Independent accreditation · New Zealand
Independent accreditation in governance, care, health and safety — so your board can lead with confidence and your funders can give with trust.
About us
We exist to serve and strengthen Christian churches, trusts, camps, schools and community organisations across New Zealand. We are a charitable organisation dedicated to helping faith-based entities thrive by supporting excellence in governance, compliance and safety.
Our core work is equipping your board and leadership with the tools and frameworks needed for strong oversight — including obligations under the Charities Act 2005, the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, and the care and safety reforms following the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
We work alongside your leadership to reduce risk, build confidence, and help shape standards for the wider faith-based sector — making it easier to attract funding and support for the work you do in your community.
At COAT, we focus on six areas of growth and governance.
Governance in Christian charities is the faithful stewardship of people, resources and purpose — according to biblical values as well as legal and ethical standards. It keeps the organisation true to its mission and operating transparently before God and the community. Effective governance clarifies roles, manages finances, handles risk, and complies with the Charities Act and related regulation.
Care reflects Christ’s heart by prioritising people — showing compassion, dignity and genuine concern for those served, those who serve, and the wider community. It builds environments where safety, wellbeing and respect are non-negotiable. In New Zealand, care also means honouring cultural diversity, recognising whānau, and respecting Māori as tangata whenua.
Health and safety is both a legal obligation and a way to love our neighbour. Charities must take reasonable steps to identify and manage risk, meet the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, and build a culture where people are comfortable reporting hazards and concerns — through clear policy, proper training, and safe environments for every activity.
We help Christian charities strengthen governance so they can thrive in their mission, operate with integrity and stay compliant. We provide practical guidance, clear frameworks and faith-aligned support for boards and leaders — building strong structures of policy, process, accountability and strategic clarity, while upholding biblical values.
We help Christian charities strengthen their teams and build capacity to serve with excellence. We equip staff, volunteers and leaders with practical skills and faith-aligned tools that improve personal effectiveness and organisational health — through training, mentoring, frameworks and resources.
We help Christian charities prepare for the future — building resilient, forward-looking organisations that can adapt and stay true to their mission. We work with boards to clarify vision, sharpen strategic planning, and develop structures for sustainable growth, covering legal change, risk management and shifting community needs.
Accreditation starts with a short online application. Work through the assessment at your own pace, save as you go, and submit when you are ready.