Te Rātā Atawhai, the Charities Registration Board's update on Greenpeace High Court decision

Published 16 September 2020

On 10 August 2020, the High Court decided that Greenpeace of New Zealand Incorporated (the Society) qualifies for registration.  You can view the Board’s original statement on the decision here. The Board does not play an active role in appeals. 

In this appeal the Attorney-General appeared in the role of ‘protector of charities’, and the Board understands that the Attorney-General is not appealing the decision.

Court decisions are useful because they help to shape the meaning of charitable purpose in Aotearoa New Zealand. The decision will mean that organisations that advocate for charitable goals, such as protecting the environment or promoting human rights, will more easily qualify for registration.

The Board is currently reviewing its approach to assessing applications in the light of this High Court decision. Once the Board has finished this process, further information will be published on Charities Services’ website page on advocacy.