About Us

Chartered Secretaries New Zealand (CSNZ) is the New Zealand Division of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA International). ICSA International is an international professional body with 37,000 members worldwide. It was founded in England in 1891 and granted its Royal Charter in 1902. The New Zealand Division of the Institute was formed in 1937.

CSNZ has 1,200 members in New Zealand, and was established to promote and maintain professionalism in the fields of commerce and administration. As the commercial and corporate legislative scene in New Zealand changed CSNZ expanded to reflect its members' involvement in such diverse areas as banking, education, government and law.

Members hold administrative posts in most sectors of the business world. In New Zealand just over half the members are in industry and commerce, a third of them are in the company secretarial field; the remainder are engaged in a wide variety of administrative and management roles. In the public sector a high proportion are in local government. The qualification is widely respected in government service and other public sector organisations.

Chartered Secretaries New Zealand is the New Zealand Division of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators established as a professional body by Royal Charter in 1902. Our professional standards, and our educational qualifications are recognised internationally especially throughout the Commonwealth. Portability of membership means enhanced employment opportunities for those wishing to work in other member countries.

Our members perform the role of Chartered Secretary, whatever that position is called.

We train our people to chart a course through a rising sea of legislation and regulation. Members are expected to understand the issues, to identify the problems, and provide appropriate solutions to their employers.

Public and political concern about corporate governance, ethics, probity, accountability and international best practice is at an all time high. CSNZ members are therefore valued by the business community, and they in turn value their membership.

As a deemed director of the company at the centre of the decision making process, the Chartered Secretary is in a powerful position of influence. The Chartered Secretary should assist and guide the directors in their pursuit of profit and growth, but should also act with integrity and independence to protect the interests of the company, shareholders, stakeholders and employees. Today's Chartered Secretary more than ever before should play a proactive and central role in the governance of their organisation.

The following templates and forms are available for download:

Nomination Paper for Committee for New Zealand and Board of CSNZ

Fellowship Notes

Application for Fellowship

Fellowship Experience Checklist