20190220
FEDERATION OF RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATIONS OF NZ INC
* PROPOSED *
CONSTITUTION
(.pdf file attached at the foot of this page ) See also : Rules
The Informal or Operative name is NZ Ratepayers Association
Objects:
The objectives of the Association are to:-
Registered Office: Must be inserted. Any subsequent change must be advised to the registrar.
Financial year:
The financial year will run from 1 April to 31 March, but may be shortened for the inaugural year.
Membership:
Applicants must supply a copy of a formal resolution to affiliate; the resolution must contain agreement to endorse the aims and objectives of Ratepayers NZ.
Applications will be submitted to the Board and the result will be advised to applicants following Board consideration. No reason need be given for non-acceptance.
Upon acceptance an initial affiliation fee of $XX will be charged; A per capita fee (i.e. based on membership of the affiliated association) will be set at each AGM.
Member associations will be required to compile and maintain a register of their members comprising: names, physical addresses, contact details. The relevant association will need a generic email address for communication with the Board.
Officers:
The following officers will be elected at each Annual General Meeting:
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
Committee:
Together with the officers the inaugural and subsequent AGMs will elect seven (7) ordinary members of affiliated groups to comprise the Ratepayers NZ Committee.
The term of all Committee members will be one year, but each may stand for re-election.
Meetings:
Voting:
Election of Officers shall be by a simple majority chosen by voice, by show of hands or by ballot at the discretion of the Chairperson. Only financial affiliated members may vote. Nominations for office must be in the hands of the Secretary at least 48 hours prior to the AGM and must be signed by the nominator and the nominee.
Nominations for Committee may be accepted beforehand or from the floor and will be elected by simple majority as above.
Proxy voting will be allowed subject to completion of appropriate forms, which will be provided on request.
Powers of Committee:
The Committee shall have all powers necessary for the administration of the Association in furtherance of its objects including, but not limited to, those referred to in this constitution.
The Committee may co-opt additional persons with specialist knowledge or skills to carry out such duties as the Committee may detail, for a specified time.
Borrowing Powers:
The Committee will not have power to raise monies by borrowing, but may enter into operational finance arrangements where necessary to conduct business.
Investments:
The Committee may consider investing funds that are not needed for current operations, but all such decisions must be subject to prior consultation with members.
Responsibilities of Officers:
Indemnity:
All members of the Committee shall be indemnified by Ratepayers NZ against losses, expenses and other liabilities incurred in the course of their functions for the society, with the exception of any liabilities involving fraud.
Conflict of Interest:
Members of the Committee must disclose any circumstances that may involve them in a conflict of interest. Such members must not participate in any discussion or decision making regarding items in which they have a personal interest, pecuniary or otherwise.
Pecuniary Gain:
No member of the Association may obtain any personal pecuniary benefit or advantage from activities undertaken by the Association, other than reward for professional services at current market rates.
Dismissal from the Committee:
A member of the Committee may be dismissed if that person (a) dies (b) resigns or (c) performs an act or behaviour which in the majority opinion of the Committee could bring the society into disrepute. In the event of a Board member becoming bankrupt or placed under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988, membership of the Committee shall be terminated.
Alteration of Rules:
Any amendment to the Constitution of Ratepayers NZ may only be made at an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting of members. Six (6) weeks’ notice must be given and any resolution for change will require a two-thirds majority of member associations present or represented.
Dissolution:
The Association may be dissolved by resolution at an Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting convened for that purpose. Any such resolution will require a two-thirds majority of member associations present or represented at such meeting.
Upon dissolution any assets of the society are to be distributed to one or more like bodies or as directed by the High Court.
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The foregoing is the Constitution of Ratepayers NZ adopted on (date to be inserted)
……………………………………………………………………………..Chairperson
……………………………………………………………………………..Secretary