April 2026 Incorporated Societies Act Changes

Under the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022, all societies must either reregister, appoint a liquidator, or apply to be dissolved by the end of March 2026. These changes present a natural turning point, and many societies may now be deciding if they have the desire and capacity to continue operating.  

If they don't re-register before 5 April 2026, they lose legal status, all assets must be fully distributed, and all liabilities discharged. Members could be held liable for the society’s debts, and once dissolved, they could lose control over how their assets are used. 

A trust transfer to a local community foundation is one way to ensure a dissolved society's funds can continue supporting the causes they were set up to support. If your society is reviewing its future ahead of the 2026 deadline, here's how Kura Tāwhiti – Canterbury Community Foundation might be able to help. 

A Practical Option for Local Societies and Charities

A trust transfer to Kura Tāwhiti – Canterbury Community Foundation allows your society or trust to wind up its structure while keeping its name, purpose, and story alive. 

Your remaining funds are transferred into a Named Fund, and we take care of the investment, administration, compliance, and grantmaking. Each year, grants are distributed in line with your original purpose, while the capital continues to grow. 

A trust transfer allows your Incorporated Society to: 

• Keep your organisation’s purpose alive 

• Remove the burden of ongoing compliance and governance 

• Have funds professionally invested for long-term impact 

• Support local causes year after year 

Entrust your legacy to us; we can ensure your generosity continues to reach the heart of our community, year after year.  

A Local Example – The CV Gallagher Trust Fund

The CV Gallagher Trust Scholarship Programme was established in 1957 and named after Shirley Boys’ High School’s visionary founding Headmaster. 

In 2022, the School Board, supported by their professional advisors at Tavendale and Partners, decided that the best way to continue supporting educational opportunities and transform the lives of Shirley Boys students with remarkable potential was to transfer the management of the fund to Kura Tāwhiti – Canterbury Community Foundation through a Donor Advised Fund.  

This has enabled greater flexibility, fewer administrative burdens, and ensured the purposes of the fund could continue to be effectively carried out. Since then, the fund has continued to grow from investment income and additional donations from the school community.