RNZFB Board Elections: Information Event for Candidates

Information Event for Candidates

The CEO of Blind Low Vision NZ and the RNZFB Board will be running an information event on Monday 22 July from 6:30pm via Zoom, for those interested in standing in this year’s Board Elections. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP via email to boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz or contact the Blind Low Vision NZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

If you would like more information about Board elections, becoming a director, the Constitution or the voting process or timeline, please contact the Returning Officer boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz or phone the Blind Low Vision NZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33.

2024 RNZFB Board Elections

The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) seeks expressions of interest from those who might be thinking of standing in the 2024 RNZFB Board Elections to attend an information evening. If sufficient interest is shown, the RNZFB will run an information event or candidates’ college for prospective nominees on Monday 22 July 2024 via Zoom from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

This year, three vacancies for general seats exist on the RNZFB Board. The three incumbent Directors whose terms are up for election this year are Richard Patete, Anne Marie Taggart and Ron Scott. These Directors may wish to stand again.

The programme will include an opportunity for questions and cover topics such as:

• The history of the RNZFB and the background to the RNZFB’s governance model;
• The role of the Board;
• Being an effective Board Director;
• An overview of the RNZFB today, with reference to the strategic plan and management structure;
• The RNZFB’s financial base, financial management, property management, fundraising and implications for Board Directors;
• Delivering appropriate services in a member-directed, client focused, financially sustainable and evidence-driven organisation; and
• Consumerism and consumer organisations.

If you are thinking of standing for the Board, it is worth asking yourself:

• Am I committed to the broad vision and mission of the RNZFB?
• Can I contribute the time necessary to be an effective Board Director – six Friday and Saturday Board meetings, numerous other Board and committee meetings usually on Zoom, plus many hours of preparation time for each meeting?
• Would I bring a cultural perspective that would enhance the Board’s effectiveness?
• Am I prepared to shoulder the fiduciary, legal and financial responsibilities and obligations inherent in being a Director of the RNZFB?
• Can I place the RNZFB’s purposes and interests and the well-being of members above my own professional and personal interests?

For further information about the role of the RNZFB Board of Directors, required capabilities of Board Directors and requirements for Board membership, refer to the Information for nominators and nominees (Word doc).

If you are interested in standing for the Board, the RNZFB invites you to register your interest in the information evening with the Board Secretary via email: boardsecretary@blindlowvision.org.nz or by phoning the Blind Low Vision NZ Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33 by Friday 19 July 2024. If you would like a copy of the RNZFB Director Position Description, please contact the Board Secretary.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Clive Lansink

Board Chair

Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind

Additional information about the 2024 RNZFB Board Elections

The RNZFB Board comprises nine elected Directors who are elected by members of the RNZFB and parents or guardians of children registered with the RNZFB. This year, there are three seats up for election. All three incumbent Directors may wish to stand again.

A candidate seeking election must be nominated by two registered members of the RNZFB. Please note that the three successful candidates in this election will receive a three-year term in office.

Voting papers in the 2024 election will be sent out on 11 October 2024 with the ballot closing on 8 November 2024 at 4:00pm. The results will be announced at the Annual General Meeting on Saturday 16 November 2024.

Summary of key dates in chronological order

• 23 August: Call for nominations for director dispatched.
• 20 September: Nominations for director close.
• 23 September: Announcement of Candidates standing in 2024 elections.
• 11 October: Voting papers and Notice of AGM sent to members.
• 8 November: Closing date of ballot for directors.
• 16 November: Annual General Meeting in Auckland. Announcement of new Directors and retirement of outgoing Directors.