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Rainbow Wellington postal address is: P O Box 890, Wellington and our Email address is : info@rainbowwellington.org.nz RW Wellington Patron & Vice Patron Rainbow Wellington is a group (previously operating under the name GAP) representing the interests of and organising social activities for lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and related queer groups in the Wellington region. We have about a hundred and fifty core members, individual, corporate and business, and a wider contact list of several further hundred glbti people. We publish at least one electronic newsletter a month. Our regular programme of social events includes twice monthly pub nights at gay or gay friendly venues, which are also often our corporate members. We have a couple of dinners, one at Christmas, and one around mid year which has more recently also served to mark the anniversary of Stonewall. Other regular events include visits to galleries, at least one regional vineyard trip a year, and a very popular Lambda night at Wellington’s leading bookshop, Unity Books, where our members of a literary bent review some of the Lambda winners and other notable glbti titles published during the previous twelve months. From time to time we arrange special one off events, sometimes in company with others. Notably in the last few years these have included the twentieth anniversary of decriminalisation, and a night in honour of Sir Ian McKellen. We take up issues of general interest to the glbti community such as human rights and privacy issues associated with insurance, and to do with the opportunity currently denied to donate blood, and we issue statements on public issues as these might arise from time to time. Rainbow Wellington has recently passed the planning and operation of Wellington's annual Gay and Lesbian Fair back to the community. We continue to support Out Wellington Inc., the new and independent committee charged with organising Out in the Square - Wellington's Gay and Lesbian Fair 2008. Out Wellington Inc. are members of the local GLBTIF community who are fully committed to making Out in the Square a highly visible and successful fair for the whole community! To offer Out Wellington Inc. your support, visit www.outinthesquare.co.nz. We are an incorporated society and meet formally annually to meet the legal requirements of that status by electing officers, presenting accounts and so forth, and we have a Board which is elected bi-annually (no pun intended) and which meets monthly. Rainbow Wellington Patron and Vice-Patrons We have over the years asked a number of people
prominent in public life, especially in the Wellington area, and who support
our aims and objectives, to become a Patron or Vice-Patron of Rainbow
Wellington. At present they are all people elected to office in Parliament or
local government. They are approved each year at our AGM, and contribute in
various ways to the organisation. Recently, it was suggested that we should
list them and their contact details on our website. They all agreed to this, so
here they are: Patron: Her Worship the Mayor of Wellington, Kerry
Prendergast. Mayor's Office,
Level 1, Town Hall, Wellington; phone 801 3102; Vice-Patrons: Grant Robertson, MP (Labour) for Wellington Central. Freepost Parliament, Private Bag 18 888,
Parliament Buildings Wellington 6160 Tel: (04) 817 8204 Fax: (04) 439 6473 Grant.robertson@parliament.govt.nz
Hon Christopher
Finlayson, MP (National) Attorney-General,
Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Minister for Arts, Culture and
Heritage Freepost Parliament Private Bag 18 888,
Parliament Buildings Wellington 6160 Tel: (04) 817 6808 Fax (04) 817 6508 Hon Maryan Street,
MP (Labour) Freepost Parliament Private Bag 18 888,
Parliament Buildings Wellington 6160 Tel: (04) 817 9399 Fax (04) 473 6372 maryan.street@parliament.govt.nz Charles Chauvel, MP
(Labour) Freepost Parliament Private Bag 18 888,
Parliament Buildings Wellington 6160 (04) 817 6771 Fax: (04) 817 6489 charles.chauvel@parliament.govt.nz
Kevin Hague, MP
(Green) Freepost Parliament, Private Bag 18 888,
Parliament Buildings Wellington 6160 (04) 817 8253 Fax: (04) 817 6003 kevin.hague@parliament.govt.nz Hon Fran Wilde Chair, Greater Wellington Regional Council Business phone: 04
