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Other entities we register

In addition to operating the Register of Companies, the Companies Office maintains a number of registers holding details for a range of other entities.

You will find information about Building Societies, Charitable Trusts, Contributory Mortgage Brokers, Credit Unions and Friendly Societies, Incorporated Societies, Limited Partnerships, Retirement Villages, Overseas Limited Partnerships, Superannuation Schemes and Unit Trusts.

Societies and Trusts Online: The Companies Office operates a website that caters specifically for incorporated societies and charitable trusts - Societies and Trusts Online.; Use Societies and Trusts Online to search the register of incorporated societies as well as update your society's details including addresses, officers details and other contact details. You will also find all the forms you need to incorporate or maintain your society after incorporation (for example, file financial statements, update rules).

Visit Societies and Trusts Online now.

Further information

Building societies

A building society is incorporated under the Building Societies Act 1965. Funds are raised by the issue of shares to members who usually pay for them by subscription over time. The funds are used to provide financial services of a wide definition including, traditionally, mortgage advances for the purchase of house properties.

Charitable trusts

A charitable trust must exist principally or exclusively for a charitable purpose according to the law of New Zealand, or for any purpose that is religious or educational.

Contributory mortgage brokers

A contributory mortgage is an investment vehicle that amalgamates a number of investor contributions into a larger sum which is then advanced to a borrower.

Co-operative organisations

A co-operative company is one established for the purpose of allowing its owners to carry on business on a mutual basis. A company incorporated under the Companies Act 1993 applies for registration under the Co-operative Companies Act 1996.

Farmers' mutual group

The Farmers Mutual Group Act 2007 (‘FMG Act’) came into force on 1 April 2008.

Financial service providers

Information on the Financial Service Providers register.

Friendly societies and credit unions

Friendly societies and credit unions are covered by the same legislation and are member-based organisations.

Incorporated societies

An incorporated society is a body corporate established under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. It exists for furthering the non-profit objects established in its registered rules (constitution). Incorporated societies can encompass a wide range of activities, extending from cultural or ethnic groups to sports clubs and ratepayers associations.

Insurance companies ratings

The Insurance and Superannuation Unit (ISU) supervises the management of registered superannuation schemes, encouraging compliance with the Superannuation Schemes Act 1989. It also ensures insurance companies comply with their statutory obligations.

Industrial and provident societies

An industrial and provident society may be established under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1908 (the Act) on application to the Registrar of Industrial and Provident Societies by seven members and the secretary for carrying on any industry, business or trade authorised by its rules (except banking). The primary purpose of the society should not be for the profit of its members.