Proprietor raising funds

Proprietors can raise funds any purpose that does not overstep the boundaries of their legal status as a proprietor. This includes anything that is directly related to their responsibilities under the Education and Training Act 2020. For example, property and special character.

Proprietors can raise funds by:

• organising fundraising activities at the school
• requesting that parents make regular voluntary financial contributions to pay for debt repayments relating to school land or buildings.

Proprietors can tell parents why they are requesting support by explaining costs in school publications such as the newsletter.

Proprietor holding funds

Proprietors need to:

• keep account of all money that comes from fundraising or voluntary contributions
• have fundraising accounts audited at least once every 12 months
• make accounts available to parents on request.

Board raising funds

Boards of state-integrated schools can raise funds in the same way as state schools. Funds raised by boards are considered Crown funds and are treated the same way as funds provided by us.

Board holding funds

Boards must deposit any funds from fundraising as soon as possible. This is a requirement of section 158 of the Crown Entities Act 2004. The account must be:

• with an approved institution
• in the name of the school
• accessible only to the school board.

Boards cannot manage accounts or funds for proprietors or other third parties. Any funds raised by proprietors, or on behalf of them, are the property of the proprietor.

Boards can temporarily hold funds or voluntary contributions received for a proprietor in the school's bank accounts. This is covered in Section 161(3) of the Crown Entities Act.

New Zealand legislation – Crown Entities Act 2004