2020 agm papers€¦ · for your reference the 2019 agm booklet can be found on the member...

2020 AGM Papers

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

7:00pm - 8:30pm

Zoom video conference

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CELEBRANTS’ ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND (INC)

Table of Contents

PRESIDENT’S LETTER ..........................................................................................................2

REGISTRATION ..................................................................................................................3

AGENDA ...........................................................................................................................4

MEETING PROCEDURES .....................................................................................................5

MINUTES OF THE 2019 AGM ..............................................................................................6

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE 2019 - 2020 ............................................. 17

CANZ RULES .................................................................................................................... 24

PERFORMANCE REPORT ................................................................................................... 41

REVIEWER’S REPORT ........................................................................................................ 56

PRESENTATION OF REPORT FROM REGISTRAR-GENERAL JEFF MONTGOMERY .................... 57

BRANCH REPORTS ........................................................................................................... 58

PROXY FORM – 2020 AGM ............................................................................................... 76

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President’s Letter Dear Members,

Due to the cancellation of this year’s conference we are holding the CANZ Annual General Meeting 2020 virtually. Please read the following information before the AGM which will be held via Zoom Video Conference on 27 May 2020, at 7:00pm.

We need a quorum of 10% of the membership so please consider joining in and participating. Information on how to register for, and join this meeting, will be provided in this document. The material presented here will inform and update you, and allow you to take an active part in shaping our ever-growing association.

Nominations for the CANZ National Executive have been called, and received and the new National Executive will be introduced later in this document.

The branch reports make for positive reading and you will find them at the end of this booklet.

Questions may be directed to [email protected].

Dianne Troup

President

mailto:[email protected]

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Registration AGM Booklet

Please take some time to read through this 2020 AGM Booklet prior to the meeting.

Registration

You will receive an email notification regarding the AGM 14 days prior to the meeting date. The email will contain a link to the Humanitix Registration page. You will need to register for the zoom meeting. Registration is free and we encourage all CANZ members to attend.

Registering will give you your Zoom link information. SAVE THAT EMAIL.

To join your meeting on the meeting day is simple:

1. As early as 15 minutes before the meeting; on your computer, laptop or mobile phone click the link you receive from registering for the zoom link. We recommend joining early so if there are any issues you have with the technical side (sound, video, etc) that can be resolved before the event begins.

2. If you haven't used Zoom before you'll be prompted to download Zoom. Please click yes.

3. For those of you on limited data make sure your video is off. You'll still see those who are on video, they just won't see you.

Zoom

Here's a helpful video for those joining zoom for the first time.

Please read these helpful guides on Using Zoom and Online Meetings Privacy Policy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=hIkCmbvAHQQ&feature=emb_logo

https://www.celebrantsassociation.co.nz/assets/Member-Resources-/How-to-use-Zoom.pdf

https://www.celebrantsassociation.co.nz/assets/Member-Resources-/Online-Meetings-Privacy-Policy.pdf

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Agenda

Annual General Meeting of the Celebrants’ Association of New Zealand

27 May 2020, 7:00pm, via Zoom Video Conference

1. Welcome

2. Confirmation of quorum (previously confirmed via registration)

3. Apologies

4. Proxies

5. Confirmation of previous AGM minutes

6. Matters arising from minutes (if any)

7. National Executive annual report

8. Amendment to CANZ Rules

9. Financial statement and reviewers report 2020

10. Appointment of scrutineers (if required)

11. Introduction of National Executive Members 2020/2021

12. Branch Reports and any matters referred by branches

13. General Business

14. AGM Closed

Presentation of Report from Registrar-General Jeff Montgomery

Q&A Time

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Meeting Procedures

Our AGM allows the National Executive to summarise its activities over the previous year and its plans for the future, as well as permitting our members to ask questions or raise other issues. In so far as possible, we endeavour to do this within the allotted time, and in a collegial and collaborative environment.

We do not anticipate any highly controversial matters arising, but if our discussions

should become protracted, the following rules are designed to keep us on track:

1. Any proposed amendment to a motion must be made in writing and notified to the chair, before it can be considered. The chair shall not accept any proposed amendment which is frivolous, or which seeks to frustrate or negate the original motion.

2. Any person proposing a motion may speak for up to four minutes to explain it and speak in support. Members responding to the proposed motion may speak for up to two minutes and shall be recognised in the order of those for the motion and those against. The mover of the motion will then have a right of reply of up to two minutes to respond. Apart from this right of reply, each speaker may speak only once to each motion. A warning bell will be sounded when a speaker has 15 seconds left to speak.

3. Procedural motions may be accepted at the discretion of the chair.

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Minutes of the 2019 AGM Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Celebrants Association of New Zealand Incorporated, held in the Theatre Royal, TSB Showplace, New Plymouth on Saturday 25 May 2019, commencing at 11.00am.

