Charity Trustee Liability Insurance
Charity trustees and officers carry significant personal responsibility — and personal exposure — for the governance decisions they make in their unpaid roles. The Charities Amendment Act 2023 expanded the definition of "officer" to capture a broader range of governance participants, meaning more individuals are now formally accountable under the Act than previously understood. Without Trustees and Officers (T&O) or Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance, a successful claim against a trustee or officer could result in personal financial loss for someone who volunteered their time and expertise in good faith.
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Key Coverage Points
What your policy needs to address for this type of organisation and risk profile.
- 1
Personal liability cover for trustees, officers, and directors named in claims
- 2
Legal defence costs, which typically dwarf any eventual settlement or judgment
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Coverage for governance decisions challenged by members, employees, regulators, or third parties
- 4
Employment practices liability for wrongful dismissal, discrimination, and harassment claims
- 5
Cover aligned with the expanded officer definition under the Charities Amendment Act 2023
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Run-off cover for former trustees who face claims after leaving their roles
What Matters Most for This Risk
Legal defence costs are the most immediate risk for charity trustees facing a complaint or investigation. Even a claim that is ultimately unsuccessful can cost tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees before it is resolved. T&O and D&O policies pay these costs — subject to the policy terms — from the moment a claim is notified, rather than leaving the trustee to fund their own defence and seek reimbursement later. For charities that rely on attracting experienced governance talent, being able to demonstrate that robust D&O cover is in place is an increasingly important part of board recruitment.
Why Use charityinsurance.co.nz?
charityinsurance.co.nz connects charities with brokers who understand the specific governance obligations under the Charities Act and Incorporated Societies Act — and who can structure T&O policies that genuinely reflect those obligations. Good volunteer trustees should never have to worry about personal financial exposure; the right policy ensures they do not. Get a Quote to protect your board.
Our Broker Panel
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- Access to all major charity insurance underwriters
- Specialist not-for-profit sector expertise
- No additional cost to your organisation for comparison
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Insurance by Organisation Type
Explore insurance information specific to the type of organisation you run.
Not sure which cover fits your organisation?
Our panel of Registered Financial Service Providers will assess your risk profile and recommend the right cover. No obligation, no jargon — just clear specialist advice.