Apply for registration
You can apply for charity registration on this page. Before you start, work through these checks to make sure your organisation is ready and has the information it needs.
1. Check registration is right for your organisation
Before you apply, make sure registration is the right option for your organisation.
- Search the Charities Register to see what similar charities do.
- Consider whether your organisation fills a gap or could work with an existing charity.
- If tax relief is your main reason for applying, check Inland Revenue guidance first.
- Make sure your governing body understands the ongoing responsibilities of being registered.
2. Check you meet the registration requirements
Your organisation’s name
You will need to provide your charity’s legal name and any other names you use. They must be lawful and not offensive or misleading.
Your charitable purpose
Your organisation must have a charitable purpose under the Charities Act 2005. You need to explain what your organisation is set up to achieve and how its activities provide public benefit.
Your rules
Your rules, such as your constitution, trust deed or charter, must support your charitable purposes and meet registration requirements.
Governing body approval
Your governing body must formally agree to apply for registration and record this decision in meeting minutes. Officers also need to understand what information they must provide and what information will appear on the Charities Register.
Marae on Māori reservation land
If your organisation is a marae on Māori reservation land, check the te ao Māori section of the website for more guidance.
3. Get your information ready
You will need to provide information about your organisation, officers, purposes, rules and activities. Having this ready will help you complete your application and avoid delays.
Organisation details
- Legal or most formal name, and any other names you use.
- Postal and physical addresses.
- Primary and secondary contact details.
- Companies Office number, if applicable.
- IRD number, if you have one.
- NZBN, if available.
- Where your organisation operates, for example regionally, nationally or internationally.
Officer details
For each officer, you will need to provide their full name, role, date of appointment, home address, date of birth, and confirmation they are not disqualified under the Charities Act 2005.
Officer home addresses and dates of birth are not published on the Charities Register.
Charitable purposes, rules and activities
- A clear explanation of what your organisation is set up to achieve.
- A copy of your rules document, such as your constitution, trust deed or charter.
- Information about your organisation’s activities, including what each activity is, who delivers it, where it takes place, and who benefits from it.
- Information about your structure, governance arrangements, and any relationship with other organisations.
- Marae information, if your organisation is a marae on Māori reservation land.
- Evidence to support any request to restrict information from appearing on the Charities Register.
- Supporting information, such as an annual report, brochures, or website and social media details.
4. Important information before you submit your application
Have all required information and documents ready before you apply.
After you submit your application, your primary contact will receive a confirmation email.
If we need more information, your primary contact must respond within five working days. We may withdraw incomplete applications if the requested information is not provided within this timeframe.
