Adopting the RNZRSA Constitution
An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of National Council is being called for Saturday 22 March 2025 to vote on the adoption of the RNZRSA Constitution. Registrations are now open - you can click here to register now.
The final version of the RNZRSA Constitution being put forward for adoption is still going through its final legal review.
It contains significant updates from the original draft which was released in July 2024. These updates reflect the feedback provided during the consultation process. You can find a summary of the key changes below or by clicking here.
It is anticipated that the legal review will be complete by the end of January 2025, and the final version will be released to Associations as soon as it has been received.
What has changed since the draft Constitution was released in July?
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 Working Group (CWG) has been overwhelmed by the level of engagement during the consultation process, and worked hard to incorporate as much of the feedback as possible into the final RNZRSA Constitution. Collaboration has been a cornerstone of this consultation process.
The Constitution that is going up for adoption has been amended significantly in favour of protecting the democratic rights of the membership.
Key changes to proposed RNZRSA Constitution
- 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.
- 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.
Connection across the RSA movement has been a cornerstone of these most recent updates.
Key Dates:
An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) is being called for Saturday 22 March 2025 to vote on the adoption of the RNZRSA Constitution. The EGM will be held as an online meeting.
13 Jan 2025 - Registrations open for EGM
22 Feb 2025 - Submissions for voting by proxy due at National Office.
1 Mar 2025 - Notice of EGM to be released (includes Agenda, Notice of Motion and supporting documentation)
22 Mar 2025 - Online EGM to be held from 10am - 12pm.
23 Mar 2025 - Reserve Day for EGM (should Quorum not be met on 22 Mar 2025)
EGM Administration
Registration
Registrations are now open for those wishing to take part in the Online EGM being held to consider the adoption of the new RNZRSA Constitution.
Register today by completing the form found here.
Who will need to register?
Delegates: All delegates are required to register. Each delegate must have access to an individual device connected to the internet during the EGM to enable voting.
Observers: Registration is required for each observer wishing to receive a link to view the EGM. If groups of observers are gathering together to view the EGM - only one link is required (noting that any delegates also viewing at that location will require to register individually and have access to their own device for voting).
Proxy Votes
Associations that are not able to provide a delegate to attend the online EGM can appoint a Proxy using the form found at the bottom of this page.
All submissions for voting by Proxy must be submitted by email to nationalcouncil@rsa.org.nz no later than 22 February 2025.
Quorum
In the event that a quorum is not present at the EGM on Saturday 22 March, the meeting will be reconvened on Sunday 23 March in accordance with the provisions found at paras 13.9 and 13.10 of the RNZRSA Bylaws.