Press Release: Hayes Knight NZ  Scoop News 26 April 2012

Is The Definition Of Charitable Purpose Relevant To New Zealand Society In 2012?

The Charities Commission hosted a forum to specifically explore the appropriateness of the existing definition of “charitable purpose” in New Zealand. This two day event was held in Wellington on 17 and 18 April 2012. Those selected to attend represented a cross section of people involved in the sector; all leaders in their respective areas.

Hayes Knight Audit Director Craig Fisher was invited to the forum as a panel presenter.

Below is an extract from the paper he presented.

For Full Paper see: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1204/S00806/is-the-definition-of-charitable-purpose-relevant-to-nz.htm

The issue of advocacy

This has been the source of much contentious, and sometimes what appears to be sensational and erroneous, media regarding decisions of the Charities Commission arising from the legal cases taken.

Political advocacy as a primary purpose is not currently considered charitable. This is especially the case when it comes to political parties which are not and should not be considered charitable. This is sound logic. [Read more…]