06/10/2025
Kia ora,
As part of our obligations under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, Whangārei Netball Centre is required to review and adopt an updated constitution that meets the new legal requirements by 5 April 2026. We’ve completed a draft of our updated constitution, having used a template issued by Netball New Zealand and legally reviewed by Simpson Grierson lawyers. We are encouraging all members to review the draft Constitution in full and provide feedback, specifically, on the changes summarised below. Feedback is to be submitted by 31 October 2025 by emailing [email protected].
Click here to view the proposed constitution (PDF)
We are seeking specific feedback (if any) on the following:
Membership
Netball New Zealand has reduced its individual membership to officers and appointed personnel only. The Board has considered if it would follow suit but has decided not to limit individual membership and to keep it open to all individuals who meet the criteria in the new Constitution (Clauses 5-8).
Board and Governance
Board member tenure will move from 2 years to 3 years, with a maximum of 9 consecutive years in total, with the ability of the Board to extend this period if it is warranted or if at the time of election or appointment of Board Members there are no other applicants or nominees for the position. This aligns with best practice (Clause 14.5)
Meetings and Voting at Annual General Meetings (AGM) and Special General Meetings (SGM):
Currently, clubs and schools get 1 or 2 votes at AGMs and SGMs, depending on how many teams they register. Netball New Zealand and the Board supports a change where, every club and school will have 1 equal vote at AGMs and SGMs, regardless of the number of teams the club or school has registered. This makes the system simpler and ensures fairness, so that all member clubs and schools have the same influence in decision-making. (Clauses 16.4 and 16.12)
Quorum:
The quorum for Board Meetings will no longer require a mix of elected and appointed Board Members and is now simplified to requiring at least a majority of Board members, either elected or appointed. (Clause 14.9(e))
At AGMs and SGMs – At least one quarter (25%) of the total number of Member Clubs and Schools must be represented by a Delegate present at the meeting to establish a quorum. (Clause 16.11)
Other updates: the requirement for a common seal has been removed and other methods of contracting have been inserted.
Discipline and Disputes
Independent Judiciary: No Board members can sit on the Judiciary Committee. (Clause 20.2(b))
Once we’ve considered all feedback, the updated constitution will be presented for adoption at a Special General Meeting later this year.
For more information about the changes to the regulation of Societies in the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, please visit https://is-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz/help-centre/reregistering/.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to [email protected].
