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Step-by-Step Process to Report Jehovah’s Witnesses to the Relevant Authorities in New Zealand

 

Step 1 - Prepare Your Evidence

  • Gather supporting documents, including internal Jehovah’s Witnesses manuals (Shepherd the Flock of God), publications (Keep Yourselves in God’s Love), and, if you have any, testimonies (like your own) that illustrate the allegations of political restrictions and penalties.
  • Highlight the relevant text and take screenshots of the neutrality section in lvs (page 244) and the neutrality section in the elder manual (Chapter 18, Point 3) to send along with the PDFs of both books.
  • Ensure all evidence is legible and organized for easy reference.

 

Step 2 - Contact Charities Services

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) – Charities Services oversees registered charities in New Zealand. Complaints can be lodged if you believe a charity’s activities conflict with the principles of the Charities Act 2005.

    • Website: www.charities.govt.nz
    • Phone: 0508 242 748 (toll-free in NZ)
    • Email: [email protected]

Postal Address: Charities Services, Department of Internal Affairs, PO Box 30112, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand

 

Step 3 - Fill Out the Complaint Form

Charities Services provides a Complaint Form on their website. Follow these steps:

    1. Download the form from Charities Services Complaint Page.
    2. Provide your contact details and a detailed explanation of your concerns.
    3. Attach supporting evidence (e.g., scanned pages, personal testimonies).

 

Step 4 - Submit the Complaint

  • Submit the completed form along with attachments via email or post to Charities Services.
  • If you have questions or need assistance completing the form, call their toll-free number.

 

Step 5 - Wait for Acknowledgment

Once your complaint is submitted, Charities Services will confirm receipt. They will:

    • Assess whether your concerns fall within their jurisdiction.
    • Inform you of the next steps in the investigation process.

 

Step 6 - Acknowledge and Follow Up

  • If necessary, follow up on the progress of your complaint by contacting Charities Services.
  • Be prepared to provide additional information or evidence if requested.

 

Download Templates:

 

 

Suggestions for Submission:

  1. Ensure you include attachments as evidence, particularly pages from internal documents explicitly describing these policies.
  2. Submissions can be sent via post to the ACNC address or electronically through their website's complaint form: ACNC Complaint Form.
  3. Attach a concise summary of this letter if filing electronically, as online forms often have word limits.
  4. Timeframes for ACNC responses vary but typically take several weeks; follow up if no acknowledgment is received within 14 days.

Additional Tips

  • Anonymous Reporting: If you wish to remain anonymous, indicate this clearly in the complaint form or letter. However, anonymity might limit follow-up communication.
  • Provide Context: Explain how the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ practices affect individuals, referencing specific examples of harm or infringement on rights.
  • Be Patient: Investigations may take time, as the ACNC gathers evidence and reviews compliance with legal standards.