NZAF Board withdraws its Governance proposals, NZAF, New Zealand

9-Jul-2005

The New Zealand AIDS Foundation Board announced today that it is withdrawing its proposal to have at least 50% Maori participation at all times and to hold two spaces on the board for people living with HIV.
Board Deputy Chair Simon Robb said there were two reasons for the decision:
“One, the response has raised potentially significant constitutional issues for the board that, properly, must be looked into in a meaningful way by the board.
“Two, the initial reaction from some of our stakeholders has shown that we are not bringing them with us as we work towards meeting our important governance obligations arising from the Constitution. I accept that the very best of intentions might sometimes be interpreted to be otherwise, so it is important for us to work in a meaningful way with our stakeholders to reassure them that our commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS has never wavered – our communities have my assurance that this work will continue to be done.”

The proposed special general meeting in August announced previously has, therefore, been cancelled, Simon Robb said. However, NZAF members who were preparing to submit remits/comments re the proposed Governance changes and/or the constitution are encouraged to send them to the Board anyway.

“This will provide the Board with useful information that will be considered as we move forward with our stakeholders. Any information, submissions and opinions re the constitution of the NZAF will be of assistance in the debate ahead. This debate will be facilitated through a variety of means, including well-planned meetings with our stakeholders.”

The Board wishes to maintain the level of community engagement in this debate on how best to implement the constitutional commitment to the Māori version of the Treaty and other issues, such as membership involvement in the process for constitutional changes.

The community consultation meetings planned for mid July will be deferred to a date in the near future where the Board will welcome face-to-face discussion with all interested stakeholders.

Simon Robb said that the Board had signalled from its first press release that it was engaging in a consultation process and was ready to listen.

“This decision demonstrates that the board is responsive to its community. When those who support us tell us we’re going too far, too fast, we are prepared to listen.”
Ref: - NZAF