Top Ten Tips for Reviewing Your Constitution Pt.1
Patrick Davies • April 8, 2024
Hey Kiwi Non-Profit superheroes! Ready to give your constitution a makeover that even the Black Ferns would envy?
This is a short series in the Network News that will look at what you need to keep in mind when updating your Constitution/Rules. It’s the perfect time to spruce up your organisations guiding document.
Later we’ll look more closely at what changes you need to be aware of and do, but for now here are ten top tips to keep in mind as you start to navigate the process:
- Know the Law:
First things first, familiarise yourself with the latest updates to the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. Understanding the legal requirements will ensure your constitution is compliant and up to date.
You can download a one-page ‘This Is What You Need’ from our website.
- Do What Your Rules Tell You To Do: Your current constitution will tell you how to change it. When do you need to send out the information to your members? What is the information you need to include? Start with a date for the SGM/AGM and work backwards. How do you write the remits?
- Take Your Time:
Once CNA started the process, it took us just over a year to do. This is because our Executive Committee are busy people and working through the constitution needs focus and discussion to ensure it is ‘fit for purpose’.
- Simplify, Simplify, Simplify: Streamline your constitution by removing any outdated or redundant clauses. Keep it clear, concise, and easy to understand for everyone involved. It’s a great opportunity to make sure it’s in plain English. We used the opportunity to correct spelling, grammar, and formatting.
- Let the Legislation Do the Walking:
Several times in our constitutional changes CNA referred to the legislation. When we added our ‘Conflict of Interest’ clause we let the law do the talking for us – e.g., “9. (b) Officers of CNA must disclose, as per Section 63 of the Incorporated Societies 2022 Act, the details of…” Why do more work than you need and it also means that you can leave the definitions to the legal beagles.
- Clarify Governance Structures:
Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of your board members, officers, and committees. How does your board/committee vote? Who can vote? What about proxy votes?
- Update Financial Procedures: Review and update your financial policies and procedures to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with the latest regulations.
- Future-Proof Your Constitution: Anticipate future changes and challenges by building flexibility into your constitution. Include provisions for amendments and review processes to adapt to evolving needs. We added a glossary to define terms as well as adding that ‘written notices’ (i.e., motions, remits, etc.) may be in written or electronic form – to cover the changes in technology.
- Seek Legal Advice: If you are unsure about aspects of the law we have some wonderful
resources on our website, from Parry Field Lawyers. You can also check to see if your local Community Law Centre can check your changes out at one of their free law clinics.
- Celebrate Your Success: Once your updated constitution is in place, celebrate your hard work and achievements as a team. Promote yourself on your social media and in your own newsletters – you’ve strengthened your organisation so why not bask in the glory!
So there you have it, ten top tips towards updating your constitution and keeping your non-profit shipshape. With a little teamwork and a lot of passion, you'll be ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way!
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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.
