The Department of Internal Affairs says public consultation for the review of the Charities Act 2005 will now take place over March and April 2019.

The department is reviewing the Act, with support from a six-person Core Reference Group of external experts.

The consultation was originally planned for the end of 2018. The department says because the end of the year is a very busy time for charities, the dates have been revised.

It says strong input from the sector, stakeholders and the general public is crucial to the review.

Community meetings and hui will be held throughout the country as part of the consultation process. Those wanting to give feedback can ask questions, learn more about the review process, and feel encouraged to make quality submissions in response to a public discussion document.