A legal handbook for Charities

Created: May 3, 2021 at 11:50 AM | Updated: June 16, 2026 | By Parry Field Lawyers

One in a series of handbooks produced by Parry Field Lawyers, this handbook (now in it's third edition in April 2026) is a practical guide to help start-ups and existing New Zealand charities from a legal and practical perspective.

Topics covered in this guide include:-

• Establishing your charity:
  • Legal structures overview
  • Choosing your charity structure
  • Registering as a charity
  • Financial matters
  • What is public benefit and why is it needed for charities?
  • Charity officers - appointments and liability
  • Does your charity need a Common Seal?
• Operating your charity:
  • Trustee's obligations
  • Officer/Trustee liability
  • Governance and meetings
  • 15 questions for Trustees to ask
  • Finances and Financial Reporting
  • Leasing a building
  • Winding up
• Other legal issues:
  • Key issues faced by charities
  • Hiring employees
  • Employment: Key issues
  • Police vetting
  • Privacy
  • Health and Safety

Charities Legal Handbook (opens in a new window)