Present

National Executive Members

President: Dianne Troup

National Executive Member: Paula McGill

National Executive Member: Jann Hook

National Executive Member: Marg Palmer

National Executive Member: Lianne Fraser (minute taker)

Executive Officer: David Moger

Members

Geoff Abbot, Colleen Baird, Jude Battson, Sam Bennett, Suzie Brosnahan, Anke Buhrfeindt, Raewyn Calvert, Margaret Chapman, Helen Chesterman, Maria Chippindale, Krissy Christensen, Frances, Christie, Rachel Clarke, Julie Clearwater, Christine Cleugh, Rachael Collins, Patricia Cosford, Ange Davidson, Karin De La Rey, Belind De Lautour, Winnie Duggan, Rosemary Duncan, Vicky Ellison, Karmin Erueti, Pat Fenton, Vavao Fetui, Emma Fitzgerald, Shona Fitzpatrick, Rochelle Fleming, Lianne Fraser, Suzee Freeman, Barbs Frew, Christine Furminger, Don Gibson, Sarah Gnad, Jane Godfrey, Lynne Greer, Kay Gregory, Charles Grinter, Linda Hall, Sharron Harris, Linda Hartstonge, Joy Harvey, Alison Heam, Tricia Hendry, Denise Herbert, Suzie Hoare, Jeneane Hobby, Jann Hook, Helen Hoskin, Akinihi Hotere, Judy Inskter, Tania Jeffs, Gill Johnston, Jenny Judd, Clare Ladd, Lynsi Latham-Saunders, Annie Leather, Alison Locke, Tracey Love, Emma Love, Liz Maluschnig, Janetta Mandeno, Sesilia Mata’eliga, Olive McCall, Wendy McCarthy, Vicki McCarthy, Gail McCullough, Paula McGill, Jeanette McIntyre, Beverley McLean, Sandy Millar, Aingie Miller, Pauline Moffat, David Moger, Kim-Maree Morwood, Jenny Moyle, Barbara Murphy, Jill Murphy, Kara Northcroft, Trish O’Brien, Marg Palmer, Fiona Parkinson, Linda Paterson, Louise Phillips, Edie Pont, Joy Ramsay, Joelle Reid, Glynis Renata, Jan Robinson, Linda Schrempf, Josie Scott, Rosemary Sloman, Joanne Smith, Jesse Smith, Kerry Sorensen-Tyrer, Kerry-Ann Stanton, Julie Stewart, Helen Storey, Melanie Stuart, Sue Schnuriger, Larry Summerville, Nichola Taylor, Dianne Troup, Pam Vette, Teresa Walker, Ses Webster, Murray Weir, Simon Wright, Astarte.

Call to Order and Opening Comments

Dianne Troup, President, called the meeting to order at 10.30am. She advised members that there was a full agenda and as the meeting would conclude at 12.15pm it would be moved through at an appropriate pace bearing in mind that the AGM is an important meeting for the membership of CANZ.

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Recognition of National Executive Members, paid contractors, branch chairs and committees and others

I wish to begin by acknowledging and thanking the National Executive for their dedication and commitment to their roles and for their unremitting support of me:

Marg Palmer: Financial Management & Membership

Jann Hook: National Education and Events

Paula McGill: Professional Pathways Development

Lianne Fraser: Communication & Marketing

All: Operational & Strategic Management

I also wish to acknowledge and thank David Moger who was appointed as our Executive Officer under the agreement we have with FDANZ. David has brought a fresh approach and a wealth of operational and strategic knowledge to our organisation and we are starting to see the benefits of our new arrangements already. I also thank our National Office team including Linda Hartstonge who is also our minute taker today and of course Claire Garner and Justine Parsons and their team from YourVA.

Karin de la Rey continues to excel in her editorship of Pᾱnui ably assisted by Susan Timberlake and her design support to that publication. The management of CANZ Chat is now with the National Office but I take this opportunity to thank Rose Haskell and Tania Johnson-Scott for their vigilance prior to this transfer.

And most importantly I thank the Branch Chairs and their committees. Their work in supporting, informing and encouraging the membership are integral to CANZ and the robustness of each branch is testament to the work and efforts of these volunteers.

As at 31st March 2019 we have 919 members which is an increase on the 844-last year.

Branch 2019 2018

Auckland 276 257

Bay of Plenty 68 57

Canterbury 131 129

Members at Large 86 74

Southern Branch 91 90

Taranaki 28 29

Top of the South 53 52

Waikato 60 50

Wellington 126 106

As a result of the agreement we have with FDANZ and David’s appointment as our Executive Officer, David and his team have been taking over more of the operational matters that had

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previously been done by the Executive. This in turn is allowing the Executive to focus more on the matters of Governance and Strategy.

So, in line with this new way of working, I’ll now hand over to David to take us through the operational matters of this AGM.

Operational Matters

David Moger thanked Dianne and continued:

It has been a pleasure to work with CANZ so far and from my meetings with the Executive and my attendance at a number of Branch meetings, I am convinced that will continue. Thank you all for making me so welcome.

So, onto the operational aspects of this AGM or as they are often known, the domestics.

For your reference the 2019 AGM Booklet can be found on the member dashboard on the CANZ website, hopefully you have had a chance to go online and read this. If not, there are some copies of the AGM Booklet here today, please share. We also have it displayed on the screen at various points throughout this meeting.

