If the Registrar-General is satisfied that the principal object or one of the principal objects of the organisation is to uphold or promote religious beliefs or philosophical or humanitarian convictions, he may by notice in the Gazette declare the organisation to be an approved organisation.

If the Registrar-General fails or refuses to declare the organisation an approved organisation, he shall, if required to do so by the organisation, refer the application to the Minister of Justice who, if he is satisfied that the principal object or one of the principal objects of the organisation is to uphold or promote beliefs or convictions as aforesaid, may direct the Registrar-General to declare the organisation, by notice in the Gazette, an approved organisation; and in that case the Registrar-General shall forthwith do so.”

Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section, where the 2 persons concerned are ordinarily resident outside New Zealand, the person giving notice may do so by posting the prescribed form to the Registrar; but in that case the Registrar shall not issue the licence until satisfied that one of those persons has made the appropriate statutory declaration.”