All sorts of clubs will need to comply with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, which replaced legislation put in place in 1908. Photo: 123rf
Clubs New Zealand says big and small members will need to make some changes in order to transition to best practice and a modern governance structure, which has not been updated in 118 years.
All sorts of clubs will need to comply with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, which replaced legislation put in place in 1905.
Chief executive Larry Graham said the association, which had 300,000 financial members in many communities, had created a model constitution specifically developed with clubs in mind, which were often run by volunteers with limited or no experience.
"We want to go beyond the minimum requirements because almost all of our clubs are run by volunteers. And it's really to protect them, as well as to protect the members, so it's critical that we get that right," Graham said.
"People running clubs generally ended up in that job by default, so we want to help them be the best they can."
He said some larger clubs had about 9000 members, while smaller ones might have 60.
"They all require the same understanding - employing people - bar staff and such… It's really important they are all on the same page."
Clubs had until the end of next year to re-register their organisation under the new legislation.
"And if they don't, well, they're unlikely to get the licences required to run a club, such as class, or gaming and the sale and supply of alcohol. So it's a big deal for us," he said.
"For our members to maintain their incorporated status they will need to reregister under the new Act, and that involves ensuring that their constitutions meet the new requirements."
Clubs New Zealand will be holding a webinar on 9 March to help members through the process, which can be accessed on its website.