ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the forms of corporation and association which are used in the South Pacific region as vehicles for commercial activity. These alternatives broadly include cooperative societies, incorporated associations, credit unions, banks, insurance companies, provident funds, and friendly societies. The chapter deals with cooperatives, credit unions and incorporated associations. Cooperatives are forms of corporation which are specially created by statute. Cooperatives have long been regarded as alternatives to companies and other corporations as vehicles for the carrying on of business ventures. The procedure for incorporation of credit unions follows the same pattern as that for cooperatives. Management of credit unions is vested in a board of directors and specific officers who have particular statutory duties in addition to a range of general law duties substantially similar to those of company directors. Some countries in the South Pacific region, namely Tonga and Niue, have legislation providing for the incorporation of societies or associations.
