Dear Members,
I am writing to provide a brief clarification regarding the dispute resolution section of the Constitution currently out for voting.
A member has asked whether clause 18.11, which requires the outcome of a dispute to be provided to the complainant, also covers notification to the respondent. To confirm, the Constitution already requires that both the complainant and the respondent receive the outcome as part of natural justice. This obligation is embedded in clauses 18.8, 18.16 and 18.18, and is also required under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
Clause 18.11 was added during the latest round of revisions to ensure that the complainant receives written notification within a specified timeframe. However, to avoid any ambiguity, the Board intends to make a technical correction to the clause, adding explicit reference to the respondent, once the Constitution is adopted. This will be made under clause 15.3, which allows the Board to correct minor wording issues that do not change the substance of the Constitution.
We are sharing this now in the interests of transparency and to reassure members that the disputes process remains fair, balanced, and compliant with natural-justice principles.
Voting remains open, and we encourage all eligible members to participate. If you haven’t seen an email from Election Buddy, check your Junk folder, or check with your club that you are a member, or email administration@archery.org.nz if you haven’t received anything at all.
Regards,
Frasier Cho
Chairperson