There are many reasons why a charity may wish to change its name; maybe the name is too similar to another organisation, or the name doesn’t easily get across what your charity is about. Maybe as time has gone on since you formed your charity, your purpose has changed, and you would like your name to reflect that.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to follow the correct process, let the appropriate services know, and are aware of potential implications of the change. It’s also important to note that the name change doesn’t affect the rights, obligations or liabilities of the board or committee. An organisation is bound by the commitments it makes regardless of a name change.
Note: Before changing your name, it is important to check that your name is not being used by another organisation, as you will be denied the new name if it is already taken. Onecheck is a great resource for this.
Who do I need to notify?
If you are an incorporated organisation it is important that you notify the Companies Office. If you are registered as a charity, it is important that you contact Charity Services and let them know too. This is to ensure that your details are publicly up to date on both registers.
If you are registered with both, you will have to apply for a name change with the Companies Office before you notify Charities Services.
It can also be useful to let your members or the public know of the name change, to ensure your community is kept up to date.
Note: We often see organisations wanting to use a te reo Māori name. We suggest consulting and getting advise on this as it is something that should be gifted (rather than using google translate!)
Updating your name through the Companies Office
If you’re updating your details online, you must have:
- a RealMe login
- an online services account with the Companies Office
- authority to manage information for your charitable trust board.
If you do have the above, then you can change your organisation’s name following the below steps:
- Log in to your online services account.
- On the dashboard, select the charitable trust board you wish to update from ‘My Businesses’.
- On the ‘View Details’ page, select the ‘General Details’ tab, and click the ‘Change Name’ button.
- Enter the proposed new name, and to confirm it can be used, click ‘Name Availability Check’.
- If you have documentation to support your application, click ‘Upload’ to attach documents. Please note, these documents will not be available for public view.
- Complete the signatory details and click on ‘Submit’.
More information can be found here.
Updating your name through Charities Services
To update your name, simply login through the online portal and fill out the Update Details form online. You can also download and complete the paper form and send that in. Ensure that you have any information you may need on hand (for example if you are using the same name as another entity that will be wound up, ensure you have written consent). More information can be found here.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact a qualified legal professional. Reproduction is permitted with prior approval and credit to the source.
