{"id":1027,"date":"2020-12-10T11:58:19","date_gmt":"2020-12-10T11:58:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nz.legalvision.com.au\/?p=1027"},"modified":"2024-07-22T20:52:27","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T07:52:27","slug":"how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start a Non-Profit Organisation in NZ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you are planning to enter the non-profit (or nonprofit) sector in New Zealand, it is a good idea <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">to set aside some time to define<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> your purpose <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">before you decide how to structure your organisation and operations. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A common mistake that people make is not doing enough research to make sure they are filling a gap in the sector as opposed to delivering competing services to a community or group.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As part of planning and setting up your non-profit, you will also need to choose a legal structure for your organisation, and you may need to <a href=\"https:\/\/register.charities.govt.nz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">register with Charities Services<\/a> if you qualify for registration under the Charities Act.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This article will explain what non-profit organisations are and how to set up one, as well as some of the legal and tax responsibilities of non-profits.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--warning\">\n    <p>LegalVision cannot provide legal assistance with starting a non-profit. We recommend you contact your local law society.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is a Non-Profit Organisation?&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A non-profit (or nonprofit organisation) is a society, association or group. Non-profits can be incorporated or unincorporated,&nbsp;just like businesses that operate in the private sector. Some examples include churches, public schools, <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/business-structures\/how-to-start-a-charity-in-new-zealand\/\">charities<\/a>, clinics and hospitals, volunteer services organisations and clubs and societies.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The two main attributes that differentiate non-profit organisations from other businesses are that they:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">do not carry activities for the profit or gain of their members; and&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">cannot distribute money or property to their members.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The terms non-profit, not for profit and registered charities are used interchangeably in New Zealand. New Zealand law only defines the meaning of a Registered Charity, which refers to an organisation that has registered with Charities Services (Department of Internal Affairs). If an organisation falsely suggests that it is a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">registered charitable organisation<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, they can face legal penalties.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Choose A Legal Structure for Your Non-Profit<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When you start a non-profit organisation in New Zealand, you are not required to have a formal legal structure, which is the case for a large number of them. However, there are many advantages to incorporating a group, whether or not the group registers as a charity.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"box box--info box--icon\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For example, a <strong>registered charitable trust<\/strong> (society-based) provides a robust framework for governance and management, and their board members can limit their liability. This makes it suitable for most non-profit groups with a charitable purpose.&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">An <strong>unincorporated group<\/strong>, on the other hand, is not a separate legal entity, which means its members may be liable for the group\u2019s debts. They are also not the right choice for ongoing groups that employ staff or receive external funding, due to its informal structure, few rules and restrictions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Other legal structures for non-profits in New Zealand include:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">incorporated societies;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">trusts;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">not-for-profit companies;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">provident societies;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">social enterprises; and<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Maori Land trust.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before you <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/business-structures\/choosing-structure-new-zealand-business-sole-trader-partnership-or-company\/\">choose a legal structure<\/a>, you need to decide what is your organisation\u2019s role in the community, the nature of your project and how you intend to operate. In particular, you need to think about your needs and requirements in the following areas:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">flexibility;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">organisation\u2019s size;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">culture and values;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">your activities;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">governance, management and ownership;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">funding;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">accountability (financial performance);<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">liability; and<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">responsibilities (management, governance and operational).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"hidden\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Note: Forms are hidden<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Register Your Non-Profit Organisation<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In New Zealand, there is no national association that governs non-profit organisations. Your registration requirements will depend on the legal form you choose. For example, donee organisations (that qualify for registration under the Charities Act) need to register with Charities Services. Upon registration, you will receive a unique number.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you incorporate a company, society or charitable trust board, you need to <a href=\"https:\/\/companies-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">register with the Companies Office<\/a>. When you register with the Companies Office, you get automatically assigned an NZBN. We discuss the advantages of registering with the NZBN in this article.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tax Obligations of Non-Profits&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you have registered and incorporated your non-profit organisation, you have to pay tax at the company rate. Unincorporated organisations will pay tax at the individual tax rate, which follows a progressive system in New Zealand.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As part of your setup process, you need to:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">get an IRD number;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">understand the rules for your organisation\u2019s founding documents; and<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">register with Charities Services (only applicable to some structures).&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">From 2020-2021 year, any person or organisation that wants to get or keep a business income tax exemption must be registered with Charities Services. This tax-exempt status applies to business income used for charitable purposes in New Zealand.