New Zealand's SPCA is reminding lawyers that its recent restructure means there have been some changes to the way bequests should be directed.

From 1 November 2017 the 40 or so separate SPCAs around New Zealand became one entity. Before this, each SPCA was an independent legal entity.

The new single entity is the Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Incorporated. It is registered as a charity, with the Charities Commission number CC22705.

The RNZSPCA Inc advises that a large number of the formerly separate centres are still listed on the Charities Commission website as separate incorporated societies. It says these will be retired over time and the only legal entity left will be RNZSPCA Inc. The former centres will operate as branches.

All bequests are managed centrally and the RNZSPCA Inc is requesting that the address for service for any matters and any bequests is given as PO Box 15349, New Lynn, Auckland 0640 or 3047 Great North Road, New Lynn, Auckland 0600.