802 0346 4 May 2009 RAINBOW WELLINGTON: REPORT OF THE CHAIR 2008/09 This has been a busy year for Rainbow Wellington, with our activities spread, as usual, over a wide range: Social Programme We have maintained our schedule of twice monthly bar nights which have now settled down into a standard group comprising Jimmy’s, S&Ms, the Fringe (previously Blue Note – all three are members), Kitty O’Shea’s, and Downstage, the latter indicative of our wish to show support for one of Wellington’s premier theatre facilities. We welcome suggestions of others to add. At a recent Jimmy’s evening we were able to welcome the Homophones who gave a robust and well received performance. We look forward to hearing from them again. Regrettably, despite several general comments on the undesirability of free loading we continue to attract a group of attendees to bar nights who obviously think that it’s O K to take advantage of the hospitality provided without the tedious necessity of joining the organisation. I have therefore embarked on a policy of confronting the most notorious offenders directly and individually. Whether this will have any effect remains to be seen. We have organised two dinners, one for mid winter/ Stonewall at the Cheeky Pipi (thanks to Philip), and the other for Christmas at Soi (suggested by Grant to whom also our thanks). Both were well attended and the latter in particular was marked down as a venue to visit again if we are organising a special function. We also set up a brunch at Roxy Café, recommended by a number of our members, to test the waters as a possible more regular venue. Our annual wine visit to the Wairarapa in February was rather sparsely attended this time around, which suggests that we should possibly give it a rest for a couple of seasons. Rather better attended and still popular was our joint function, lunch with our Kapiti friends at Te Horo Lodge in March. Thanks to Craig for hosting the event. Electoral Forum 2008 being an election year we held our usual electoral forum at parliament. This was well attended by both members and candidates, and eventually hatched out a group of gltb MPs from Wellington who we welcome as our ex officio vice patrons Te Papa There were two successful visits to Te Papa exhibitions during the year – Rita Angus and Monet and the Impressionists – hosted very competently as usual by member and curator Tony Mackle. For these we tried the experiment of confining them to members only. This seemed to work out and we will be exploring the extension of this concept in the coming year. Guest Speakers This year we were able to reinstate this programme after a lapse of some years. In November we welcomed Chris Brickell of Mates and Lovers fame in a joint function with LAGANZ (for which we thank them for a venue at the National Library and other assistance), and in February the Chief Censor Bill Hastings. Both were very well attended, the latter at the upstairs bar of Kitty’s which, despite some misgivings, turned out to be excellent for such events. More guest speakers are already planned for the coming year. Lambda Function at Unity This continues to be one of our most popular and well attended events. Our thanks to Tilly and the gang for being such admirable hosts and providing the books for review. Mark looked after the drinks and did the catering for which relief, much thanks Mark. Campaigns Following our success with insurance matters in relation to ING last year, we have continued to take up issues of public concern to our members. Current campaigns under way are the implementation of the Human Rights Commission transgender report, same gender adoption, the repeal of the provocation defence in cases of gay bashing, and the longest running campaign, the removal of some unnecessary limitations on blood donation. We have taken the opportunity of the convening of the new parliament to take up the first three of these issues with both Ministers and with Opposition parties. The answer on same gender adoption is not very positive but the other two issues are looking a little more hopeful. Progress has also been made on blood donation. The Blood Service has now implemented the recommendations of last year’s review by reducing the period of limitation from ten to five years and by narrowing the definition of unacceptable sexual activity to anal or oral sex with or without a condom. Regrettably this still does not meet our requirements and we have taken the matter a step further by creating a test case and putting this to the Blood Service as a possible prelude to a case to the Human Rights Commission. We have also taken up a range of one off issues as these have arisen, notably: the failure once again to produce serious gltb programming on TVNZ; the apparent lack of interest by the incoming government in supporting the campaign against homophobic bullying in schools with much enthusiasm; and negative comments by ACT MPs regarding the provisions of the Human Rights Act. Rainbow Wellington also took up with the Police and others involved over the use of the colour pink in association with community work arising from court sentencing. Membership This has now recovered to something like previous levels. Unfortunately it has also temporarily meant that we have had to curtail our grants scheme at least for the year in review, although we were able to give grants to Out in the Square and to Out Takes as well as some smaller grants to individuals who contacted us Community Action During the year we participated in a Police organised forum on their local out reach to the gltb communities, and in the Wellington City Council long term planning process. Thanks We once more thank our patron Her Worship the Mayor of Wellington Kerry Prendergast for both her patronage and for supplying the venue for our AGM. Special thanks too, to our Board members who give of their time to make the organisation run and in particular our Hon Secretary Tony Reed for not only his secretarial expertise but for producing regular newsletters and keeping us abreast of events in the wider gltb world. Tony Simpson Chair
