Complaints
The Commission will enquire into anyone alleged to be carrying out activities breaching the Charities Act or involved in serious wrongdoing in connection with a registered charity.
What types of issues justify a complaint to the Charities Commission?
Examples of the types of issues that would justify a complaint to the Commission could include where there is a risk of:
- significant financial loss to the charity, or the illegal or corrupt use of the charity's funds or resources
- serious harm to beneficiaries (especially to vulnerable beneficiaries)
- direct or indirect funding of terrorism
- criminal activity within or involving a charity
- sham charities set up for an illegal or improper purpose
- charities deliberately being used for private pecuniary profit or to abuse New Zealand’s tax laws
- where a charity's independence may be compromised
- serious wrongdoing by a charity, its officers/trustees or employees, that damages or has the potential to damage its reputation and/or the reputation of the charitable sector
- people collecting for non-existent charities or unauthorised people pretending to collect for registered charities
- serious non-compliance in a charity which could constitute serious risk to the public interest
- damaging public trust and confidence in the Commission as an effective regulator.
Return to top
We need as much information as possible so we can effectively assess your complaint and decide the appropriate course of action.
It would be helpful if you provided the following:
- the name of the charity and its registration number
- the name of any people involved
- the allegation against the charity or people
- the effect on the charity
- any actions you have taken regarding your concerns
- whether there has been any publicity surrounding the issue
- copies of documentary evidence supporting the complaint
- details of your dealings with the charity in relation to your concerns
- details of any dealings or correspondence you have had with other agencies regarding your concerns.
Return to top
Do we need to complain to the charity concerned before making a complaint?
We encourage you to first use all available methods to resolve the matter with the charity directly, before approaching the Commission.
Return to top
What details do I need to give to the Commission about myself?
You need to tell us your name, telephone number, postal address and email address (if you have one).
You also need to tell us about any connection you have with the charity or the person you are complaining about.
We do assess complaints that are made to us anonymously – however, it is difficult for us to investigate and respond effectively to information we receive anonymously.
Return to top
You must complain to the Commission in writing. This can be done electronically or on paper by:
- Using the online complaints form or
- or by sending a letter to:
- Monitoring & Investigations
Internal Affairs - Charities
PO Box 30112
LOWER HUTT 5040
Return to top
What will I expect to hear back from the complaint and when?
We will acknowledge your complaint and let you know if we intend to take the matter further or refer it to another agency. If we take up the matter for investigation, we will write and let you know the conclusions we reach.
The length of time depends on the nature and complexity of your complaint. The actions we need to take and the time it takes to complete an investigation varies from complaint to complaint.
Return to top