Free template
Make the society's rules understandable
Registered societies now operate under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. A club constitution therefore needs to match its legal obligations while remaining readable to volunteers. This shared template organises purpose, membership, committee, meetings, finances, amendments and dissolution. Adapt it to the society's current structure and have suitable local advice confirm the final clauses before adoption.
What is in the document
- The society's name, purposes and powers for carrying out club activity
- Member categories, entry, subscriptions, conduct and ending a membership
- Committee offices, election methods, terms, vacancies and meeting quorum
- AGMs and special meetings, including notice, attendance and voting rules
- Financial records, account access, spending control and use of society money
- Procedures for changing the constitution and distributing assets after dissolution
Making it yours
Match the 2022 Act structure
Replace generic provisions with wording suitable for an incorporated society operating under the current legal framework.
Respect governing body wording
Where affiliation requires an exact safeguarding or discipline clause, insert the current text rather than creating a summary.
Decide where assets go
Write a clear dissolution destination that fits the society's purposes and any conditions attached to grants or club property.
What a club registers as in New Zealand
The usual answer here is an incorporated society, through the Companies Office.
Registered societies now operate under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, which replaced the previous act and brought new obligations with it.
A club set up to promote an amateur game or sport may qualify for an income tax exemption, provided funds are not used for the private benefit of members. A club that does not qualify may instead claim a $1,000 deduction, and an incorporated society is taxed at the company rate.
This template is a starting point, not legal advice. Check the official guidance, which was correct on 28 August 2026, and take advice before you adopt anything at a general meeting.
Questions
What should a New Zealand club constitution include?
Cover the society's purpose, membership rules, committee structure, elections, meetings, financial controls, amendments and dissolution. An incorporated society must adapt those clauses to its obligations under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 and its actual operations.
Why do small societies need written rules?
They establish who may decide, how officers are chosen, how money is controlled and what happens during disagreement or closure. Banks, funders and governing bodies may also request the current constitution during ordinary club work.
Is the template ready to adopt immediately?
No. It is a free shared starting document with no signup, not a New Zealand-specific legal instrument. Adapt it to the society, insert current required terms and obtain suitable review before member approval.