Timing

We are working within a tight time frame for this AGM so to assist us in staying on track, Paula is going to give time signals. The speaking times are shown on page 4 of your AGM booklet.

Movers of motions have up to 4 minutes and other speakers have up to 2 minutes. The mover then has right of reply of up to 2 minutes. Each speaker may speak only once to each motion.

Paula will hold up a green card after 2 minutes for movers and 1 minute for other speakers. She will then hold up an orange card when a speaker has 30 seconds remaining. When the allotted time has expired, Paula will hold up a red card and the speaker must stop at that point.

If you are speaking to a motion, moving or seconding it, please state your full name clearly for the minutes.

Confirmation of Quorum

The quorum for an Annual General Meeting is 20 present in person or by proxy. I am pleased to confirm that a quorum is present and so the meeting can proceed as planned.

There is a sheet circulating for you to initial your attendance please.

Proxies

We have received proxies for voting, but will deal with these, and the appointment of scrutineers, if the need arises later in the meeting. Please note that we will only need the proxies if there is a vote to be counted. Where that situation arises, we will distribute proxy flags.

I will now read out the nominated proxies.

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Valid proxies have been received from:

From In Favour of

Helen Rutledge Dianne Troup

Carol Gunn Jann Hook

Sherryl Wilson Kerry-Ann Stanton

Peta Hardley Kerry-Ann Stanton

Carol Galloway Rachael Clarke

Apologies

Moving to apologies, we have received apologies from:

Are there any further apologies?

Apologies from the floor received from:

Janice Kingston, Lynn Allen, Kay Tairoa.

And with that Madam President, I shall hand back to you for the apologies to be accepted and for the business of the meeting to commence

Thank you David and I move that the apologies be accepted.

Dianne Troup/Sam Bennett. Carried.

Name Received by Proxy form received

Sheryl Alexander Dianne Troup no

Jane Butler Dianne Troup no

Sherryl Wilson Dianne Troup No

Helen Rutledge Dianne Troup yes

Rev Fr Allister Kelley Linda Hartstonge no

Kathrine Fraser Dianne Troup no

Kesh Gilmour Dianne Troup no

Rose Haskell Marg Palmer no

Elizabeth Bennett Dianne Troup no

Rose Barnes Marg Palmer no

Carol Gunn Linda Hartstonge yes

Sheryl Wilson Linda Hartstonge yes

Peta Hardley Linda Hartstonge yes

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Confirmation of Minutes of Annual General Meeting 27th May 2018

The minutes of the 2018 Annual General Meeting have been circulated in your AGM papers pp 5-11. Are there any errors or omissions in these minutes?

Would someone present at that meeting move that the minutes (as amended if required) of the Annual General Meeting held on 27th May 2018 at Jet Park Conference Centre Auckland be approved and adopted as a true and correct record.

Sharron Harris/Charles Grinter. Carried.

Matters arising from the Minutes.

Are there any matters arising from the minutes which are not covered by the reports to this meeting as circulated?

No matters arising.

Annual Report of the National Executive 2018-2019

We come now to the Annual Report of the National Executive which can be found on pp 12-15.

Another very busy year for the Executive and National Office. My annual report is documented in the AGM booklet and I won’t speak to the whole report but just pick up some more pertinent issues.

Firstly, thank you for your patience those of you who had difficulty with the March renewal of subscriptions process again. We have been disappointed by the continuing technical issues we have encountered, and we have indicated to Webco that this level of failure is unacceptable. They have assured us that they are working hard to resolve the issues and ensure no further issues arise.

VCANZ has been launched and although there is still some degree of misunderstanding around this, which we are seeking to address, the uptake has exceeded our expectations. We will continue to encourage the membership to use VCANZ as a means to prove their past experience and learnings and their commitment to ongoing professional development.

In June we are holding a Validators review day which will highlight any areas we need to address around the validation process and as promised VCANZ will be reviewed later this year to ensure continued efficacy and determine whether any refinements are required.

In June we will also be training some VCANZ champions; people who will be available to help with advice and information through the VCANZ process.

Another change this year is the soon to be implemented outsourcing by BDM of registry style weddings to celebrants in the regions. This change has come about following the decision of the courts to withdraw this service from their core services. This change will come into play on the 1st July this year. The strong relationship between CANZ and BDM continues to prove beneficial to both organisations and I congratulate BDM on their customer focussed approach.

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This year the Funeral Directors Assn again held a successful “Take the Time to Talk campaign and funeral directors were encouraged to involve their local CANZ celebrants in this campaign in every way possible.

The relationship between FDANZ and CANZ has enabled us to take advantage of the buying power we represent, and we were able to make discount cards available to our membership. These cards allow for discounts at a raft of nationwide businesses. If you didn’t receive one or have lost yours, please see Linda Hartstonge at the registration desk as she has some here today.

You will have noticed an Emergency card in your registration pack. This was an idea borrowed from our Australian counterparts and we felt they could be a very useful tool. The cards can be written on but the template will also be placed on the website and you can download it as you wish.

