In New Zealand, residents’ associations have been a common way of managing a common area of land around residents’ houses or units, or sometimes they are used as advocacy and community. In this article we focus on residents’ associations that own or manage property for the benefit of residents. Residents’ associations are often established as incorporated societies, existing for the benefit of their community of residents and to manage an area of common land or facilities.
Due to a change in the law, all incorporated societies in New Zealand will need to re-register to comply with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. It’s important to note that if an incorporated society does not reregister by April 2026 then it will cease to exist.
When considering re-registration, residents’ associations should take into consideration:
- If there is a common area used by residents, and who owns this property?
- Who manages the insurance of the property?
- Will the current area of the property be subject to change in the future?
- Are there other obligations and parties we need to consult (i.e. councils, developers).
It’s important to note that if your residents association does own property, it needs to consider whether it would like to re-register – more information here.
If you would like assistance with your residents’ association, please get in touch.
We support incorporated societies and regularly answer related queries. If you would like to discuss further, email incorporatedsocieties@parryfield.com and a member of our Parry Field Lawyers team will be in touch.
