Proposed constitution to be voted on at SGM InternetNZ
Media Statement
Eligible members of InternetNZ are set to vote on a new Constitution at a Special General Meeting (SGM) on 31 March 2025.
The Proposed Constitution addresses two key requirements: compliance with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022, which requires all incorporated societies to re-register under new legislation, and implementing recommendations from the 2022 Independent Review.
"This Special General Meeting represents the culmination of 18 months of careful consultation and development," says InternetNZ President Stephen Judd. "The proposed changes will modernise our governance structures while ensuring we can continue to operate as an incorporated society, and are compliant with new legislation by April 2026."
Eligible financial members—those who have maintained membership for at least three months—will vote on the following at the SGM:
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Whether to adopt the proposed Constitution, which would take effect upon the society's reregistration under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
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Whether to bring alternative options regarding specific provisions to the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) for further consideration.
If members vote for the new Constitution, there will be an opportunity for further discussion at our Annual General Meeting about InternetNZ’s governance structure, board composition, and the role of InternetNZ in the domain name space.
"By enabling further discussion at the Annual General Meeting we're ensuring members can continue to shape the organisation's governance even after the essential legal framework is in place," says Judd. "There will be lots of time before the changes relating to governance are fully implemented in 2027 for members to propose and discuss further refinements."
If members vote against adopting the new Constitution, InternetNZ may face challenges in meeting its legal obligations to re-register under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
Judd says the constitutional review has been an opportunity to update InternetNZ’s constitution so the organisation can better represent the diverse range of internet users in New Zealand.
The SGM will be held via Zoom webinar on 31 March 2025, with voting conducted electronically through Electionz.
Please find more information about InternetNZ constitutional review and the upcoming SGM 31 March 2025 including FAQ’s here.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Amomai Pihama, Communications Manager
Phone: +64 27 366 8013
Email: amomai@internetnz.net.nz
Donovan Ryan
Phone: +64 27 344 4011
Email: donovan@greatscott.co.nz
About InternetNZ:
InternetNZ is an incorporated society and registered charity responsible for managing New Zealand's .nz domain. We're dedicated to an open, secure, and accessible internet for all New Zealanders.
The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 requires incorporated societies to develop a constitution by April 2026 to continue operating as an incorporated society.