Because we now have the support of a National Office and a dedicated events manager, we have decided to dispense with the biennial National Education Forum and instead make conferences an annual occurrence. I am excited to say that planning is already well underway, and a venue has been booked for a conference in May 2020 in Lower Hutt, Wellington.

The local branch will be involved in deciding the content and will be fully supported in the management and planning by the executive committee and national office. If any of you have suggestions for workshops or presenters, then please approach a member of the Exec or national office with your ideas and they will ensure they are passed on to the Wellington Conference committee.

The CANZ Constitution in its current form was deemed not to be entirely meeting the needs of a growing organisation and was in need of some updates. Some specific changes include limiting the number of people on the executive and allowing for an appointment to the executive to be for a three-year term. It is felt this will both ensure stability but also enables more sound succession planning. A vote on whether to accept the new constitution or an agreed amended version will be taken later in this meeting.

The refinements and challenges that CANZ constantly faces are a sign of a healthy organisation and we will continue to employ innovative responses to meet these. May I congratulate every one of you for taking the time to be here today to support the organisation on its Pathway to Peak performance?

With those comments I move that the Annual Report of the National Executive be received.

Dianne Troup/Jann Hook. Carried.

Does anyone wish to ask questions or speak to this motion?

No discussion ensued.

The motion is that the Annual Report of the National Executive be received.

Dianne Troup/Jann Hook. Carried.

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VCANZ Certificate Presentation

Dianne: I would now like to take this moment to acknowledge the 93 members who have successfully completed VCANZ and present certificates to the 37 of those 93 presents today.

I would like to invite Paula McGill to join me in presenting these certificates, Paula has taken a major role in ensuring that VCANZ was developed and launched as successfully as it has been.

Paula: Before we hand out the certificates, I would like to acknowledge the validators who have been busy assessing the applications. I thank them for their commitment and professionalism in carrying out this vital work.

David will announce your name and when you are called please come up onto the stage to receive your VCANZ certificate.

2018 Financial Statement and Reviewers Statement

We now come to the Association’s financial statements and I will hand over to David to speak to these.

Thank you, Dianne. For most membership organisations, it is usual for the Executive Officer to table the financial statements for the membership, so it is my pleasure to be able to present them to you for the first time today.

The 2018 Financial Statements have already been provided in your AGM booklet. You will note that the Reviewers Report was not included as there was a delay in obtaining some documents that he required from the bank. This is pretty typical these days with the new level of compliance around Proof of Persons and Anti Money Laundering that the banks are adjusting to. The reports of the Royal Commission over in Australia have also added to the banks’ nervousness so they are introducing new hoops for everyone to have to jump through all the time.

I am, however delighted to report that the Reviewer has now received the final documentation and he has given full approval to our financial statements.

The other news I want to share with you is that we now have a new firm of accountants preparing our financial statements. Sexton Business Builders have been appointed by the Executive to produce our financial statements and manage the year end reporting. This means that we have YourVA providing bookkeeping services, Sexton Business Builders managing the production of management reports and financial statements and Kulesh de Silva provide an independent review in lieu of a full audit.

This structure is important as it gives you as members the assurance of independence and security of the financial management of the Association under the oversight of the Executive. In other words, for there to be any misappropriation of funds, those three professional organisations would have to collude with me and my team and the National Executive to commit fraud, so you can be confident that we have the best possible protection in place.

So, turning to the key elements of our financial statements you will note that revenue is down marginally on the 2017 figures and so are expenses, leaving a marginal drop in the net surplus. The Association does not operate to make a substantial surplus, as is typical for

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membership organisations so a small operating surplus is a good outcome over a rolling time period. That is something that the Association has done historically and continues to do so.

From the Statement of Financial Position, you will note that there has been a small increase in Total Accumulated Funds. Again, the Association does not operate to grow the size of the balance sheet so maintaining a reasonable covering of operating costs is a good outcome.

You will note from the accounts that there has been some tidying up of records from previous years as part of the work that Sexton Business Builders have done in taking over the accounting function and those were of a relatively minor nature. We will continue to work with them on the structure of our Financial Statements in line with the new accounting standards and with a view to improving presentation and transparency.

In addition, I intend to review the basis of preparation to ensure that we are using the best accounting framework for our needs. Ongoing reviews like these are good practice for al organisations.

So, Madam President, that concludes my overview of the Financial Statements and I shall hand back to you to move that they be received and approved and allow for any questions that members may have.

Thank you, David. It is good to know that our finances are being managed in such a professional way between National Office, our accountant and our Reviewer.

There are two motions. The first is to receive the Statement and Reviewers Report.

As David has said, both the accountant and the reviewer were quick to reassure us that the association’s financials are both sound and transparent.

I therefore move that the 2018 Financial Statement and Reviewers Report be received

Dianne Troup/Raewyn Calvert. Carried.

May I now have a motion that the 2018 Financial Statement and Reviewers Report be approved?

Charles Gritten/Astarte. Carried.

The report is now open for comments or questions:

Vicky Ellison asked for an explanation of amortisation and intangibles. David Moger explained that it relates to a lump sum spread over time as compared to its value today. As well there are different accounting styles to show depreciation. David also outlined the distinction between a not-for-profit and charity organisations and their different accounting standards.

