Constitution FAQs

Q. Why did InternetNZ update its Constitution?

There are two reasons:

1. The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 (2022 Act) requires all incorporated societies to re-register. The 2022 Act makes several significant changes that must be reflected in our Constitution.

2. Ensuring our constitution is centred on Te Tiriti o Waitangi as recommended by the Independent Review of Systemic Racism in 2022. 

Therefore, we needed to modernise our almost 30-year-old constitution to reflect current law and best governance practices.

Q. Who did InternetNZ consult during the constitution review process?

The review included input from InternetNZ members, Māori as tangata whenua, stakeholders, legal advisors, and the broader public through open submissions and consultation forums. As part of the review process, we also invited 14 people with expertise in technology, governance, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and community to help co-design the revised constitutional proposals. 

Q. How were members’ views incorporated into the new constitution?

Feedback from InternetNZ members helped shape key aspects of the new constitution. Members contributed directly through consultation and indirectly via the co-design group, made up of members and others, whose insights informed the final document. The drafting process was iterative, with adjustments based on submissions, legal guidance, and best practice.

Q. What are the critical differences in the new constitution?

• Alignment with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
• Simplified, more precise language for easier understanding.
• Updated Board leadership options, including co-chairs with at least one Māori co-chair.
• Explicit commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and inclusivity.
• Dispute resolution processes are now consistent with the rules of natural justice.

Q. How does this affect me as a member or stakeholder?

You’ll see more straightforward, simpler obligations, more accessible processes, and a stronger focus on inclusivity and member empowerment. 

Q. Does the new constitution change my day-to-day experiences as a member?

Most members will notice little change, but the new constitution ensures clearer processes and greater transparency.

Q. How do these changes support InternetNZ’s charitable purpose?

Clause 1.4.1 of the new constitution provides a clear set of Charitable Objects, helping InternetNZ stay focused, accountable, and aligned with its mission to serve the public good — now and into the future.  

Q. Why does InternetNZ have a focus on Te Tiriti o Waitangi?

Te Tiriti is not just a foundational document for New Zealand; it embodies the vision of diverse cultures and peoples working together for mutual benefit, acknowledging the te iwi Māori (Māori people) as independent. 

This profound vision is available for every organisation and citizen of Aotearoa to engage with and aspire toward. While Te Tiriti encompasses legal commitments and political discourse involving the direct Partners — iwi and Government — it offers all of us a way to participate in its vision for Aotearoa. Recognising this significance, InternetNZ made the pivotal decision to centre our work around Te Tiriti in 2018, reaffirming our commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and collective progress as it relates to the internet.

Q. What does the new leadership model mean?

The Board can now choose to have either Co-Chairs (with at least one being Māori) or a Chair and Deputy Chair. 

Q. What are the responsibilities of a Board member?

Board members govern InternetNZ and provide strategic oversight. Their responsibilities include:

• Ensuring InternetNZ meets its national and international obligations for managing the .nz domain and Domain Name System.
• Setting and monitoring the organisation’s strategic direction.
• Approving and reviewing the budget and organisational goals.
• Appointing, supporting and holding the Chief Executive accountable.
• Overseeing InternetNZ’s ownership role in the Domain Name Commission (DNC).

Q. Is the new constitution reducing democracy at InternetNZ by allowing more Board appointments and fewer elections?

Not at all. The new constitution adjusts the balance between elected and appointed board members but retains a strong democratic role for members.

The Board will now have 5 to 6 elected members (chosen by members) and 2 to 3 appointed members (to ensure key skills and representation). This reflects best practice in not-for-profit governance – combining democratic input with the expertise needed to govern effectively.

Members continue to elect the majority of the Board and remain central to InternetNZ’s governance and decision-making.

Q. Is InternetNZ’s new constitution about co-governance or giving special preference to Māori?

The new constitution reflects InternetNZ’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi by introducing a co-leadership option — where at least one Co-Chair must be Māori — and aiming for at least three Māori Board members. These changes support equitable representation and strengthen governance in line with InternetNZ’s role as a Te Tiriti-centric organisation.

Q. What protections are in place for minority viewpoints?

While not explicitly stated, the InternetNZ Constitution includes structures that support diverse perspectives and broad participation. These include:

• A Board designed to reflect a mix of skills and a commitment to Māori representation (Clause 3.7.1)
• An Appointments Panel to help ensure balanced governance (Clause 3.8)
• Member-driven processes, such as submitting motions or calling Special General Meetings (Clause 4.3.2)

These provisions help keep InternetNZ’s governance open, inclusive, and responsive to all voices.

Q. How are members’ rights protected?

Under the new constitution, eligible members can still call meetings, vote, and participate in decision-making. The new dispute resolution processes are fair, transparent, and follow natural justice.

Q. How can I get involved in InternetNZ’s governance or decision-making in the future?

As an eligible member, you can stand for election, nominate others for the Board, attend meetings, and contribute feedback through consultations and formal channels.

InternetNZ regularly invites member input via newsletters (Members Announce and dotNews), the Nethub Slack channel, quarterly hui with the CEO, the annual membership survey, stakeholder meetings, and the AGM.

Your voice matters — and there are plenty of opportunities to help shape InternetNZ’s direction.

Q. What do “natural justice” and “tikanga” mean in Section 5.1.1(d) of InternetNZ’s constitution?

In InternetNZ’s constitution, “natural justice” and “tikanga” help guide how disputes are approached. 

• Natural justice means treating everyone fairly – for example, giving people a chance to be heard, using transparent processes, and ensuring decisions are made without bias.
• Tikanga refers to Māori customs, values, and respectful ways of doing things. 

While all disputes are guided by these values, members can choose to have a more tikanga-focused process if they feel it’s appropriate. This ensures fairness for everyone and creates space for culturally grounded resolution if desired.

Q. Does the new constitution mean InternetNZ will censor websites or limit free speech?

No. The new constitution does not give InternetNZ any powers to censor content or restrict free speech. Our role remains the same: we manage the .nz domain name system and support the wider internet community — we do not regulate content or police what people say online.

However, in rare and limited circumstances, action may be taken in accordance with the .nz Rules — for example, when required by law or to protect the security and trust of the .nz domain space.

InternetNZ remains committed to promoting and contributing to an open, global, resilient, and secure internet for current and future generations.

Will any of the changes affect how InternetNZ manages .nz domain names?

No. The management of .nz domain names remains unchanged. The constitution sets the governance framework for InternetNZ, not the technical operation of the .nz domain.

Where can I read the full text of the new constitution?

The full document is available on the InternetNZ website.

The Board Charter and Bylaws are also available.