RNZFB Board Elections

Expectations of Board Directors of the RNZFB

This introduction outlines what is expected of directors of the RNZFB (Blind Low Vision NZ) Board. It is your choice to decide who you wish to vote for. It is important that the people you choose to elect have the ability to govern the RNZFB in the best interests of clients, members, staff, volunteers and others who have a stake in the organisation. The following information may help you make your decision.

The RNZFB Board is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages this to be borne in mind throughout the election process.

The Board’s Role

The role of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind’s Board is governance, rather than management. It focuses on Blind Low Vision NZ’s wider issues of organisational purpose, governance, setting and monitoring of strategic direction and the establishment and monitoring of Board-level policies. The Board works in close partnership with the Chief Executive to ensure that Blind Low Vision NZ objectives and goals are achieved.

Capabilities required of Board members

It is desirable that directors are able to contribute to the following capabilities from their own personal expertise and competence:

• Understanding of the needs of people who are blind, deafblind and those with low vision, including youth and tāngata whenua;
• Leadership;
• A sound knowledge of the not-for-profit disability sector;
• Knowledge of finance and financial management, risk management and accounting principles;
• Understanding of governance and modern boardroom practice;
• Awareness and understanding of diversity;
• Knowledge of strategic governance and business planning;
• Business acumen and analysis;
• Sound analytical skills and good judgement;
• High ethical standards;
• Down-to-earth common sense;
• Expertise in strategic policy development; and/or
• Understanding of the law.

From time to time the Board reviews its own capabilities, identifies gaps and offers training or brings in additional professional support or expertise.

Requirements for Board membership

• Have a commitment to work for the greater good of Blind Low Vision NZ and all of its clients and other stakeholders.
• Be familiar with Blind Low Vision NZ policies, plans and priorities and demonstrate this through debate and participation in all areas of the Board’s responsibilities.
• Have a willingness to serve on one or more Board committees or working parties.
• Have access to information via a computer with an internet connection, or an alternative means of dealing with agendas and reports monthly that are typically over 200 pages of print. Blind Low Vision NZ will provide the necessary adaptive technology, training, and aids to support directors to fulfil their governance duties.

Time commitment

Directors are expected to make every effort to attend all Board meetings, committee meetings and other Board commitments and devote sufficient time to become familiar with Blind Low Vision NZ affairs and the wider environment within which it operates.

Board meetings are currently held bi-monthly on a Friday and Saturday, in different locations across New Zealand. In addition, there are associated meetings, such as strategic planning weekends and ad hoc committee meetings, which are scheduled outside these times in order to fit in with the availability of members of the particular committee. Zoom is used when feasible to reduce the amount of travel.

The weekly time commitment asked of directors can vary greatly with some weeks requiring only a few hours in responding to emails. However, in the week leading up to Board and Committee meetings, this will involve several hours in reading agenda papers to adequately prepare for these meetings and more for the chairs of the respective committees.

Remuneration

Directors are entitled to remuneration for their time or services at a rate of up to $9,700 per annum. Higher rates apply for the Chair and Deputy Chair. There is no other payment for earnings foregone as a result of attending meetings.

Blind Low Vision NZ also covers out-of-pocket expenses incurred while on Board business, such as travel, meals, accommodation and phone charges.

Key constitutional points relating to Board elections

1. The Board will have at least nine and no more than 11 members:

• Only members may vote in respect of the nine general seats.
• There may be up to two co-opted seats.
• A person does not need to be a Member of the RNZFB to be nominated.

2. The following people are disqualified from being a Director of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind:

• Anyone under 18 years of age;
• An undischarged bankrupt;
• Forbidden by law from being a Director or Manager of a Company;
• Any person subject to an order under the following Acts:
  • Incorporated Societies Act 2022;
  • Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2023;
  • Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009;
  • Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988;
  • Equivalent laws of a country, state, or territory outside New Zealand.
• Any person who is, or is deemed to be, subject to a compulsory treatment order made under Part II of the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992.
• Any person convicted within the previous 10 years of a crime involving dishonesty.
• Any person who is an employee of the Foundation.

There are other grounds of disqualification detailed in the Constitution of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 and various other laws. Please contact the Board Secretary if you need further information.

3. A nomination must:

• Be on the prescribed form;
• Contain only one nomination;
• Be proposed by two members entitled to vote for the general seat for which the nominee is standing;
• Be signed by two proposers;
• Contain a statement that the nominee consents to the nomination and is not disqualified; and
• Contain a statement that the candidate is familiar with the Constitution and agrees to be bound by it and any other relevant rules or laws.

4. If the ballot for Directors results in a draw for any of the seats, the successful candidate will be drawn by lot.

5. After the election is complete, unsuccessful candidates will be listed in order according to the number of votes received. This is the ‘Casual Vacancy Schedule’ and will be used in the event of a casual vacancy on the Board.

6. Directors elect the Chair and Deputy Chair at the first meeting following each annual general meeting of members.

7. A co-opted Board member cannot be Chair.

8. There are rules covering conflict of Directors’ interests. Conflicts or potential conflicts must be declared and are recorded in a Register of Interests.

9. Directors are protected by indemnity insurance in appropriate circumstances.

10. Directors serve three-year terms and are normally then eligible for re-nomination.

11. A Director will vacate office in the event of:

• A written resignation;
• Becoming disqualified;
• Absence from three consecutive meetings without written leave of absence; or
• Death.