Industrial and provident societies
An industrial and provident society may be established under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1908 (the Act) on application to the Registrar of Industrial and Provident Societies by seven members and the secretary for carrying on any industry, business or trade authorised by its rules (except banking). The primary purpose of the society should not be for the profit of its members.
Advantages of an industrial and provident society
The advantages of an industrial and provident society are similar to those of other bodies corporate, including:
- a society becomes a separate legal entity once incorporated
- a society will have a common seal (no longer applicable to companies).
An industrial and provident society will usually consist of the owners of small businesses who, while continuing to operate independently, become part of this larger entity for mutual benefit. They work (industrial) and receive benefits (provident) from the society for their future well-being.
A co-operative taxi society is a good example with independent operators benefiting from car insurance schemes and a radio booking system. Societies are identifiable by having names ending in "Society Limited", sometimes "Co-operative Society Limited", and operate according to registered rules.
There are approximately 300 societies are currently registered in New Zealand 1.
1 Statistics correct as at 30 June 2009.
Registering a society
Information on limits, features and the process for registration of an industrial and provident society.
Maintaining a society
Information on updating the rules and details of an industrial and provident society.
Closing a society
Information on how to remove an industrial and provident society from the register.
Forms for industrial and provident societies
Find the application form for registration of an Industrial and provident society here.
Important information about industrial and provident society names
The name of an industrial and provident society must not be identical to that of any other industrial and provident society or any company carrying on business in New Zealand or any other body corporate established or registered in New Zealand, or so nearly resemble that name as to be 'calculated to deceive', unless that entity gives its consent in a form acceptable to the Registrar and provided that registration under that name will not be contrary to the public interest.
Names cannot be reserved in advance of incorporation. Intending applicants need to check the proposed name carefully against existing names, starting with those on the registers available for search on this website.
The meaning of 'calculated to deceive' under the Act
The term calculated to deceive is an objective test meaning likely (or reasonably likely) to deceive or mislead the public.
Names cannot be reserved in advance of incorporation. Intending applicants need to check the proposed name carefully against existing names, starting with those on the registers available for search on this website.
