The final RNZRSA Constitution contains significant updates from the original draft which was released in July 2024. These updates reflect the feedback that was provided by Associations and Affiliate Organisations during the consultation process.

The Constitution that is going up for adoption has been amended significantly in favour of protecting the democratic rights of the membership.

While we wait for the release of the final version of the RNZRSA Constitution, below is a snapshot of the key changes you will see from the earlier draft.

• There are no longer any proposals to change the structure of the RNZRSA.
  • The National President remains on the Forum, along with a clear statement defining the role, essence and mana of the position.
  • The proposal to change the role and status of District Presidents has been removed.
  • The Forum’s role as representatives of the Membership has been reinforced.
  • The Forum will have ex-officio representation on the Board to ensure matters relating to the membership can more easily be included as part of decision-making processes.
    
    
• The term veteran is used in the RNZRSA Constitution to refer to anyone who has attested in the Armed Forces.
  • There is provision for Associations to differentiate between Returned and Service members if they choose in their individual constitutions.
    
    
• The RNZRSA Kaumātua will be Kaumātua for the whole of the RNZRSA.
  • Each Association may also appoint their own Kaumātua if they choose. This can be included in their individual constitution.
    
    
• Terms of appointment – Have been amended to be the same for members of the Board and the Forum.
  • Each member is appointed for three years plus three years with a possible further three years in exceptional circumstances.
    
    
• The official name for the RNZRSA in Te Reo is confirmed as Te Ratonga Kahui Morehu a Tu o Aotearoa.
  
  
• Legal obligations under the new Incorporated Societies Act have been met:
  • The Powers section, which outlines the full rights, powers and privileges granted to RNZRSA by the Act, are outlined clearly as required.
  • Disputes have been moved into the Constitution as required.
  • Eligibility criteria for RNZRSA roles are now listed in the Constitution as required.
    
    
• Definitions – a specific section has been added to give clarity to all terms in the constitution. This helps with overall understanding of the document.
  
  
• Information relating to Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings has been simplified.
  • The Notice of Motion/Remit process has been tidied up to ensure ambiguity is removed and the process for submissions has been made clearer.
  • The following changes to voting methods and vote allocation have been accepted by the Forum:
    • 1 vote for individuals
    • 2 votes per Association
    • 1 vote per Affiliate
    • First-past-the-post elections for National President and National Vice Presidents.
      
      
• The Categories of Membership have been made clearer.