Charities Commission to be set up by next year

The new Charities Commission is expected to be up and running next year, the government announced today. The Crown agent will be responsible for registering charitable organisations seeking tax-exempt status, monitoring their activities, and advising on charity-related issues. For more information see the government's media release.

Hon Dr Michael Cullen
Minister of Finance

MEDIA STATEMENT

Design of Charities Commission agreed

The new Charities Commission should be operational next year after the Cabinet this week signed off the design details, Finance Minister Michael Cullen announced today.

"The commission developed out of a recommendation from the charities working party in their report to me last year, and I am delighted to be able to deliver on it," Dr Cullen said.

"The commission will be responsible for registering organisations seeking charitable status, monitoring their activities, receiving annual returns, providing advice and support to the sector and advising the government on charity-related issues.

"It will be a Crown agent and will have statutory independence in relation to registration decisions but will operate under the aegis of the Minister of Commerce and the Ministry of Economic Development."

Dr Cullen said the government hoped to have the necessary legislation in the House by mid year.

Contact: Patricia Herbert [press secretary] 04-471-9412 or 021-270-9013. E-mail: [email protected]