Legal Responsibilities of Voluntary Organisations in New Zealand

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

Liability of trustees of charitable trusts, and trustees or officers of charitable trust boards

Being a trustee, or a trustee or officer of a charitable trust board, is an important responsibility. Trustees and officers can be liable if they breach the terms of the trust deed or constitution.

Answer the following questions. 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
As a trustee of a trust, are you aware of:

  • when you could be held personally and strictly liable for mismanagement of your trust?
  • how to minimise your potential personal liability?
  • the potential consequences of breaching the trust deed?

Learn more: Trusts and charitable trust boards
As a trustee or officer of a charitable trust board, are you aware of:

  • your liability as a trustee or officer?
  • how trustees or officers can be indemnified by the board?

Learn more: Trusts and charitable trust boards
Do you understand how a charitable trust board can be put into liquidation:

  • voluntarily?
  • by the High Court?

Learn more: Trusts and charitable trust boards
Do you understand the liability of trustees or officers when a charitable trust board is wound up (liquidated)?

Learn more: Trusts and charitable trust boards

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