Workshops to help write constitution

Alexandra Community House manager and Huddl steering committee member Carole Gillions facilitated the first ‘‘constitution builder’’ workshop. PHOTO: THE NEWS FILES

Huddl, an initiative to strengthen and support community groups and charitable organisations in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes, is hosting a free workshop in Cromwell on Wednesday to help incorporated societies with re-registering under the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022.

Huddl project lead Fiona Reeve said existing societies must re-register under the new Act before April 2026 to remain on the register.

‘‘If you don’t, your society will cease to exist, which can have significant impacts on your funding and operations. ‘‘To re-register, you'll need to make sure your constitution complies with the 2022 Act, so it's a good time to think about how your charity runs and whether your rules and processes are fit for purpose."

The workshop will guide a small group through drafting a compliant constitution using the New Zealand Companies Office Incorporated Societies constitution builder.

The first workshop was held on November 5, in Alexandra, facilitated by Alexandra Community House manager and Huddl steering committee member Carole Gillions.

"We understand that many groups may feel overwhelmed by this process or unsure of where to begin. That’s why Huddl is committed to providing support to assist with the process of building a constitution that meets the requirements under the new Act," Ms Gillions said.