Nominations open for 2020 NZFSS elections
The NZFSS Executive Committee are trialling a new election process this year, in line with proposed changes to the constitution and a draft elections policy currently under development by the executive team. The aim of the draft elections policy is to increase the transparency of our previous election process. If you have any feedback on the draft policy you would like the executive team to consider at our upcoming meeting please email your feedback to [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]
Executive Committee elections
In line with the draft policy we are calling for nominations from all members for the following executive positions:
- President
- Treasurer
- Two Executive Committee members
- Newsletter Editor
- Te Wai Māori Rōpū representative(s)
All nominations should be made in writing (including by email to [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]) and supported by two other NZFSS members. Nominated candidates must also confirm by email that they accept the nomination. Nominations close on 2 November. Information on nominees (including a statement of intent from any candidate for President) will be distributed to members, along with AGM agenda papers, two weeks prior to the AGM scheduled for 2 December 2020.
Where there is more than one nominee for an executive position, elections (by anonymous ballot) will be held in conjunction with the AGM on the afternoon/evening of 2 December. Given the restrictions on travel and limitations around attendance at this year’s joint conference in Invercargill we plan to enable online participation at the AGM and remote, electronic voting. All new Executive Committee members will take up their roles from 1 January 2021 for a term of two years.
Te Wai Māori Rōpū representative/s will be elected by the rōpū members. The process and timing will be as determined appropriate by the rōpū.
A list of the current Executive Committee and co-opted members can be found at https://freshwater.science.org.nz/executive/. Melanie Vermeulen has kindly agreed to stay on as co-opted Secretary until a new constitution is ratified by members to include an elected Secretary position.
SIL Trust Committee
Professor Jon Harding is stepping down from his role on the SIL Trust this year. We sincerely thank Jon for his mahi on the Trust Committee on behalf of the Society. According to the Clause 4.2.4 of the SIL Trust Deed, we need to elect an NZFSS member to replace Jon on the Trust Committee at our AGM this year. If you would like to nominate someone (or yourself) for the role, please do so by 2 November, via email to [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]
Posted: 3 October 2020