The High Court decision in Centrepoint Community Growth Trust v. Commissioner (1985) 1 NZLR 673 set the standard for determining what a religion is under New Zealand law. In this case the New Zealand High Court cited with approval, and relied upon, the tests for religion adopted by the Australian High Court in Church of the New Faith v. Commissioner of Payroll Tax (1983) 1 VR 97 regarding the Church of Scientology. The High Court determined that the Church of Scientology qualifies as a religion and a charity, as it “meets the requirement of being exclusively charitable in nature by advancing religion” and “meets the requirement of being for the benefit of the public.”
The New Zealand Inland Revenue accepts that the Church of Scientology of New Zealand is “established exclusively for charitable purposes” and that “the advancement of Scientology meets the requirements of the definition of charitable purpose.” After New Zealand passed legislation forming a Charities Commission, on 30 June 2008, the Charities Commission recognized the Church as a registered charity.
In addition, in April 1974, the New Zealand Ministry of Justice approved the application of a Scientology minister to perform marriage ceremonies.
“The Charities Commission of New Zealand has certified that the Church of Scientology of New Zealand Incorporated was registered as a charitable entity under the Charities Act 2005 on June 30, 2008.”
