NZ AIDS Foundation Announces Consultation Process

Press release: Friday 10 June 2005

NZ AIDS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES CONSULTATION PROCESS

The New Zealand AIDS Foundation Board has announced the consultation process for the recently proposed changes to the organisation’s governance structure.

The Board’s Deputy Chairperson Simon Robb announced the process today and is hoping for feedback from all NZAF stakeholders – including staff, members, volunteers and other important community organisations and individuals.

“This process provides the Board with an important opportunity to engage directly with those we work for and with. We also see the process as the best way of communicating the most accurate information about the proposed changes and answering people’s concerns,” says Simon Robb.

Submissions are being accepted in writing and in person through a series of regional hui to be held throughout the country from July 11. Further information about written and verbal submissions is available from the NZAF website – www.nzaf.org.nz/consultation/ .

The proposed changes to the organisation’s governance were launched by the NZ AIDS Foundation a fortnight ago and demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to working in partnership with Maori, says NZAF Deputy Chairperson Simon Robb.

“NZAF has had a long-standing constitutional commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. This announcement shows that the commitment is real and should be manifested in the decision-making processes of the organisation at its highest level,” says Simon Robb.

“We believe that this governance approach may be a first for a national non-governmental organisation and we are extremely proud of that achievement.” he says.

The new governance model proposed requires the Foundation’s Board to have at least 50% Maori representation at all times. The Board currently has 4 Maori members out of a total membership of 7.

“Our current Board members have been selected for their particular skills and expertise. This approach will not change. The pool of talented Maori is extensive and we need to recognise the added value that Maori bring to an organisation due to their unique experiences as Tangata Whenua”, says Simon Robb.

In another important change, the Board proposes to reserve a minimum of two places for people who have been most affected by the HIV epidemic, that is, people who are living with HIV.

“Ensuring the ongoing participation of people living with HIV is fundamental to our organisation,” says Simon Robb.

In order to accommodate the structural changes, the Foundation’s Board will increase its membership from 7 to 8 members.

ENDS

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