Application by a society to be restored to the register
What's required for a society to apply
If your incorporated society has been dissolved, you can apply to have it restored to the register.
An incorporated society applying to be restored to the register must demonstrate that the society was dissolved in error.
Applications by the society can be made online, following the steps below, or manually, by completing the required forms and returning them to us in the post, or by email.
Applying online
What you’ll need to provide
Societies applying online must submit:
- the most recent annual financial statements yet to be filed (at least the last 3 years), together with a financial statements cover sheet for each (Form IS4)
- the restoration fee of $177.78 (plus GST)
- If the application is based on the grounds that the society was operating at the time it was dissolved, you’ll also need to provide documentation showing this to be so, for example, financial records, meeting minutes, or legal documents.
How to apply online
To apply online to have a society restored to the register, you'll need:
- a RealMe® login
- an online services account with the Companies Office
- authority to manage information on behalf of the incorporated society.
Follow these steps —
- Log in to your online services account.
- Search for the society you wish to restore and click on its name to view its details.
- On the 'View Details' page, from the ‘Maintain Incorporated Society’ menu, select ‘Request to Restore’.
- Select the applicant type from the drop-down menu.
- On the first tab of the application, provide the reason for restoration, as well evidence of operation, any supporting documents, and the society's most recent outstanding financial statements (if there are any outstanding, you need to provide at least the last 3 years). You can also change the society’s AGM month or balance date on this tab.
- On the ‘Addresses’ tab, confirm if the current addresses and contact details are correct, or upload Form IS3 with your new address details.
- On the ‘Officers’ tab, confirm if the current officer details are correct, or upload Form IS3 with the new details.
- On the 'Review' tab, check that the information you've provided is correct, and make any necessary changes.
- Complete the signatory details and select 'Apply' to submit the form.
- Pay the restoration fee and select 'OK'.
Applying manually
An incorporated society submitting a request manually (by post or email) must complete paper forms.
What you'll need to provide
Societies applying manually need to provide:
- a formal application in writing that the society be restored (Form IS6)
- the most recent annual financial statements yet to be filed (at least the last 3 years), together with a financial statements cover sheet for each (Form IS4)
- the restoration fee of $177.78 (plus GST)
- If the application is based on the grounds that the society was operating at the time it was dissolved, you’ll also need to provide documentation showing this to be so, for example, financial records, meeting minutes or legal documents.
- If your society’s rules have changed and you have yet to inform us, you may also wish to provide a signed copy of the rule changes, along with the alteration of rules certificate; or submit a full set of rules if we do not hold a copy on the register.
How to submit your request manually
An incorporated society submitting a request manually, should follow these steps:
- Download the application form (Form IS6 – Request to restore an incorporated society to the register).
- Complete the form and attach the supporting documentation (as described above).
Send your completed form, documents and payment (see form for options) to us.
By post to —
Companies Office
Private Bag 92061
Victoria Street West
Auckland 1142
or by email to compliance@companiesoffice.govt.nz
What happens next?
- Applications are reviewed to ensure that all requirements have been met, all necessary documents have been submitted, and that the restoration fee has been paid.
- If the application is successful, the incorporated society will be immediately restored to the register. An application may take longer to process where we require further information.
- The applicant will be notified by letter.
- The Registrar will give public notice of all restored societies in the New Zealand Gazette and on our website.
For further information
If you'd like to know more about restoring an incorporated society, read section 28 of the Incorporated Societies Act 1908.
