Board member commitments
What do board members do?
Board members govern InternetNZ and guide its strategic direction, in accordance with the Incorporated Societies Act (Act), any Regulations made under the Act, and the Society’s Constitution. InternetNZ staff carry out most of the operations, but it’s the board members who are the governors of InternetNZ.
A few examples of what the board members do:
- establish and monitor InternetNZ’s strategy
- approve and review the budget and business plan
- hold the chief executive to account and guide their performance
- act as stewards of our ownership interests in the Domain Name Commission (DNC).
Board members are entitled to an honorarium for their positions, and all meeting and travel expenses are paid for by InternetNZ where required.
If you’re looking for more information about the responsibilities and roles of the board members, take a look at our constitution and bylaws.
What responsibilities do board members have?
Overall qualifications, duties and responsibilities
Every board member must be a natural person. Board Members must consent to being an officer of the society and certify that they are not disqualified from holding this position as per section 47(3) of the Act or section 36B of the Charities Act.
Board Members must carry out duties required of them under sections 54 to 60 of the Act. In addition, board members are expected to possess certain characteristics, abilities and understandings, as outlined in the Board Charter.
Time commitment
The term of office for board members is three years. The chairperson(s) is expected to commit on average one day per week, and board members two days every month, this includes attending Board meetings. In addition to the ordinary Board meetings, there may be additional meetings and other special engagements as determined by board members. Board members are also encouraged to attend and participate in InternetNZ events during the year. They are also invited to join and participate in the member's channel on NetHub.
Board meetings
The Board must meet at least four times a year (as per clause 3.4.6 of the Constitution). In practice, it will normally meet six times a year. Board meetings may be scheduled at other times or at other frequencies as determined by the Board.
Board meetings shall be held in accordance with clause 3.4 of the Constitution. Procedural detail about how Board meetings operate can be found in the Board Bylaws. The meetings are usually held at the InternetNZ office in Wellington or online as required.
Relevant governance documents
Section 3 of InternetNZ’s Constitution provides detailed information about the Board and the role of a board member, including their function and powers, composition and leadership structure, how board members are elected or appointed and how to disclose conflicts of interest.
In accordance with clause 11 of the Constitution, the Board may make and amend bylaws. Further, as per clause 3.4.5 of the Constitution, other than as prescribed by the Act or the Constitution the Board may regulate its own procedure. The Board Bylaws provide further guidance in regard to how the Board shall govern and conduct the business of the Board, in particular, Board meetings.
The Board Charter sets out detailed responsibilities, expectations and processes for the Board.