Despite static membership numbers, Rainbow Wellington achieved a reasonable surplus for the 2008/09 financial year. This was achieved through prudent management of costs whilst maintaining services to members and subsidies for events. A brief analysis of the key financial results is as follows: $640 decrease in subscriptions revenue Many attempts were made to encourage members to renew their subscriptions but this proved more of a challenge than previously. A large number of our members settled their subscriptions later in the year than was usual. An overall decline was noted in business memberships but this was offset by an increase in individual memberships. Total membership as at 31 March 2009 was 10 Corporates (15 last financial year), 14 Individual Business (16), and 106 Individual members (94). This gave a total of 130 paid up members (125). $310 decrease in interest revenue This reflected the reduction in interest rates in late 2008. $1,678 decrease in
grants Funding was put aside for grants
to the GLBT community, but due to tardy membership subscription payments a
decision was made to restrict grants this year to preserve cashflow. Those beneficiaries that received sponsorship or a donation included LAGANZ (Lesbian & Gay Archives), ILGA (International Gay and Lesbian Association), Outtakes (Gay & Lesbian Film Festival), and the Out in the Square Fair. $2,445 decrease in
stationery Rebranding and
the new logo design were one off costs last financial year. This year’s costs
were kept at a modest level. The events organised by the Board are detailed in the event report and a small loss was sustained. This is in line with the Board’s approach to keep events at cost or wherever possible at a subsidised rate for members. We continued to support our corporate members in the hospitality industry by patronising their businesses via our regular Friday social evenings and promoted our other members’ services via the newsletter and website. The membership subscription rate remained unchanged from previous years and no increase is proposed for the new financial year, given the current economic climate. I would like to thank my colleagues on the Board for their support and guidance and wish to acknowledge their many voluntary hours of effort for us all. My thanks also to James Heslop, CA, who again performed our honorary annual financial review. The challenge for the Board remains to maintain our membership base to enable us to fund our work and raise our profile in the community over the next 12 months. At this time we are still awaiting advice from the Charities Commission of our application for registration as a charity which was lodged almost a year ago. This registration will preserve our tax exempt status and would also provide us with “donor status” which allows tax deductible donations for our cause. Alastair Hoult (Treasurer)
RAINBOW WELLINGTON – The Wellington Rainbow
Network PO Box 890, Wellington, New Zealand . email: info@rainbowwellington.org.nz CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS
1. NAME The Association shall be known
as:
2. OBJECTS Rainbow Wellington is an Incorporated Society, a
non-profit association who are respected within the community at large and
which provides a vehicle for social, political and business direction within
the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. The
Association’s objects are: 1.
To encourage and promote a sense of community and social and business
interaction within our communities. 2.
To offer support and encouragement to members of the Association in
respect of business and professional difficulties including those occasioned by
discrimination or prejudice. 3.
To encourage members to use the business and professional services available
within the Rainbow Wellington membership. 4.
To participate in debate on political issues whether local or national
affecting our communities. 5.
To provide funding assistance for special community and other projects
through professional direction, support and member initiatives. 6.
To offer support to, affiliate with, and interact
with any organisation for specific objectives not inconsistent with the objects
of the Association 7.
