Ros Rice - December Journal Entry
Ros Rice • December 6, 2023
Thank you for reading our latest newsletter!
Kia ora Everyone,
Here we are at the end of 2023. I know by the time you read this, we have a coalition deal, and we know the form of the new Government. A new Government is going to mean a lot of new things to get used to. I remember last time National came into Government, a lot of our language had to change. Several of us from the 'Wellington world' travelled around the motu, to teach about the new terms and the new attitudes we needed to understand.
I remember how difficult it was for us to change calling our clients ‘ customers’. Yet we coped, we managed, we are adaptable and we can get with the programme when we need to.
CNA will try and keep you up to date if we hear of any new terms that we all need to be aware of during the next year. This brings me to something that has come up with our research into banks. We have heard of a lot of Incorporated Societies who are considering changing to Trusts. We just want to highlight two issues that you may not have thought of.
- When you are a Trust with an appointed Board, you will not be as representative of your members as you used to be. That may change how your community thinks about you, so just be aware of that change of representation.
- Due to the Anti-money laundering Act, any organisation (whether you have been part of your Bank for years or not), who calls itself a Trust, will come under what is called Enhanced Customer Due Diligence (or ECDD). The requirements of ECDD are that the Bank is required to:
- Obtain identity proof of all those on your Governance Board, and also staff who handle the bank account.
- To identify and verify the arrangements to know who are the beneficial owner(s) so that they can make decisions about the level of risk your Trust presents.
- Banks will ask about your “source of wealth”. That is the origin of your entire body of assets. The origin of the funds used for transactions or activities. We know of a Community Library that was asked for proof of how they funded all the library books. (although this was a bit extreme. It can happen.)
- Banks will also want to know about your “source of funds”. You will need to provide proof.
- There are other measures too. But this is simply so you are prepared for a different trip to the Bank than you are used to if you change your legal entity to a Trust. Take a deep breath and understand that Banks are required by legislation to take these measures if you are a Trust. Just take things one step at a time.
On that note have a very happy Christmas. Here after such a busy year, we are all very tired, and I plan to sleep the holidays away. Do what you need to for yourself, and come back refreshed and relaxed for a new 2024.
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Early last week Paddy and I stumbled down to popular venue for Non-Profits, the Loaves and Fishes Hall next to St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral for the 7am release of the Salvation Army’s annual report on the State of the Nation 2026.
Kia ora koutou, Running a not-for-profit in Aotearoa New Zealand isn’t for the faint-hearted. Funding pressures, rising compliance demands, volunteer burnout and changing community needs can make it feel like you’re spinning a dozen plates at once. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone. One of the clearest signs of that strength is CNA’s Tick for Governance course, which has now reached a major milestone — over 1,000 users have either completed the course or are actively working through it. That’s 1,000 trustees, board members and leaders investing in good governance and better outcomes for their communities. 🎉 Tick for Governance is special because it’s the only truly Kiwi governance course of its kind. It’s written by Kiwis, for Kiwis, grounded in the realities of how not-for-profits operate in Aotearoa. It’s also proudly supported by Charity Services and the Institute of Directors, giving organisations confidence that the learning is practical, credible and relevant. But CNA doesn’t stop at courses. We’re here to help build capacity and ease workloads through a growing suite of courses, apps and practical resources designed for the real world not-for-profits operate in. A standout example is our collaboration with WiseComply, a smart compliance app that takes a huge weight off governance and management teams. Just like Tick for Governance, WiseComply updates your legislative and compliance requirements as they happen, so you don’t have to constantly chase changes or worry about missing something critical. Less stress, more confidence, better governance, more casual cups of tea. We’re also expanding our highly successful Sharp Strategies series. These aren’t your average sit-and-listen presentations. Sharp Strategies go deeper, offering real-time answers from experts on the issues that actually keep you awake at night, especially with the impending re-registration of Incorporated Societies, the General Election and more. Practical, interactive and immediately useful. Together, these initiatives reflect what CNA is all about: creating meaningful building blocks that strengthen individual organisations, lift the sector as a whole, and ultimately contribute to a stronger, more resilient Aotearoa New Zealand society. Five ways your organisation can get involved: Enrol your board in Tick for Governance to build confident, capable governance. Use WiseComply to simplify and stay on top of compliance obligations. Attend Sharp Strategies sessions to get direct, expert guidance on tough issues. Share CNA resources with staff and volunteers to build capability across your organisation. Make CNA learning part of your ongoing planning, not just a one-off fix. As we head into 2026, now is the perfect time to invest in your people, your governance and your future. Engage with CNA, use the tools on offer, and let’s keep building a stronger not-for-profit sector — together. In the words of a wise, wise man – “To Infinity, And Beyond!”
Patrick reflects on CNA’s 2025 highlights, including the 50th anniversary, membership growth, and ways members can strengthen advocacy in 2026.
