Proposed new Constitution for feedback
As part of our ongoing commitment to good governance and to meeting legal requirements, we’ve reviewed our church’s Constitution to ensure it aligns with the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022.
This work has led to a proposed new Constitution, which we’re now sharing with our members for review and feedback. The aim of this new version is to make sure our Constitution remains legally compliant, while keeping the heart, intent, and values of our original document intact.
To help you understand the changes, we’ve provided:
Our current Constitution adopted in 2011 (the version currently in place)
The proposed new Constitution (reflecting the new legislative requirements)
A comparison table showing where items from the current Constitution can be found in the new version
We engaged Harkness Henry as an external legal expert to review the draft and confirm that it meets the requirements of the new Act, while ensuring that the essence and intent of our church’s governance remains the same. Their confirmation is noted in the documentation.
It’s important to note that this constitutional update is an interim step - a necessary part of staying compliant and preparing for re-registration under the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 - which we aim to complete by the end of this year. At the same time, the Governance Review Committee (as appointed by the Inc Board) continues to carry out a broader governance review to make sure our overall structure is fit for purpose and supports the mission and ministry of our church into the future. This work is progressing well, and as a Board we are grateful for the commitment of those involved in this committee.
We invite all members to review the proposed new constitution document (available to view/download below) and direct any feedback or questions to the board via the board chair: chair@rscc.co.nz or the board secretary secretary@rscc.co.nz.
We are planning to hold an elective on 19 October 2025 to provide further opportunity for questions and feedback - and if needed, we can do another elective a few weeks later. Further details on voting on these matters will be confirmed soon - a Special General Meeting will be scheduled for this in November 2025.
Raleigh St Christian Centre Incorporated is an incorporated society, formed under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. It acts as a legal entity for the local church body itself.
Chairperson - Luke Goodwin
Secretary - Ellen Heebink
Treasurer - Brent Martin
Because the incorporated society is a legal entity, it is possible for it to be involved in contracts, and lend or borrow money. In the past, if we wanted to do this, then the people who organised such things might well have been legally liable themselves.
It also means that when members or employees (like pastors) are working on behalf of the church, they are not just working on their own (from a legal standpoint). So it provides a degree of protection.
Finally, it means that we have to have an Annual General Meeting (AGM), a set of financial accounts, and a membership list. This gives you greater visibility into the running of the organisation.
