April 2026 is closer than you think. Packages booked early avoid Registrar congestion and last-minute legal fees.
Canterbury Legal’s fixed-fee packages make compliance simple. No hidden costs. No last-minute panic.
PACKAGE ONE:
Readiness Snapshot & Constitution Review
TIMING:
10-15 BUSINESS DAYS FROM RECEIVING ALL INFORMATION
Scope of included services:
- 30-minute (maximum) strategy call
- Review of current constitution for compliance gaps
- Readiness checklist and risk rating
- Written summary of required changes
- Quote to proceed with full redraft ($1,000 credit if engaged)
Fixed Fee
$1500+GST +DISBURSEMENTS
SELECTExclusions:
Consultation meeting
Completion of compliance questionnaire with client
Drafting new constitution compliant with Incorporated Societies Act 2022
PACKAGE TWO:
Constitution Only
TIMING:
10-15 BUSINESS DAYS FROM RECEIVING ALL INFORMATION
Everything in Package One PLUS:
- Initial consultation (up to 30 minutes maximum)
- Review of existing constitution/rules
- Completion of compliance questionnaire
- Drafting new constitution compliant with Incorporated Societies Act 2022
- Ensuring all mandatory content requirements met
- One round of amendments based on client feedback
- Final constitution in Word format
- Basic instructions for adoption process
Fixed Fee
$2950+GST +DISBURSEMENTS
SELECTExclusions:
-
Meeting attendance
Additional rounds of amendments (charged at $350/hour) meeting
Filing with Registrar (though no fee currently applies)
Member consultations
PACKAGE THREE:
Constitution & AGM/SGM Notice
TIMING:
15-20 BUSINESS DAYS FROM RECEIVING ALL INFORMATION
Everything in Package Two PLUS:
- Drafting comprehensive AGM / SGM notice
- Inclusion of special resolution wording
- AGM / SGM agenda with constitution adoption
- Proxy form (if applicable)
- Explanatory memorandum for members
- Email/letter template for member communication
- Guidance on meeting procedures
Fixed Fee
$3750+GST +DISBURSEMENTS
SELECTAdditional Support:
Phone support for meeting-related questions (up to 30 minutes maximum)
Review of draft meeting minutes
Exclusions:
AGM / SGM attendance
Filing with Registrar
Extensive member consultation
PACKAGE FOUR:
Constitution & SGM Compliance Complete Package
TIMING:
20-25 BUSINESS DAYS FROM RECEIVING ALL INFORMATION
Everything in Package Three PLUS:
- Strategic advice on timing and approach
- Drafting comprehensive AGM / SGM notice
- Special resolution with detailed wording
- Member information pack including:
- Comparison of old vs new constitution
- FAQ document
- Summary of key changes
- Proxy form and instructions
- Attendance at AGM/SGM (up to 2 hours, Christchurch/video)
- Chairing meeting if required
- Post-meeting documentation: Certified minutes/Completed resolutions/Filing prep.)
- Filing with Registrar of Incorporated Societies (no current fee)
- Confirmation of registration
Fixed Fee
$4950+GST +DISBURSEMENTS
SELECTAdditional Support:
Two rounds of constitutional amendments
Pre-meeting briefing with committee
Member Q&A support before meeting
Phone/email support throughout process
Exclusions:
Travel outside Christchurch (charged separately)
Meeting attendance exceeding 2 hours ($450/hour)
Complex dispute resolution
ALL PACKAGES:
Optional add-ons
Information Session for Members: $850 + GST
-----------------------
Charitable Status Review: $650 + GST
-----------------------
Sector-Specific Customisation: $500-1,500 + GST
-----------------------
Expedited Service (5 day): 25% surcharge<
-----------------------
Weekend/Evening Meeting: $500 surcharge
-----------------------
Office Training: One hour of intensive training: $550 + GST
-----------------------
Entity Structure and Future Strategy Review: $ 750 +GST
Start the process by completing the form
Next Steps
01
Engagement & Info Gathering
02
Review, Strategy & Drafting
03
Member Communication Support
04
Meeting & Vote (AGM or SGM)
05
Filing & Registrar Confirmation
06
Optional Post-Registration Check-in
Don't get caught unprepared.
Deregistration Risk
Non-compliance can see your society removed from the register.
Funding Impact
Many grants and contracts require your society to be able to confirm its registration.
Officer Liability
Non-compliant governance exposes office holders to personal risk.
Reputation Damage
Failing to meet legal standards raises concerns as to the trustworthiness of your society.
Know where
you stand.
We help you to prepare a member-friendly summary of the new rules, FAQs and meeting scripts to assist members in fully understanding what is now required of your society
Can’t we do this ourselves?
Mistakes cost more than prevention.… and most DIY attempts get delayed or rejected.
What if members don’t approve the new rules?
We help prep a member-friendly summary, FAQs, and meeting scripts to ease approval.
We’re a small club — is this worth it?
Absolutely. Losing your legal status could affect funding, tax, even your name.
We’re not ready yet
Time is running out and it’s important that you act now to make sure your society is not deregistered.
You're in safe hands.
Canterbury Legal is a Christchurch-based firm with 25+ years’ experience supporting community groups, charities, and incorporated societies.
Transparent Fixed Fees
No surprises, full cost certainty
Governance-Focused
We strengthen your leadership structure
More Support
Ongoing guidance throughout process
Better Peace of Mind
Ensure compliance and avoid deregistration
Trusted by Societies
Across New Zealand
