2025 AGM
Our annual WSLS Annual General Meeting is being held on 31st of August 2025 at 10am at the WSLS Clubrooms (Castlecliff).
All WSLS members are encouraged to come along and join in on discussions and vote for the new executive.
The Board of Directors have been working on updating the constitution to comply with the new the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 (New Act). The New Act requires all incorporated societies to re-register by April 2026 and for their updated rules to include certain provisions which most incorporated societies did not previously have in their constitution (e.g. dealing with conflicts of interest, dispute resolution and other aspects). SLSNZ has formulated a template for clubs to adapt and our updated constitution largely follows that form, with specific references and provisions for our club.
The new constitution also incorporates some material changes from the current constitution.
It proposes to update the name to include the “h” in Whanganui.
It also fundamentally changing the governance structure of the board. It is proposed to reduce the number of board positions from (potentially currently) 14 to down to 5. It also does away with designated positions on the board, so that the members elected to the board going forward are free to agree on how they split duties and responsibilities of governing the club. It is envisaged this will streamline the governance process for the club (which in reality are limited) and put a focus on operational groups (likely in the form of sub-committees) to really drive the club forward. It is hoped this will encourage members to get involved with the club, without the need to sit on the governance board and so they can contribute aspects of the club which they are interested in.
It is proposed the new constitution will be adopted at the AGM. There are some transitional issues to be dealt with under the New Act assuming the constitution is adopted. The Board still must be appointed under the old rules/constitution at the AGM. Rather than then calling a separate meeting later to then appoint a new board under the new constitution, the new constitution contains provisions which say all board members other than the treasurer and the 4 general board positions will cease 30 days after the adoption of the new constitution. At that time the treasurer position will also become a general position.
Please have this in mind if you intend to stand for the board. There is no point in standing for one of those positions which will cease shortly after the AGM. Instead ensure you are nominated for one of the general positions (or treasurer) which will form the new board under the new rules.”
Having your say & voting explained
Under the current constitution, you need to be a full financial member (known as General Membership) of WSLS in order to:
- Cast a vote at an AGM
- To nominate a board member for election
- Be nominated to be a board member
Your membership must be currrent as at nomination (in the case of being nominated as a board member) or on the day (for voting rights). You can become a member here.
If you're registered as an Associate Member, you can't vote or nominate someone for election. If you'd like to change from Associate Membership to General Membership, please email us - admin@wanganuisls.org.nz.
All our younger members (across the Junior Surf programme and under 16 Lifeguards/Patrol Support) can cast a vote with parental supervision - its a great way to get them involved in democracy!
Keen to get involved in the WSLS Executive?
Our WSLS executive board is made up of like-minded individuals who strive to build on the successes of WSLS over the past 100 years.
Our executive board members come from all walks of life and bring a range of skills - like governance, finance, operations and life saving experience. Everyone has something to offer, you'll need to be committed to building a future focused organisation with strong integrity.
To be nominated as a executive board member, you'll need to be registered as a General Member of WSLS (paid-up and current) and complete the nomination process - click here to complete the form - by 5pm on 15 August.
In order to complete the form you'll need:
- a nominator (full details required).
- a nominee (full details required).
- to indicate the role the nominee is being nominated for (from a selection - consider the above information).
- a short biography (a few paragraphs as to what skills/attributes/experience the nominee will bring to the governance board)
The nomination forms are completed within an MS Forms online form and submitted to the WSLS Administrator for collation ahead of the AGM on 31 August 2025. The biographies will be shared with members ahead of the AGM and on the day.
