Top Ten Tips for Reviewing Your Constitution Pt.1

Patrick Davies • April 8, 2024

Hey Kiwi Non-Profit superheroes! Ready to give your constitution a makeover that even the Black Ferns would envy?

This is a short series in the Network News that will look at what you need to keep in mind when updating your Constitution/Rules. It’s the perfect time to spruce up your organisations guiding document.

Later we’ll look more closely at what changes you need to be aware of and do, but for now here are ten top tips to keep in mind as you start to navigate the process:

Know the Law: First things first, familiarise yourself with the latest updates to the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. Understanding the legal requirements will ensure your constitution is compliant and up to date. You can download a one-page ‘This Is What You Need’ from our website.
Do What Your Rules Tell You To Do: Your current constitution will tell you how to change it. When do you need to send out the information to your members? What is the information you need to include? Start with a date for the SGM/AGM and work backwards. How do you write the remits?
Take Your Time: Once CNA started the process, it took us just over a year to do. This is because our Executive Committee are busy people and working through the constitution needs focus and discussion to ensure it is ‘fit for purpose’.
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify: Streamline your constitution by removing any outdated or redundant clauses. Keep it clear, concise, and easy to understand for everyone involved. It’s a great opportunity to make sure it’s in plain English. We used the opportunity to correct spelling, grammar, and formatting.
Let the Legislation Do the Walking: Several times in our constitutional changes CNA referred to the legislation. When we added our ‘Conflict of Interest’ clause we let the law do the talking for us – e.g., “9. (b) Officers of CNA must disclose, as per Section 63 of the Incorporated Societies 2022 Act, the details of…” Why do more work than you need and it also means that you can leave the definitions to the legal beagles.
Clarify Governance Structures: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of your board members, officers, and committees. How does your board/committee vote? Who can vote? What about proxy votes?
Update Financial Procedures: Review and update your financial policies and procedures to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with the latest regulations.
Future-Proof Your Constitution: Anticipate future changes and challenges by building flexibility into your constitution. Include provisions for amendments and review processes to adapt to evolving needs. We added a glossary to define terms as well as adding that ‘written notices’ (i.e., motions, remits, etc.) may be in written or electronic form – to cover the changes in technology.
Seek Legal Advice: If you are unsure about aspects of the law we have some wonderful resources on our website, from Parry Field Lawyers. You can also check to see if your local Community Law Centre can check your changes out at one of their free law clinics.
Celebrate Your Success: Once your updated constitution is in place, celebrate your hard work and achievements as a team. Promote yourself on your social media and in your own newsletters – you’ve strengthened your organisation so why not bask in the glory!

So there you have it, ten top tips towards updating your constitution and keeping your non-profit shipshape. With a little teamwork and a lot of passion, you'll be ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way!

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Hapori Aotearoa Conference Wrap-Up

By Community Networks • March 10, 2025

Last week Patrick represented CNA at the Hapori Aotearoa – Growing Communities Together in sunny Tauranga presented by Inspiring Communities and the Tauranga City Council. A two-day conference focused on providing practical resources amplifying community development. With each day having multiple concurrent workshops there were difficult (and esciting) choices to be made. The hottest topics were Social Return On Investments / Social Investment, Te Tiriti, and (no surprise) funding within the Sector. There were great speakers and a lot of table korero, spilling of tea, and sharing ideas and resources. Did you know there is a Regional Data Explorer on the Social Investment Agency website ? How might organisations use this to target their mahi and applications? “The Social Investment Agency’s Regional Data Explorer supports access to data for regional and sub-regional decision-making. It brings together 70 datasets or 'indicators' which can be filtered to meet a particular need." Another great workshop (Belinda Gorman ) looked into connecting with businesses to explore various ways of funding. Looking at alignment, how to approach and creating that relationship. One contribution we were able to make was a handy dandy doc on how to use the free version of ChatGPT to create a start – how to create a document that begins your journey on support, sponsorship and funding. Here it is – Using ChatGPT to Get $. And it was a great chance to catch up with Members – SociaLink (also a supporter of the conference); Volunteer Kapiti and Community Networking Trust. It was a time to catch up with friends from other organisations and to make new connections, both strengthening our reach around the Motu. Whilst conferences are expensive, attending can hit many birds with one stone and its important to get out of your own area, headspace to remind yourself that you are not alone in what’s going on; that there are people with ideas around you; and that (while it can be a draining experience) it is a fantastic way to recharge your spirit. We look forward to hosting our Members at our Members’ Only Hui on Friday, 7th November in Te Whanganui-a-Tara /Wgtn for exactly those reasons. Oh, did I mention it’s also our 50th Anniversary celebrations? Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer

End-of-Year Finance Checklist for Community Organisations in Aotearoa

By Community Networks • March 6, 2025

As we approach the end of the financial year, it’s a great time for community organisations and NFPs to check in on their finances.

Need Help Making 1+1 = 6?

By Community Networks • March 6, 2025

This month, we’re focusing on financial health—cash flow, grants, audits, and long-term stability. But this isn’t just a checklist—it’s an opportunity to tap into the collective wisdom of our community!