To organise events for
the membership.
3. MEMBERSHIP
4. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP 1. A member wishing to resign from the Association shall do so by notifying the Secretary in writing of such intention. There shall be no refund of membership fee except at the discretion of the Board for exceptional circumstances. 2. Any member shall cease to be a member upon their subscription remaining unpaid three months after the due renewal date. 3. If in the opinion of the Board it is desirable in the interests of the Association and in the interests of the attainment of the objects of the Association that a member of the Association should cease to be a member, the Board shall be empowered to resolve to expel that member PROVIDED THAT: o before resolving to expel any such member that member shall be given full opportunity at a meeting of the Board to answer any charge or allegation made against that member; o that member shall be advised of the identity of and shall be entitled to examine any accuser; o no other salient factor which forms a basis for the resolution to expel that member is withheld from that member
5. GENERAL MEETINGS 1. There are two sorts of general meetings - Annual and Special. General meetings are open to all members of the Association, but voting rights are restricted to paid up corporate and personal members. Only one vote may be cast of behalf of each membership. 2. An Annual General Meeting shall be held annually no later than the month of June at an exact date, time and place as set by the Board. 3. The Annual General Meeting shall include the following business: 4. Annual General Meeting: o Elections to Board o Approval of Audited Annual Financial Statements o Appointment of Auditor o General Business as notified to the Secretary prior to the meeting o Any proposed amendments to the constitution o Annual Report from Board 5. Notice of the Annual General Meeting shall be sent to all members at least 30 days prior to the AGM. 6. Special General Meetings may be called in one of two ways: o By majority decision of the Board; o Upon written request by 15% of the voting members of the Association. Such meeting must be held within six weeks of the request with four weeks notice to be given to all members. 7. A special general meeting shall only consider the business for which it is convened which shall be specified by the Board or by the members requesting such Special General Meeting.
6. THE BOARD
7. ELECTIONS 1. The election for members of the Board shall be conducted annually in accordance with the bylaws of the Association. 2. There shall be five positions on the Board elected annually, or more as long as the total number of Board members is then no more than 10. The results of the election shall be announced at the AGM and those elected will assume office at the conclusion of the AGM and remain Board members until the conclusion of the AGM two years hence.
8. OFFICERS 1. The Board shall annually elect from its own members the officers of the Association. These shall be determined at the first Board meeting following the AGM, but may be reconsidered at a subsequent meeting with the consent of the majority of the Board. 2. The officers of the Association shall consist of the Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and any other officers as the Board sees fit. 3. The Board may recommend to the Annual General Meeting a person or persons to be appointed as Patron (one) or Vice Patrons of Rainbow Wellington. Upon confirmation by the Annual General Meeting they shall be hold such office until the next annual general meeting and while Patron or Vice Patron shall enjoy all the rights of full membership
9. QUORUM
10. SUBSCRIPTIONS 1.
An Annual membership fee shall be set by the Board for the various
categories of membership. 2. Payment of the annual subscription will entitle the member to membership of the Association from the day their membership is approved by the Board until the next subscriptions are due. 3. Renewal notices shall be sent out in the month prior to the membership falling due.
11. FINANCIAL YEAR 1. The financial year of the Association shall
commence on 1st January and terminate on 31st December, with effect from 1st
January 2010. .
12. BORROWING
13. ASSOCIATION FUNDS 1. The funds and property of the Association shall be under the control of the Board, who may invest, disburse and deal with the same in such manner and for such purpose (not being inconsistent with the objects of the Association) as they shall think fit. 2. The funds of the Association shall be deposited with such Bank as the Board shall determine and all cheques of the Association’s Bank account shall be signed by the Treasurer in conjunction with one other member of the Board.
14. AUDIT 1. The
annual financial statements of the Association must be reviewed at the end of
each financial year and before the Annual General Meeting by a member of the
New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants who is not a member of the Board
of the Association. 2. The Board shall determine the remuneration of the auditor, and shall have authority to fill any casual vacancy of the position of auditor.