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once you are set up, some of your ongoing tax obligations include:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">filing a Clubs and societies tax return (IR9);<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">getting an exemption from paying resident withholding tax (RWT);<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">understanding your income tax obligations;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">registering for and charging GST;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">checking if you qualify for the $1,000 income deduction as a non-profit; and<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">understanding how to pay volunteers working for your organisation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Key Takeaways&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are several things you need to do to start your non-profit organisation in New Zealand, including:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">defining your purpose;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">deciding how you will operate;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">choosing a legal structure;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">registering and (or) incorporating your organisation;&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">getting an IRD number; and&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">understanding your tax obligations.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"box box--icon box--warning\">\n    <p>LegalVision cannot provide legal assistance with starting a non-profit. We recommend you contact your local law society.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1606880228344\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>What is a non-profit organisation?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">To qualify as a non-profit organisation in New Zealand, you cannot carry activities for the profit or gain of your member. You also cannot distribute money or property to members. Non-profits can be incorporated or unincorporated societies, associations or groups.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1606880258379\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>What are non-profit organisations examples?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Some non-profit organisations examples include churches, public schools, charities, clinics and hospitals, volunteer services organisations and clubs and societies.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1606880271477\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>How do I start a non-profit organisation in NZ?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">To start your non-profit organisation in New Zealand, you need to define your purpose, decide how you will operate, choose a legal structure, register and (or) incorporate your organisation, and register for tax.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1606989773267\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>How do I register a non-profit organisation in NZ?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Your registration requirements will depend on the legal structure you choose. If you incorporate a company, society or charitable trust board, you need to register with the New Zealand Companies Office. Donee organisations that qualify for registration under the Charities Act need to register with Charities Services.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you are planning to enter the non-profit (or nonprofit) sector in New Zealand, it is a good idea to set aside some time to define your purpose before you decide how to structure your organisation and operations. A common mistake that people make is not doing enough research to make sure they are filling<a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;How to Start a Non-Profit Organisation in NZ&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13217,"featured_media":852,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"1242,219845,221406,212270,209555,218130","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[24,25,62,127],"class_list":["post-1027","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-startups","tag-startup","tag-small-business","tag-business-structure","tag-non-profit"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Start a Non-Profit Organisation in NZ | LegalVision New Zealand<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking to start a non-profit organisation in New Zealand? Read this guide to get some tips on how to set up one.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Start a Non-Profit Organisation in NZ | LegalVision New Zealand\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Looking to start a non-profit organisation in New Zealand? Read this guide to get some tips on how to set up one.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"LegalVision New Zealand\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-12-10T11:58:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-07-22T07:52:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/12\/JG0A9487.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1333\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Lilly Falcon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@LegalVision_law\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@LegalVision_law\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Lilly Falcon\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Lilly Falcon\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a3af47aa821f6465abe4abd44429e1d7\"},\"headline\":\"How to Start a Non-Profit Organisation in NZ\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-12-10T11:58:19+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-07-22T07:52:27+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1020,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2020\\\/12\\\/JG0A9487.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"startup\",\"small business\",\"business structure\",\"non-profit\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Startup Articles\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/\",\"name\":\"How to Start a Non-Profit Organisation in NZ | LegalVision New Zealand\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2020\\\/12\\\/JG0A9487.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-12-10T11:58:19+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-07-22T07:52:27+00:00\",\"description\":\"Looking to start a non-profit organisation in New Zealand? Read this guide to get some tips on how to set up one.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#faq-question-1606880228344\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#faq-question-1606880258379\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#faq-question-1606880271477\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#faq-question-1606989773267\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2020\\\/12\\\/JG0A9487.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2020\\\/12\\\/JG0A9487.jpg\",\"width\":2000,\"height\":1333,\"caption\":\"How to Start a Non-Profit Organisation | LegalVision New Zealand\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Articles\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/articles\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Startup Articles\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/category\\\/startups\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"How to Start a Non-Profit Organisation in NZ\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/\",\"name\":\"LegalVision New Zealand\",\"description\":\"LegalVision is a commercial law firm in NZ with a commitment to innovation\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"LegalVision New Zealand\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2020\\\/11\\\/LegalVision_square_logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/2\\\/2020\\\/11\\\/LegalVision_square_logo.png\",\"width\":400,\"height\":400,\"caption\":\"LegalVision New Zealand\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/LegalVision\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/LegalVision_law\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/legalvision-group\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a3af47aa821f6465abe4abd44429e1d7\",\"name\":\"Lilly Falcon\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96\",\"caption\":\"Lilly Falcon\"},\"description\":\"Lilly is a Senior Digital Marketing Strategist in LegalVision\u2019s Marketing team. Lilly has extensive experience in developing and executing marketing and go-to-market strategies for SMEs, startups and professional services firms. She also has proven experience in analysing customer behaviour data to drive revenue and creating content for various mediums and audiences.\",\"sameAs\":[\"lillyfalcon\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/author\\\/lillyfalcon\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#faq-question-1606880228344\",\"name\":\"What is a non-profit organisation?