A question from the floor (name not given) regarding the entry for registry wedding income. Dianne Troup explained that this is a ‘money in, money out’ transaction from what has been a very successful pilot scheme in Auckland and Manukau cities to relieve pressure on registry offices, particularly in Auckland where major infrastructure work has made access to the offices difficult.

A question from the floor (name not given) regarding depreciation of intangible expenses.

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David Morger explained that CANZ must followtechnical advice. He explained that, as an example, the website is a non-cash depreciation of the asset.

Sharron Harris queried website costs. David Morger explained that the entry covers the total cost over time and that our new accountants (Sexton) show this cost in a different way and that it does not relate to this current year. The current year is shown under intabible assets.

The motion is that the 2018 Financial Statement and Reviewers Report be approved.

Carried.

Recommendations from National Executive

I ask Marg Palmer to make the first recommendation

Motion 1 Reviewer

That Kulesh de Silva be reappointed as Reviewer for the Association and I so move.

Dianne Troupe/Lynne Greer. Carried.

Motion 2 Legal Advisor

I ask Jann Hook to make the second recommendation

That Barrister Derek Firth be reappointed as Honorary Legal Adviser for the Association and I so move

Jann Hook/Lynn Shreff. Carried.

Election of the National Executive

The following members have been nominated to serve on the National Executive

Nominee Mover Seconder

Marg Palmer Suzie Brosnahan Rose Barnes

Jann Hook Carol Gunn Helen Rutledge

Paula McGill Joy Ramsey Lynne Greer

Lianne Fraser Belinda de Lautour Karin de la Rey

Dianne Troup Helen Rutledge Emma Love

Rachel Clarke Winnie Duggan Julie Stewart

Kesh Gilmour Bernadette Buckley Pinky Agnew

I will invite Rachel Clarke to join us up here and unfortunately Kesh Gilmour is unable to be here today due to family commitments.

Thank you each of you for agreeing to your nomination.

The number of members on the National Executive is not specified in the Constitution. As the association has grown in recent years so too has the tremendous workload of the National Executive. I recommend that all of the nominees be appointed to the National Executive. The National Executive retains the right to co-opt further team members if needed.

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Are there any speakers to this recommendation?

There being none.

I move that these members Dianne Troup, Marg Palmer, Jann Hook, Paula McGill, Lianne Fraser, Rachel Clarke and Kesh Gilmour be accepted to the National Executive and that they will determine at their first meeting who the role of president shall sit with.

Dianne Troup/Sam Bennett

Presentation of Awards

There were no nominations received for Honorary Life Membership

Matters referred by Branches

No matters were referred by Branches

Reports from Branches

The reports for each Branch are included in the AGM papers pp 33 – 43.

I can’t stress enough how important the work of the branches is in bringing fellowship and professional development opportunities to our members. I thank each of you on the branch committees for your efforts and successes.

I move that these reports be received.

Dianne Troup/Jenny Wright. Carried.

General Business

Adoption of proposed New Constitution as shown in AGM papers pp 16-29. It was felt that the constitution in its current form required some amendments to keep apace of the needs of a growing organisation.

The motion is that the new Constitution as presented to this AGM 2019 be received

Carried.

May I now have a motion that the new Constitution as presented to this AGM 2019 be approved?

Jann Hook/Karin De Lay Rey. Carried.

It was clarified that a quorum as outlined in the proposed new constitution will be 10% of membership.

The new term of appointment for a national executive will take effect at the 2020 AGM. The terms of appointment of the national executive voted at the 2019 AGM are under the existing constitution.

The motion is that the new Constitution as presented to this AGM 2019 be approved

Dianne Troup/Emma Love. Carried.

Are there any further items of general business?

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Karmin Erueti, Taranaki raised the question of how CANZ is aligned with Te Tiriti. Paula McGill explained that the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi are included in the CANZ Body of Knowledge and referred to in the VCANZ process as well as in CANZ policy documents, Code of Ethics and that CANZ members must comply by NZ laws, including Te Tiriti and the NZ Bill of Rights. It was recognised that there is opportunity to do this better and that the national executive could in future spell it out strategically and visually. The NE accepted that challenge and President Dianne Troup thanked Karmin for raising it, saying the NE is commited to working with the Treaty and acknowledge tikanga Maori.

Closing

There being no further items of general business I hereby declare the Annual General Meeting 2019 closed.

