Legal Responsibilities of Voluntary Organisations in New Zealand

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This information also appears as Brochure 2. Download a PDF copy (176kb).

Decision-making in your organisation

In all voluntary organisations that involve a national or parent body, it’s necessary to understand the relationships between the national, branch and local offices. The rules can be different for each organisation. It’s vital that you know what decisions must be made by the national or parent body, and what decisions can be made locally or regionally.

It’s also important to understand the terms on which property is held at national, branch or committee level.

Answer the following questions to see if you understand the rules that may apply to your organisation. If you answer any of the questions with “No” or “Unsure”, make it a priority to find out the relevant information as soon as possible.

Yes Unsure
/No
Do you understand the type of structure your organisation operates under?

Learn more: Relationships between national, branch and local offices

Are you aware of the rules or constitution of your organisation and of other organisations within the same structure?

Learn more: Relationships between national, branch and local offices

Do you know what control the parent body in your structure can exercise over branches or local committees?

Learn more: Relationships between national, branch and local offices

Do you know what control the branches or local committees in your structure can exercise over the parent body?

Learn more: Relationships between national, branch and local offices

Do you know if any other organisations within the same structure are able to enter into contracts on behalf of your organisation?

Learn more: Relationships between national, branch and local offices

Do you know if your organisation can enter into contracts on behalf of other organisations within the same structure?

Learn more: Relationships between national, branch and local offices

Do you understand the terms on which property is held within your structure at national, branch or local level?

Learn more: Relationships between national, branch and local offices

Remember to print this checklist out once you’ve completed it.