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"To qualify as a non-profit organisation in New Zealand, you cannot carry activities for the profit or gain of your member. You also cannot distribute money or property to members. Non-profits can be incorporated or unincorporated societies, associations or groups.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#faq-question-1606880258379\",\"name\":\"What are non-profit organisations examples?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Some non-profit organisations examples include churches, public schools, charities, clinics and hospitals, volunteer services organisations and clubs and societies.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#faq-question-1606880271477\",\"name\":\"How do I start a non-profit organisation in NZ?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"To start your non-profit organisation in New Zealand, you need to define your purpose, decide how you will operate, choose a legal structure, register and (or) incorporate your organisation, and register for tax.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/legalvision.co.nz\\\/startups\\\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\\\/#faq-question-1606989773267\",\"name\":\"How do I register a non-profit organisation in NZ?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Your registration requirements will depend on the legal structure you choose. If you incorporate a company, society or charitable trust board, you need to register with the New Zealand Companies Office. Donee organisations that qualify for registration under the Charities Act need to register with Charities Services.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Start a Non-Profit Organisation in NZ | LegalVision New Zealand","description":"Looking to start a non-profit organisation in New Zealand? Read this guide to get some tips on how to set up one.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Start a Non-Profit Organisation in NZ | LegalVision New Zealand","og_description":"Looking to start a non-profit organisation in New Zealand? Read this guide to get some tips on how to set up one.","og_url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/","og_site_name":"LegalVision New Zealand","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision","article_published_time":"2020-12-10T11:58:19+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-07-22T07:52:27+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2000,"height":1333,"url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/12\/JG0A9487.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Lilly Falcon","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@LegalVision_law","twitter_site":"@LegalVision_law","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Lilly Falcon","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/"},"author":{"name":"Lilly Falcon","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/a3af47aa821f6465abe4abd44429e1d7"},"headline":"How to Start a Non-Profit Organisation in NZ","datePublished":"2020-12-10T11:58:19+00:00","dateModified":"2024-07-22T07:52:27+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/"},"wordCount":1020,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/12\/JG0A9487.jpg","keywords":["startup","small business","business structure","non-profit"],"articleSection":["Startup Articles"],"inLanguage":"en-NZ","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/","name":"How to Start a Non-Profit Organisation in NZ | LegalVision New Zealand","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/12\/JG0A9487.jpg","datePublished":"2020-12-10T11:58:19+00:00","dateModified":"2024-07-22T07:52:27+00:00","description":"Looking to start a non-profit organisation in New Zealand? Read this guide to get some tips on how to set up one.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1606880228344"},{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1606880258379"},{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1606880271477"},{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1606989773267"}],"inLanguage":"en-NZ","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-NZ","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/12\/JG0A9487.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/12\/JG0A9487.jpg","width":2000,"height":1333,"caption":"How to Start a Non-Profit Organisation | LegalVision New Zealand"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Articles","item":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Startup Articles","item":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/category\/startups\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"How to Start a Non-Profit Organisation in NZ"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#website","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/","name":"LegalVision New Zealand","description":"LegalVision is a commercial law firm in NZ with a commitment to innovation","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-NZ"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#organization","name":"LegalVision New Zealand","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-NZ","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/LegalVision_square_logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/11\/LegalVision_square_logo.png","width":400,"height":400,"caption":"LegalVision New Zealand"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision","https:\/\/x.com\/LegalVision_law","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/legalvision-group"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/a3af47aa821f6465abe4abd44429e1d7","name":"Lilly Falcon","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-NZ","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96","caption":"Lilly Falcon"},"description":"Lilly is a Senior Digital Marketing Strategist in LegalVision\u2019s Marketing team. Lilly has extensive experience in developing and executing marketing and go-to-market strategies for SMEs, startups and professional services firms. She also has proven experience in analysing customer behaviour data to drive revenue and creating content for various mediums and audiences.","sameAs":["lillyfalcon"],"url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/author\/lillyfalcon\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1606880228344","name":"What is a non-profit organisation?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"To qualify as a non-profit organisation in New Zealand, you cannot carry activities for the profit or gain of your member. You also cannot distribute money or property to members. Non-profits can be incorporated or unincorporated societies, associations or groups.","inLanguage":"en-NZ"},"inLanguage":"en-NZ"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1606880258379","name":"What are non-profit organisations examples?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Some non-profit organisations examples include churches, public schools, charities, clinics and hospitals, volunteer services organisations and clubs and societies.","inLanguage":"en-NZ"},"inLanguage":"en-NZ"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1606880271477","name":"How do I start a non-profit organisation in NZ?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"To start your non-profit organisation in New Zealand, you need to define your purpose, decide how you will operate, choose a legal structure, register and (or) incorporate your organisation, and register for tax.","inLanguage":"en-NZ"},"inLanguage":"en-NZ"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/startups\/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organisation-in-new-zealand\/#faq-question-1606989773267","name":"How do I register a non-profit organisation in NZ?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Your registration requirements will depend on the legal structure you choose. If you incorporate a company, society or charitable trust board, you need to register with the New Zealand Companies Office. Donee organisations that qualify for registration under the Charities Act need to register with Charities Services.","inLanguage":"en-NZ"},"inLanguage":"en-NZ"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1027","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/13217"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1027"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1027\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":227214,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1027\/revisions\/227214"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/852"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1027"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1027"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.nz\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1027"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}