Not For Profit Resource

Who are we? What do we do?

NFP Resource (website and newsletter) is an independent resource dedicated to the NZ non-profit sector.

We are pleased to offer this site to provide co-operative support to Not for Profit (non-profit) organisations and charities in New Zealand and those considering establishing such bodies. To stay in the loop, subscribe to our newsletter.

The New Zealand charity (non-profit) sector remains vibrant, diverse and active, with recent data showing its significant economic and social contribution.

In March 2018, Statistics NZ reported that non-profit institutions contributed $8.1 billion to GDP, representing 2.8 percent of New Zealand’s total GDP, up from $6.2 billion (2.9 percent) in 2013. When the value of formal volunteer labour is included, the sector’s contribution rises to an estimated 4.2 percent of GDP and about $4.0 billion of additional value.

Charities Services’ 2024/2025 sector snapshot gives the following picture for registered charities in New Zealand:

• Registered charities: 29,208
• Charity officers involved in governance and management: 122,608
• Volunteers: around 170,000 people contributing approximately 1.4 million hours each week
• Paid workforce: over 105,000 full-time staff (around 4 percent of the national workforce)

The establishment of the Charities Commission (now Charities Services within the Department of Internal Affairs) in 2005 prompted extensive discussion about the place of not‑for‑profit organisations in New Zealand society and led to a sustained increase in registrations on the Charities Register. The introduction of tiered accounting standards by the External Reporting Board (XRB), and the requirement for registered charities to file a Performance Report that complies with the relevant XRB standard as part of their annual return, has also generated ongoing debate and has significantly lifted expectations around transparency and accountability.

The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 replaced the 1908 Act and is being progressively brought into force, with existing societies required to re‑register under the new regime during a transition period running until April 2026. At the same time, the Charities Act 2005 has been amended by the Charities Amendment Act 2023, with key governance and reporting changes phased in between July 2023 and July 2024, and further guidance continuing through 2025. Public and sector debate has focused on whether these changes appropriately balance accountability, flexibility and the sector’s independence, including commentary from sector groups questioning the mandate for some amendments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Not For Profit Organisations (NFP’s) in New Zealand.

We receive a number of requests for information about non-profit organisations and charities in New Zealand and their organisation etc.

In the hope that it may assist, we provide a number of responses to frequently asked questions (search for the topic or tag at right under ‘Posts’ or ‘Archives’)  based upon our experience. FAQ page.

As the government information pages change frequently there may be errors in some links. Please let us know of any mistakes or dead links you note in these.

• NZ Charities in the News 
• Non-profit organisations contribute $6 Billion to [NZ] Economy

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NFP Resource cannot accept any responsibility for any information provided in this site. This information is provided in good faith and any errors or omissions are regretted. Please let us know of any errors you find.