Gavel

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Annual Report of the National Executive 2019 - 2020

Introduction

CANZ has experienced some real successes and some interesting challenges this year but continues as a strong body representing celebrants and the importance of the work they do. The CANZ National Executive is committed to lifting the CANZ profile amongst the public and our stakeholders whilst always bearing in mind the objectives and purposes of CANZ as stated in the Celebrants’ Association NZ Rules –

The National Executive works on a voluntary basis and this year has consisted of the following:

Dianne Troup – President. Organisational figurehead, liaison with membership and external stakeholders, principal overview of all management areas

Marg Palmer - Financial Management and Membership

Jann Hook - Membership, Branch Development Framework and Strategies, National Education and other events

Paula McGill - Professional Pathways Development (VCANZ) Frame work and Strategies

Lianne Fraser- Communications and Marketing

Kesh Gilmour- Health and Safety

Rachel Clark- Strategic Development, Treaty of Waitangi

In October 2019 the CANZ National Executive met and discussed the agreement between CANZ and FDANZ that saw us sharing an Executive Officer and National Office. The agreement was proving financially unviable and wasn’t fully meeting the expectations and needs of our organisation. The decision was made to withdraw from the agreement and the disestablishment of this agreement was completed by 31st December 2019.

This action left the National Executive with other important decisions to be taken into consideration and acted upon. It had been apparent for some years that CANZ could survive very well whilst being run by a committed group of volunteers but it could not innovate, diversify or expand under this regime.

The National Executive went into discussion with YourVA and as a consequence we have extended the level of support from YourVA. The structure is now as follows:

Claire Garner continues in administration and member support

Hazel Raye supports Claire in membership matters but also has a hand in day to day finances and xero.

Sue Balcomb is our events co-ordinator working in the areas of conferences, support to branch events, and coordination of branch leadership days.

Justine Parsons, YourVA owner has taken on our social media and marketing portfolio’s.

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As and when needed, others in Justine’s diverse and skilled team can step in to complete projects.

This move has proven to be strategically advantageous to CANZ as an organisation, particularly in marketing and social media promotion. We are grateful to the YourVA team for their constant availability and effective responses.

National Education Events

Due to the Covid 19 pandemic the decision to cancel the 2020 National Conference planned for 22nd 23rd 24th May was inevitable. The Wellington Branch conference committee had applied so much energy and enthusiasm to the task and had developed a programme that would have satisfied even the most discerning amongst us. We offer them our sincere thanks. Thanks, are also due to Sue Balcomb. With the departure of conference support from National Office, Sue stepped up to the job in hand, transitioned seamlessly into the role and made a huge contribution. Conference 2021 has now been offered to Wellington Branch to host and much of the work already undertaken will remain relevant.

Member Support

BDM continue to offer strong support to CANZ by encouraging new applicants to join our professional organisation. It continues to be part of our Strategic Plan to increase our membership to 40% of independent celebrants (measured by gazetted marriage celebrant numbers).

In an effort to save costs and reduce workloads for administration and accounting staff we are currently moving to bring all members back to a 31st March subscription date. The use of a pro rata system will bring all subs into line by 31st March 2021.

Branch Support

The real strength of CANZ lies in the branches and we have been delighted to support two new branches into being this year. The establishment of East Coast and Northland Branches means celebrants in those areas have a more realistic opportunity to attend and benefit from workshops and events. Both have formed committees and their enthusiasm and keenness is appreciated. Sincere thanks to all of the branch chairs, secretaries, treasurers and their respective committees for their continued contribution and commitment to providing learning, and collegial opportunities to our members.

The uncertainty around Covid 19 also led to the cancellation of the Branch Leadership Training Day. We hope this will still happen at some stage but at the time of writing this decision is clouded by uncertainty. Meantime I urge all branches to reference the guide to CANZ Branch Management regularly for information and advice and as always, your Branch Executive Liaison person is only a phone call away.

Financial Report

Refer to Performance and Reviewer’s Reports on pages 41-56 of this document.

Communication and Marketing

The National Executive have made it a priority to increase brand awareness of CANZ and our members and the CANZ marketing plan reflects this. So far this year (2020) we have:

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• Surveyed all members for feedback on our organisation in general to determine what we do well and what we could improve on.

• Created a marketing strategy and marketing plan for 2020.

• Created a dashboard in order to measure marketing performance

• Created and executed our content calendar

• Optimised social media profiles (and created profiles on Instagram and LinkedIn)

• Created a Beginner’s Guide for Social Media which is located in Members Toolkit on the CANZ website. This same guide will be used to attract new members

• Added a blog page to the CANZ website

• Created a How to Zoom guide to assist our members with online meetings and increase communication as an organisation

• Held a Zoom meeting walking branch executives through using Zoom

• Updated the CANZ Online Media policy

• Created a CANZ Online Meeting policy

• Created a process for online meetings including using Humanitix for meeting registrations and Zoom for the meetings themselves

• Updated all CANZ directory listings in My Wedding Guide and My Celebrant Guide

• Surveyed members about using online platforms to increase communication and support

We are currently working on:

• Creating an Advanced Guide for Social Media

• A systemised process for celebrants to use with their own clients to increase the number of booked ceremonies

• Improving the following website pages: o Join CANZ o VCANZ

CANZ Website

The launch of the new website created relatively few glitches and most of these are now resolved. Thank you all for your patience. It is our goal to have this loaded with a variety of resources, relevant information and useful templates. We encourage you to become familiar with the website and all it has to offer. You will notice changes from time to time as we fine tune the site to make navigation easier and as we upload new information. If you encounter any problems at all, email [email protected] . We continue to urge members to login and ensure their personal profile information (including a photo) and their bio are updated, and that the box to make profile details visible to the public has been selected. All this will help when the Find a Celebrant page is accessed.

