Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Charitable Trusts Act 1957

Incorporation of trust boards

15: Name of board

You could also call this:

“Rules for choosing a name for your charitable trust board”

When you want to name your charitable trust board, you need to follow some rules. The Registrar, who is in charge of registering boards, has to make sure the name you choose is okay.

The Registrar won’t let you use a name if:

It breaks any laws. It’s the same as or very close to the name of another board, company, or group already in New Zealand. It’s the same as or very close to a name that someone else has already asked to use for a company. It might make people confused about what your board does or who it is. The name is rude or offensive.

If the Registrar says no to your first name choice, don’t worry. You can change the name to fix the problem and try again.

There’s one exception to these rules. If your name is very similar to another board, company, or group, you might still be able to use it. But only if that other group says it’s okay and the Registrar thinks it won’t cause any problems.

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This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM309933.

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"Property automatically becomes owned by the new board when trustees join together"

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15A: Registrar may change name, or

"The Registrar can change a board's name to follow the rules"

Part 2 Incorporation of trust boards

15Name of board

  1. The Registrar must refuse to incorporate a board under a name if, in the Registrar’s opinion,—

  2. the use of the name would contravene any legislation; or
    1. the name is identical or almost identical to the name of any other board or company carrying on business in New Zealand (whether incorporated in New Zealand or not) or other body corporate established or registered in New Zealand; or
      1. the name is identical or almost identical to a name that has already been reserved under the Companies Act 1993 and that is still available for registration under that Act; or
        1. the name is likely to mislead the board’s members or the public about the board’s nature or identity; or
          1. the name is offensive.

            1. If the Registrar refuses to incorporate the board under subsection (1), the board may be incorporated under a name that has been amended to address (to the Registrar’s satisfaction) the matter referred to in that subsection.

            2. Subsection (1)(b) does not apply if—

            3. the other board, company, or body corporate gives its consent in any manner that the Registrar requires; and
              1. the Registrar is satisfied that board’s use of the name will not be contrary to the public interest.

                Notes
                • Section 15: replaced, on , by section 33 of the Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Act 2025 (2025 No 11).