Here is the updated Constitution of Volunteering New Zealand for your review and consultation. In collaboration with Parry Field Lawyers, our Board has carefully revised the current Constitution to align with the rules and regulations of the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022.

The primary changes reflect the modernisation of the old 1908 Act, particularly in areas such as dispute resolutions and financial reporting requirements. Additionally, the new Act mandates that all Societies must have a governing body and an official constitution.

Key changes in Volunteering New Zealand’s updated Constitution include:

  • Incorporation of our Name and Values: The name “Tūao Aotearoa/Volunteering New Zealand” has been officially incorporated, and our values are now expressed through a te ao Māori lens.
  • Policy Adjustments: The Conflict of Interest and Dispute Resolution sections have been moved out of the Constitution and into separate Policy documents. The new Constitution includes references to the Act, which adequately covers both matters.
  • Board Composition: The structure of the Board has been updated. It now includes the option of having two Co-Chairs instead of a single Chair, along with a Treasurer and members. This change also includes a revised division of powers.
  • Includes definition of a ‘Volunteer Centre’: means a regional community organisation, trust or incorporated society providing volunteer recruitment services, and capacity building support for volunteer involving orgnisations in their community.

Please read through the Constitution to understand any potential impacts the new Act may have on your organisation. Send your comments or queries to the Board via office@volunteeringnz.org.nz  by 30 August. A member of the Board’s Constitution Workgroup will respond to your queries.

We intend to approve the new Constitution at the Volunteering New Zealand AGM on 11 November.

We appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to your participation in the AGM.