Using our Constitution Builder tool to draft or revise a society’s rules

An online tool for drafting or revising society rules

Every incorporated society is required to have a constitution or set of rules, stating clearly how it intends to be run. These rules must cover certain basic functions and responsibilities, such as why the society exists, the conditions of membership, and how the society will hold meetings, make decisions and elect officers.

Where to start when drafting or revising rules

To help you draft your constitution, we’ve designed the Constitution Builder, a ‘do-it-yourself’ online tool for writing or revising your society’s rules.

This tool is able to produce a draft document that contains most of the content required in a constitution; however, it should not be considered a substitute for expert legal advice. You should consult a professional before finalising your constitution.
Use our Constitution Builder tool

Any constitution prepared using the Constitution Builder will also need to be reviewed once the proposed new Incorporated Societies Act has been enacted by Parliament.

Find out more about the proposed new Act Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website

Temporary modifications to rules due to COVID-19

There may be things that your society has been unable to do because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The Government has reinstated the temporary compliance relief measures contained in the COVID-19 Response (Requirements For Entities—Modifications and Exemptions) Act 2020, which had expired earlier in 2021.

The temporary legislation takes effect from 3 November 2021 and allows societies affected by COVID-19 restrictions to make certain changes to their constitutions or rules and to carry out certain tasks electronically. You’re able to make use of these temporary provisions up until 30 April 2022.

Law changes to help incorporated societies comply with their rules

All help topics

Getting started on the register 6 guides

Find out about incorporated societies and the Incorporated Societies Register, and what's needed to register and maintain an incorporated society in New Zealand.

Searching the Incorporated Societies Register 2 guides

Find out how to search our registers for information about incorporated societies, and other business entities

Starting an incorporated society 6 guides

To incorporate a society in New Zealand you must submit an application, along with the required documents, and pay a registration fee.

Running your incorporated society 7 guides

Once you’ve registered, you’ll need to keep your details on the register up to date, and follow the rules that apply to incorporated societies and how they are run.

Keeping society details up to date 8 guides

Once you've registered your incorporated society, you'll need to file annual financial statements and update other society details when they change.

Ending an incorporated society 2 guides

When an incorporated society reaches the end of its 'life', it must be wound up and removed from the register. There are two ways this can be done – by dissolving the society, or having it liquidated.

Restoring an incorporated society to the register 2 guides

An application can be made to us to have an incorporated society restored to the register, by the society itself, or by a creditor. You'll need to provide evidence to support your application.

Forms and fees 3 guides

Forms you'll need to register your incorporated society and keep it up to date, along with a schedule of fees payable.

Managing your online account 7 guides

Your online services account allows you to update and manage personal and organisation account details from your online dashboard.