The Department of Internal Affairs

Department of Internal Affairs | Te Tari Taiwhenua

Building a safe, prosperous and respected nation



 

Te Whānau O Waipareira Trust overhauls governance structure following DIA investigation


17 December 2025

Te Whānau O Waipareira Trust has been forced to make significant governance and structural changes following a Department of Internal Affairs investigation, narrowly avoiding deregistration.

The investigation has concluded with a finding from the Charities Registration Board that
de-registration of the Trust is not required in light of the substantial changes made.
The Board found that Te Whānau O Waipareira Trust made significant changes of sufficient scale and magnitude to maintain its charitable status including structural, financial and governance changes.

“This whole case highlights fundamental principles and regulatory requirements that all charities regardless of size or stature should take seriously. These include the importance of good governance, that culture and board composition matter, that conflicts of interest and private benefits must be rigorously managed, and that fundraising must be in the charity’s best interests and subject to proper oversight,” Charlotte Stanley, Director of Charities Services at the Department of Internal Affairs says.

“Accountability and good governance aren't optional, they are fundamental to any charity’s ability to serve the public and maintain trust, regardless of size or profile.”

“The Trust will now be subject to additional monitoring by the Department as these remedial steps are implemented, to ensure lasting change” Charlotte Stanley says.

ENDS 

Notes for editors:
Charities Services is a part of the Department of Internal Affairs. Its responsibilities are: 

  • Taking enforcement action where there is serious wrongdoing.
  • Registering (and deregistering) charities  
  • Making sure all registered charities file their annual returns each year.  
  • Ensuring charities meet their legal requirements, including providing information on their activities
  • Making appropriate information about each registered charity publicly available  
  • Providing education, advice, and resources to help charities run effectively, transparently, ethically and aligned with their stated purpose.

Registration and deregistration decisions are made by the independent Charities Registration Board, Te Rātā Atawhai appointed by the Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector.

(Proactive release)