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What you need to know

The links in some of these bullet points will take you to more information on this page about the topics.

What the Act does

The Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act 1908 provides A and P societies with the legal framework for their:

  • incorporation
  • operations, and
  • dissolution.

Various provisions relate to the rights of societies with respect to land.

It's been amended by 3 separate pieces of legislation passed in 1912, 1920, and 1933. Each contains provisions that must be read alongside the original Act.

Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act 1908 – NZ Legislation

Amendment Acts

Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Amendment Act 1912

This Act includes clauses about leasing A and P society land, spending the proceeds of A and P society land, and changing the name of an A and P society. It also includes a specific clause that applies to the Otago A and P Society.

Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Amendment Act 1920

This Act prohibits the disposal of land that an A and P society received from the Crown, without consent of the Governor-General in Council.

Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Amendment Act 1933

This Act includes the powers of A and P societies to make bylaws regulating admission to meetings, exhibitions, and the like.

The information MPI holds about A and P societies

MPI holds records relating to:

  • incorporation
  • dissolution, and
  • land dealings requiring government approval.

If you have any questions, email info@mpi.govt.nz

Relationship to the Incorporated Societies Act 2022

  • A and P societies are different to incorporated societies under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 and the previous Incorporated Societies Act 1908.
  • A and P societies do not have to register under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
  • A and P societies also cannot transfer from the A and P Act to the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.

Members of an A and P society can voluntarily register as an incorporated society under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. However, if they do, they create a second separate legal entity. The new incorporated society does not take on the assets, liabilities, or other legal rights and obligations of the A and P society automatically. Further legal steps would be required.

The Companies Office has more information on Incorporated Societies

New Zealand Companies Office

Related private acts

A and P societies in New Zealand occasionally rely on private legislation to address specific legal needs not covered by general law. One key example is the use of private acts to gain exemptions from section 7 of the A and P Act, which governs how these associations manage and use land. Private legislation is uncommon. Its application is limited, only applying changes in the law as it applies to specific people or organisations, rather than the public at large.

Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act 1908 – private Acts

Note, all links are to the New Zealand Legislation website.

Local Acts

A local Bill is a Bill promoted by a local authority that becomes a local Act if enacted. Local Acts can also be used for matters relating to A and P societies, such as the Taranaki Agricultural Society Empowering Act 1909.

Taranaki Agricultural Society Empowering Act 1909 – NZ Legislation

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