Pᾱnui

Karin de la Rey continues to creatively provide each quarterly edition of Pᾱnui with relevant and useful information. Contributions from our stakeholders BDM and FDANZ and the celebrant training providers, The Celebrant School and The Celebrant Training College, ensure we are up to date with any legal or collegial aspects of our role and serve to enhance the relationship we have with each organisation.


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CANZ Chat

Thank you to all who contribute, query and respond via this medium. As always, I offer the caution that although it is a closed member site, no site is completely secure so please be circumspect, positive and respectful when you use it.

Social Media

We are using now using Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram in a two-pronged approach. Our goal is to:

1. Increase brand awareness amongst the public on the types of ceremonies we can perform and the benefits of using a CANZ member to officiate a ceremony

2. Add value for members by sharing industry news, advice, inspiration and information.

Professional Pathways

VCANZ

The VCANZ program continues to have a strong uptake and we currently have 152 members VCANZ certified. VCANZ does not suit or appeal to everyone but those who do achieve it have a means of providing evidence that they commit to regular ongoing professional development in all aspects of celebrant work and that they meet a set of stringent competencies.

The creation of the new website allowed us to review access to VCANZ and members can now go into the VCANZ pathways, explore the requirements and complete, and only when ready to submit do they need to pay the $200 (equivalent to $50 per annum) fee. We feel this will allow members to see how doable VCANZ is and will hopefully ease some of the trepidation that still exists around this move to self-regulate our industry.

I will take this opportunity to thank the VCANZ validators and VCANZ support people for the wonderful work they have voluntarily taken on. The importance of their role to the whole VCANZ process cannot be understated and I thank them unreservedly.

Celebrant Training Providers

CANZ strongly endorses the celebrant specific training as provided by The Celebrant School and the Celebrant Training College and highly recommend their programs. Like CANZ, the celebrant schools have embraced Zoom as a platform to connect and inform so go to their websites to see what their offerings are, and how they deliver them to new and experienced celebrants alike.

External Stakeholder Liaison

BDM – Births, Deaths and Marriages

In July 2019, courthouses around the country closed to registry weddings and these weddings are now officiated by CANZ celebrants who have achieved VCANZ and applied to BDM to do them. On 1st February 2020 Wellington became the first BDM office to close to registry weddings and outsource to celebrants. Christchurch office and then Auckland and Manukau were scheduled to follow later this year and in the new year respectively. However due to the Covid 19 crisis, BDM decided to make the switch immediately and from 25th

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March all registry weddings have been referred to VCANZ’d celebrants who have applied to BDM to do this work.

The Covid 19 experience highlighted the importance of the BDM/CANZ relationship and BDM continue to seek CANZ’ input in their decision-making processes around weddings. Never hesitate to approach BDM if you have a query or concern that isn’t answered on either their website or ours.

FDANZ- Funeral Directors Association NZ

A strong two-way relationship continues to develop between CANZ and FDANZ. It became particularly evident in the critical days as the Covid 19 issue developed. CANZ were getting up to the minute information to share with the membership. There were comments that some of this information was conflicting but the situation was, (and remains), volatile and fast moving and decisions were made, changed and reported as new data emerged.

Health and Safety

The Health and Safety Guidelines sit in the Member’s Resources – members toolbox section of the website and it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with this at least annually. This has been updated so now would be a good time to revisit it.

New CANZ National Executive 2020

As the number of nominations for the National Executive did not exceed the allowed number (7) each of the six (6) nominees have been appointed unopposed.

Your new National Executive consists of:

Rachel Clarke

Rachel is an incumbent member of the CANZ Executive. Like all celebrants, Rachel loves working with people and her interest stems from years of nursing and teaching. She is passionate about professional development and has been running VCANZ workshops since the end of last year. With Covid-19, these workshops are now online, providing a wonderful platform for meeting celebrants from across the country.

Lianne Fraser

Lianne is an incumbent member of the CANZ Executive. Becoming a celebrant was the most natural progression in Lianne’s career and something she utterly enjoys. She has a certificate in celebrant studies from the Celebrant School/Te Wananga Korowai Aroha and is a validated member of CANZ. From 1990, Lianne worked in media and community relations for the Department of Conservation, leaving in 2008 to become a local journalist and broadcaster for Newstalk ZB. She is a published writer and has worked as a freelance writer, event manager, fundraiser and lectured in Public Relations and Communications at Waiariki Institute (now Toi Ohomai), Rotorua. She is an accredited member of the Public Relations Institute and until recently was a communication advisor at The Business Studio, now Legend. Now an experienced funeral celebrant, Lianne also loves the joy of marriage, celebration and ritual; it’s such an important part of life. She's based in Taupo, married with three adult children and two grandchildren.

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Kesh Gilmour

Kesh is an incumbent member of the CANZ Executive. She is a passionate, trained and experienced VCANZ celebrant who feels privileged and honoured to officiate at weddings. Outside of being a Celebrant, Kesh works full-time in leadership development for the Pacific nations, volunteers her time to Rotary and is due to self-publish her first novel this year.

