"One of the groups we work with, their annual audit fee would've been $3000 to $4000 and this year it leapt up to $9000."

Ms Mickell said some were choosing to deregister. Continue reading

Charities who spend more than $1m per year are being forced to open up their books, in some cases for the first time, under new laws which came into effect this month.

The Charities Service say the new laws will bring greater transparency in the sector, but churches say they are having to spend up to $100,000 on auditing fees.

CHARITABLE STATUS

* For charities with an annual expenditure of $1m or more: Financial statements must be audited by a qualified accountant

* If spending is between $500,000 and $1 million: Financial statements must be reviewed by a qualified accountant

* Less than $500,000: Can choose to have their financial statements reviewed or audited.

* NZ's registered charities receive about $1.2b each year in donations.

Source

• www.stuff.co.nz

They have both made submissions on proposed plan changes.

They say under the new rules their special recognition disappears.

Under the current District Plan spiritual activities involving churches are treated separately from other activities that involve large gatherings.

The existing plan says this is in recognition of the service churches provide to the community, not only each Sunday but also through food banks and as places for the community to gather.

This means that churches are able to continue operating in largely residential areas, where other organisations and businesses, such as cinemas and sports clubs, are prevented from operating.

Neither the Basilica nor the Cathedral are affected by the new changes as they are in the centre of the city.

But both denominations are considering where to best locate places of worship after taking account of shifts in the population following the quakes.

There is a concern about the extra compliance costs that may be incurred for having to apply for resource consent to rebuild churches in residential areas, including in places where a church has stood since the city was first settled.

In its submission to the plan, Catholic Diocese of Christchurch said churches had a wide variety of functions apart from just spiritual activities and played an active role in the community providing social services, a meeting place for groups.

It was important these activities were allowed within the plan, the diocese said.

Source

• Radio New Zealand
• Stuff.co.nz
• Image: christchurchdailyphoto.com