The Charities Register: what's in it for the public?
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What is the Charities Register?
The Charities Register is a live database of registered New Zealand charities that holds information about the charities, their work and their finances.
The Register is available to the public at www.charities.govt.nz. Members of the public can use the register to find specific information about charities, for example their activities and charitable purpose.
Are all charities on the Register?
Registration is voluntary, so not every charity will choose to have their details included on the Register. However, charitable organisations that want to be tax exempt on the grounds of charitable purpose must register with us.
How can the Charities Register help members of the public?
The Charities Register makes it easy for the public to:
- search for information about services of charities they may wish to use
- search for information about charities they may choose to support
- find contact details of registered charities
- find out about the area a charity operates in, the sector it works in and who its beneficiaries are
- find out about the services particular charities provide and who benefits from them
- access financial and other information.
In short, the Charities Register will help the public to make better-informed decisions about registered charities and shows that a charity has proven to the Commission that it has a charitable purpose.
What is on the Register?
The following information is publicly available on the register:
- the name, address and registration number of the charity
- names of the current officers and of all officers since the organisation was first registered
- a copy of the rules
- the application for registration (including all required accompanying information and documents)
- financial information (after annual returns have been provided).
The Charities Commission may restrict public access to certain information and documents if it considers it in the public interest to do so.
How do people access the Register?
Anyone can view the Register at www.charities.govt.nz. It is easy to use and there are instructions for use and help notes on the website.
Alternatively, people can enquire about a particular charity by calling our free info line 0508 242 748 or, contacting us at info@charities.govt.nz or PO Box 8072, Wellington.
Why do we need a Charities Register?
The Charities Register will help build and maintain public trust and confidence in the charitable sector by making more information about charities publicly available. It will also provide better information to government, from which it can make effective policy decisions.
What is the Charities Commission?
The Charities Commission was established by government in 2005 to register and monitor charitable organisations in New Zealand and to provide them with support and advice on good governance and management.
Further information
For more information about the Charities Register or registration under the Charities Act, please browse this website. You can also call the Charities Commission on free phone 0508 242 748.