Keeping your industrial and provident society's details up to date

Amendments to registered rules

Every industrial and provident society must have a set of rules which complies with section 2 of the Act. To register an amendment to the rules, send a copy of the rules signed by 3 members and the secretary to the Registrar.

The Registrar, if satisfied that the amendment complies with the Act, will send an acknowledgment of registry. There is no fee to register an amendment.

Change of address

Every industrial and provident society must have a registered office and notify the Registrar of any change. Additionally, the name of the society has to be noted on the outside of its office or place or places of business.

Change of name

An industrial and provident society may by special resolution change its name. A special resolution will only be valid when a copy signed by the chairperson of the authorising meeting and the secretary has been delivered to the Registrar of Industrial and Provident Societies for registration.

Important information about society names

The name of the society must not be identical to that of any other society or any company carrying on business in New Zealand or any other body corporate established or registered in New Zealand, or so nearly resemble that name as to be 'calculated to deceive', unless that other entity gives its consent in a form acceptable to the Registrar and provided that registration under that name will not be contrary to the public interest. Names cannot be reserved in advance of incorporation. Intending applicants need to check the proposed name carefully against existing names, starting with those on the registers available for search on this website.

The meaning of 'calculated to deceive'

The term 'calculated to deceive' is an objective test meaning likely (or reasonably likely) to deceive or mislead the public.

Amalgamation / Transfer of Engagements

An industrial and provident society may by special resolution amalgamate with any other registered society or societies or transfer its engagements to any other registered society or societies or amalgamate with or transfer its engagements to a company under the Companies Act 1993. A special resolution will only be valid when a copy signed by the chairperson of the authorising meeting and the secretary has been delivered to the Registrar of Industrial and Provident Societies for registration.

Amalgamation with, a transfer of engagements to, or registration as a company results in cancellation of the industrial and provident society’s registration under section 14B(a) of the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1908.

Conversion of an industrial and provident society to a company under the Companies Act 1993

An industrial and provident society may convert to a company under the Companies Act 1993. You should liaise with the Registrar at an early stage, as timing is important. This requires:

1. A name reservation,
2. A special resolution (sections 14A(5) and (8)), and
3. An application to the Registrar of Companies to be registered as a company under the Companies Act 1993.

Filing your documents

Any documents to be filed with us can be sent to:

Companies Office
Private Bag 92061
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142