrar of Incorporated Societies, thousands of societies have yet to complete this process.

Re-registration is not automatic. Societies must take proactive steps to ensure compliance with the new legislative framework. We previously published an article on the process and requirements for re-registration as an incorporated society, you can read that earlier article here: Incorporated Societies Re-registration: Upcoming Deadline.

Implications if a society fails to re-register:

If your society fails to re-register by 5 April 2026, it will be removed from the Register of Incorporated Societies, which has serious flow-on effects, including:

  • The society loses its separate legal personality;
  • Members may become personally liable for the society’s obligations;
  • Agreements, contracts and licences (including liquor licences) may be terminated;
  • The society’s name loses statutory protection; and
  • Assets must be distributed in accordance with the constitution or applicable law.

We recommend that any society which intends to continue operating without registration should obtain professional advice on the risks involved in doing so.

How we can help:

It’s not too late to take action.  Societies that re-register will benefit from improved transparency and accountability in their day-to-day governance and the increased confidence of their members. Contact JB Morrison Lawyers to find out more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you have any questions about incorporated societies, please feel free to contact our Wellington and Rotorua experts: