Template Constitution for Volunteer Fire Brigades

Affected members should be aware that existing incorporated societies (incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908) wishing to remain as such must submit a new application to the registrar of Incorporated Societies, complete with a revised constitution, by April 2026. Existing and new societies must be registered in line with the 2022 Act. 

To support our members in this process, at the end of 2024, the UFBA invested in a template constitution for our member brigades to register as Incorporated Societies under the new Act. This was paused while we sought clarity from Fire and Emergency on how this might affect brigades with the Volunteer Engagement Model project.

The UFBA has confirmed with Fire and Emergency that the Volunteer Engagement Model work is not advanced enough to meet the Incorporated Societies deadline, and that volunteer brigades who chose to register under the Incorporated Societies 2022 Act may use the UFBA’s template for this process.

Next steps:

For brigades to meet the April 2026 deadline, brigades will need to hold an AGM as soon as possible in order to adopt the new constitution in time. The compliance bar has been lifted significantly including Officers of the Society being legally accountable and liable, much like Board Directors are now. Members are also advised to research the new duties of societies on the Companies Office website.

Moran Law has developed a template constitution for our members, and it includes all the requirements for brigades to meet the new requirements.

We have contacted the brigade leaders and treasurers of our member brigades who are currently listed on the Incorporated Societies Register, however, if your brigade would like access to this information or you have not received a copy, please contact the UFBA office by emailing connect@ufba.org.nz