News & Insights

JBWere supports the release of the Charities Amendment Guide to explain what charities need to know to satisfy the new regulations. Notably, it highlights the changes to the rules around Officers and in reporting on how accumulated funds are contributing to their charitable purpose.

Following a review of the Charities Act 2005, the Charities Amendment Act 2023 was enacted in July 2023 and amends various aspects of the charity registration and reporting requirements under the Act. Most changes in this Amendment came into effect on 5 October 2023, but some relating to the processes for objections and appeals do not come into force until 5 July 2024.

The new legislation affects every registered charity in Aotearoa New Zealand.

To help charities know what they have to do to meet the new requirements Seed the Change | He Kākano Hāpai and Sue Barker, Charities Law, have produced a guide to the changes, and what they mean for charities and the donors who support them.

This practical guide is freely available under the Creative Commons Licence CC0 and can be downloaded from the accompanying website here:

https://www.seedthechange.nz/charities-reform

While the Charities Act review did not cover it, we acknowledge Sue Barker’s ongoing advocacy for an independent first principles review of the Charities Act 2005 that can draw on specific expertise and knowledge that relates to the sector and the communities it represents. This is needed to ensure the Act effectively supports a thriving and trusted charitable sector, and the wider society it serves.

JBWere Philanthropic Services seeks 'to inspire, educate and support clients in delivering lasting positive change.’ With 23 years of sector experience, we are the leading provider of investment management and philanthropic / impact services to the charity and wider for-purpose sector in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.