15. THE COMMON SEAL
16. AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION 1. This constitution may be altered, added to, rescinded or otherwise varied or amended by resolution passed by a two thirds majority of members present at and voting at an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting called for the purpose. 2. In the case of a Notice of Motion for amendment of this constitution to be presented at the annual general meeting of the Association, notice of the proposed amendment shall be given in writing to the Secretary of the Association no later than six weeks prior to the end of the financial year in which it is given and the Secretary shall set out such proposed amendment in the Notice of annual general meeting circulated to all members. 3. In the case of a Notice of Motion for amendment of this constitution to be presented at a special general meeting of the Association, notice of the proposed amendment shall be given with the requisition made in writing to the Secretary. 4. Any addition or alteration necessary to conform with any regulation or requirement of the Registrar of Incorporated Societies may be made by the Board without reference to any meeting of members. 5. No
addition to or alteration of or recession of the rules shall be approved if it affects
the non-profit aims, personal benefit clause or the winding up clause. The
provision and effect of this clause shall not be removed from this document and
shall be included and implied into any document replacing this document.
17. MANAGEMENT 1. Subject to limitations made by other clauses of this constitution the Board shall have full power to manage the Association and all its affairs. 2. Any member of the Board absent from three or more meetings of the Board consecutively without due cause shall cease to be a member of the Board. 3. The Board shall meet regularly and shall record all business transacted. Minutes of Board meetings shall be sent to all members of the Board and will be available upon request to any member. 4. Subject to the constitution and any directions from General Meetings the Association shall be managed subject to a set of By-Laws which will be determined by the Board from time to time.
18. CHAIR AND VOTING
19. RECESS OR WINDING UP 1. The Association may go into recess or be wound up voluntarily if at the annual general meeting or at a special general meeting its members pass a resolution requiring the Association to wind up and go into recess. 2. A bare majority will be sufficient at any such meeting of the Association at any time for the purpose of winding up or going into recess. 3. The resolution shall be confirmed at a subsequent special general meeting called for that purpose and held not earlier than thirty (30) days after the date on which the resolution was passed. 4. The Association shall be wound up according the Incorporated Societies Act 1908, Section 24. 5.
If upon the winding up or dissolution of the
organisation there remains, after the satisfaction of all its debts and
liabilities, any property whatsoever, this shall not be paid to or distributed
among members of the organisation. This residual property will be given
or transferred to either another charitable organisation or
body (having objects similar to Rainbow Wellington) or for some
other charitable purpose recognised under New Zealand law.
20. PECUNIARY PROFIT 1.
No member or person associated with a member of the
Association shall derive any income, benefit, or advantage from the Association
where that person can materially influence the payment of the income, benefit
or advantage except where the income, benefit or advantage is derived from: 2. Any
income, benefit, or advantage derived by Rainbow Wellington shall be applied to
the charitable purposes of the organisation.
By-Laws
1. INTRODUCTION These By-Laws are written for the establishment of rules regarding the conduct of normal Association business. They are additional to the Constitution of the Association and must be interpreted in accordance with those Articles.
2. CHANGES TO BY-LAWS These By-Laws may be changed by a two-thirds majority of the Board of the Association. Any motion to change the By-Laws must have been presented to the Board at least two weeks prior to the meeting at which the vote is taken.
3. ELECTION OF BOARD
4. PREPARATION FOR BOARD MEETINGS
5. MOTIONS AT BOARD MEETINGS
6. CONDUCT OF BOARD MEETINGS
7. MINUTES OF BOARD MEETINGS
8. FINANCE
- with a registered bank
9. REGISTERED OFFICE The registered office of the Association shall be in Wellington at such a place determined by the Board.
10. COMMUNICATION WITH MEMBERS Formal communication may be by any of the following methods, as agreed with the individual member. At all times, postal mail must be in a sealed envelope.
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