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Constitution
Notice of Special General Meeting
Proposed new ANZEA Constitution – information for members
ANZEA is updating its Constitution to comply with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 and to better reflect how we work today. This page brings together all the information you need ahead of the Special General Meeting (SGM) where members will vote on the new Constitution.
Why we are updating the Constitution
We are proposing a new Constitution so that ANZEA can:
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Meet the new legal requirements for incorporated societies, including clearer officer duties, conflicts of interest processes, dispute resolution, and financial/record-keeping obligations.
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Modernise our governance – clarifying Board size and composition, introducing staggered terms to support continuity, and simplifying election and appointment processes.
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Clarify membership settings, including categories of membership, rolling subscriptions, ceasing to be a member, and an option for corporate memberships where appropriate.
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Re-affirm our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, diversity and inclusion, and high-quality evaluation practice in Aotearoa New Zealand
ANZEA Constitution Update – At a Glance
What's staying the same
✓ ANZEA's purpose and values – promoting high-quality evaluation practice in Aotearoa New Zealand
✓ Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi – continuing to work in partnership with Mā Te Rae
✓ Member-led governance – members elect the Board and vote on key decisions at AGMs
✓ Charitable status – ANZEA remains a registered charity focused on advancing evaluation
✓ Financial year and membership entitlements – core membership benefits continue
What's changing and why
Governance structure (Clauses 8.6–8.14)
Change: Board of 5–9 members (4 Officers + general members), shorter/staggered terms
Why: More sustainable and easier to recruit; supports continuity
Membership settings (Clauses 4.1–4.9, 5.1–5.2)
Change: Rolling annual subscriptions, clearer membership categories, updated Register requirements
Why: Fairer, more transparent, and aligned with the new Act
Regional and special interest groups (Clause 8.5(a), Board policies)
Change: Moving from formal branches to flexible regional/special interest arrangements
Why: Reflects how ANZEA actually works now; less admin, more member-led activity
Te Tiriti and diversity (Clauses 2.2(a)–(b))
Change: Strengthened wording on Te Tiriti, explicit recognition of diverse communities (Māori, Pasifika, others)
Why: Aligns our Constitution with ANZEA's values and practice
Legal compliance (Clauses 8.8, 8.15–8.18, Section 12)
Change: New clauses on officer duties, conflicts of interest, dispute resolution, records
Why: Required by the Incorporated Societies Act 2022
Language and structure (Throughout)
Change: Plainer language, clearer layout, operational detail moved to policies/Board Charter
Why: Easier to read, understand and use
What it means for you as a member
Your rights remain strong:
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Vote at AGMs and on constitutional changes
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Stand for election to the Board
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Access financial reports and governance information
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Participate in regional and special interest activities
Your experience will improve:
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Clearer processes for membership, meetings and decision-making
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More sustainable, effective Board governance
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Greater flexibility for member-led initiatives
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Stronger alignment between ANZEA's values and its governing document
How to engage
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Read the full draft Constitution and summary of changes
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Ask questions at online Q&A sessions (27 Feb and 13 March, 12–1pm NZDT) or via the online portal.
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Review the final draft and Q&A summary (circulated by 20 March)
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Vote at the Special General Meeting (27 March, 12pm NZDT)
Read proposed Constitution here:
Read summary document here:
Opportunities to ask questions
We want members to have time and space to understand the proposed changes and raise any questions or concerns.
Online Q&A sessions
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Session 1: Friday 27 February 2026, 12.00–1.00 pm NZDT
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Session 2: Friday 13 March 2026, 12.00–1.00 pm NZDT
Each session will:
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provide a brief overview of the key changes, and
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allow time for questions and discussion.
If you cannot attend a Q&A session, or if further questions occur to you later, you can submit questions through our survey. This portal is intended to help build shared understanding of the proposed changes and to identify any areas that may need clearer explanation or minor tidy‑ups.
Constitution 2026 Questions or Comments
We will group questions by theme and publish a summary of questions and responses, along with any minor refinements to the draft Constitution, by 20 March 2026.
Special General Meeting – Approve the new Constitution
The proposed Constitution will be voted on for adoption at a Special General Meeting:
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Date: Friday 27 March 2026
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Time: 12.00–1.00 pm NZDT
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Format: Online (Zoom – link to be provided to all members closer to the time)
Proposed special resolution
That the Association adopt the draft Constitution of the Aotearoa New Zealand Evaluation Association Incorporated (ANZEA) dated [X March 2026], in place of the current Constitution as amended July 2016, with effect from the date of registration by the Registrar of Incorporated Societies.
Voting at the Special General Meeting
Under ANZEA’s current Constitution (2016), only financial members are entitled to vote at general meetings, including this Special General Meeting (SGM).
Proxy voting
If you are entitled to vote but cannot attend the SGM, you may appoint another financial member of ANZEA as your proxy, in accordance with the Constitution.
To appoint a proxy you must clearly state your name, your proxy’s name, and the meeting (Special General Meeting – 27 March 2026). Complete the proxy form HERE.
ANZEA gratefully acknowledges the pro bono support of Allen + Clarke in preparing the new Constitution and Board Charter.