FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2007

First Charity Registered With Charities Commission

The Charities Commission announced today the registration of the Te Aute Koiri Foundation Incorporated the first charity registered under the new Charities Act.

This follows the opening of the Charities Register on 1 February, when the Charities Commission began to receive applications from charitable organisations under the Charities Act 2005.

The Hastings-based charity supports the special character of Te Aute College in Hawkes Bay, where, among other Māori leaders, Sir Apirana Ngata studied on his way to become the first Māori to graduate with a University degree.

Chief Executive of the Charities Commission Trevor Garrett said this first registration is a significant milestone for New Zealand.

"This marks a new era of transparency and accountability for New Zealand charities," he said. "Once there are a number of charities registered, the Charities Register will provide more information about the purposes and activities of charitable organisations in New Zealand. It will help to increase public confidence in the charitable sector and become a valuable resource for anyone who wants to make an informed donation to charity."

While registration with the Charities Commission is voluntary, organisations wishing to remain tax exempt on the grounds of charitable purpose should register before 1 July 2008.

To be eligible for registration, an organisation must be established and maintained for charitable purposes meaning they must have a purpose that advances religion, advances education, relieves poverty, or is otherwise beneficial to the community. Other criteria, such as having officers who are qualified to be officers under the Charities Act, also apply.

Mr Garrett said every applicant is judged on its rules and activities on a case-by-case basis.

The Charities Act established the Charities Commission on 1 July 2005 to register and monitor charitable organisations in New Zealand and to provide them with education and support on good governance and management.

ENDS

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