Your legal obligations
How the law applies to incorporated societies
As with any person or organisation, an incorporated society must comply with the laws of New Zealand.
Your responsibilities include meeting any tax obligations, and complying with government agency requirements that may apply to a society’s activities.
- For information about a society’s tax obligations, refer to the Inland Revenue Department.
- Contact the Department of Internal Affairs for information about running events involving gambling (for example, housie) or applying for community grants.
- Contact your local council for information about running events and compliance with local bylaws, for example, holding a street fair.
- For information about selling liquor at society functions, contact the District Licensing Agency nearest to where the event will be held.
Breaches of the law
Should you be concerned that the activities of an incorporated society breach New Zealand laws, it may be appropriate to forward your concerns, along with any supporting evidence, to the appropriate authority. For example, in the case of possible criminal activity you should contact the police.