Sharron Harris

As a long-term member of the Institute of Directors, Sharron values the opportunity to serve as a member of the executive of an organisation that exists to ensure meaningful, appropriate and personalised ceremony is available to the population of Aotearoa New Zealand. Sharron views her work as a celebrant as one of the greatest privileges in her life.

Brent Ruru

Brent is a marriage and funeral celebrant, practising in Christchurch since 2017. He is VCANZ certified and has a Diploma in Celebrant Studies. His previous vocations have included owner/operator of a primary-aged childcare business; leadership role in Quality & Business Transformation (Dubai); case management coordinating family dispute resolution; and business and youth mentoring. Brent is married with two adult children. Life balance includes adventure travel, freelance illustration, volunteering and ukulele. Brent brings a kaleidoscope of experiences to help transition an industry facing a changed landscape, with professional integrity, positivity, relatable empathy and a sense of humour.

Larry Summerville

Larry has a Diploma of Celebrancy with CTC. Originally trained as a teacher, his report card on leaving college said, “would succeed in teaching or broadcasting”. For the past 40 odd years he has played in radio, both on the microphone and in management. He has now returned to teaching, using his qualifications to help launch some new talent into the multi platformed radio environment. Larry has been married for 44 years and loves the formal coupling that is marriage. His celebrancy life is varied and continues to be enjoyable.

I wish the new executive well. They have taken on a role that will challenge and stretch them but I know they will find it as rewarding and extending as I have.

I will take this opportunity to thank the outgoing executive. Through some difficult times and difficult decisions, they have remained a cohesive and supportive unit. My admiration for them is only exceeded by my respect for their knowledge, wisdom and commitment. The friendships we have established are permanent and highly valued.

I offer a special acknowledgment of the contributions of

Jann Hook for 7 years’ service.

Marg Palmer for 5 years’ service.

Paula McGill for 3 years’ service.

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Summary

This has been a challenging and sometimes very difficult year for CANZ and the National Executive team. We have experienced a financial loss and we found ourselves terminating an agreement that we had spent considerable time and energy establishing and then, through necessity, disestablishing. However, working with YourVA, the National Executive have now found a model that is working extremely well and CANZ is seeing innovations and real progress in important areas and has regained a positive and forward-facing impetus.

As we did after 15th March 2019 our entire country has had to come together and, with one accord, respond to a threat, this time as presented by Covid 19. Events like this teach us to detach from the petty details of our own lives and see the whole.

As celebrants you have held couples and families through an extraordinary, even bizarre turn of events. The disappointment of a postponed wedding or the tragedy of a delayed public acknowledgement of a death are felt on a personal level and I know each of you responded with a professionalism touched by compassion and in doing so aided the emotional recovery of your communities.

No man is an island entire of itself. Each is a piece of the continent, part of the main.

John Donne 1572-1631

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RULES

Celebrants Association of New Zealand Incorporated

Rules

May 2020

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Rules Index

1. Name

2. Objects and Purposes

3. Powers

4. The Control and Investment of the Association’s Funds

5. Prohibition of Pecuniary Gain

6. Membership

7. Election of Officers

8. Duties of the National Executive

9. Meetings and Voting

10. Common Seal

11. Resolving, Complaints and Disputes

12. Minutes

13. Voting

14. Postal and Electronic Ballots

15. Proxies

16. Use of Technology

17. Minutes of National Executive meetings

18. Register of Information held

19. Alteration of the Rules

20. Dissolution of Association

21. Policies

22. Registered Office

23. Definitions

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1. Name

The name of the Association is “Celebrants’ Association of New Zealand Incorporated”.

2. Objects and Purposes

2.1 The Association is required to operate within the scope of its objects and purposes. In giving effect to these objects and purposes, the Association shall encourage policies and practices that reflect New Zealand’s cultural diversity and shall, in particular, have due regard to the provisions, spirit and intent of the Treaty of Waitangi.

2.2 The objects and purposes of the Association are:

a. To foster celebrancy and to support celebrants in carrying out their duties competently, professionally and ethically.

b. To maintain high standards among celebrants including ethical standards and standards of cultural respect and sensitivity.

c. To encourage co-operation and the exchange of experiences and ideas among Members.

d. To provide advice and information to support Members in the effective performance of their duties.

e. To facilitate educational opportunities and to encourage the continuing professional development of Members.

f. To promote public awareness of the roles and functions of celebrants.

g. To act as an advocate for celebrants with Government and other organisations and agencies.

h. To do all such other lawful things that are necessary or helpful to the achievement of the above objects and purposes.

i. Pecuniary gain is not an object or purpose of the Association.

3. Powers

3.1 In addition to all other powers vested in the Association by these rules or by law, the Association shall have and may exercise (either alone or with any other organisation, body, person or persons) the following powers:

a. By all lawful means, to trade, make profits and/or losses, collect funds and raise money.

b. To construct, maintain, improve, alter, enlarge, pull down, demolish, remove, replace, manage, acquire, hold, gift, sell, bail, exchange, license, lease, mortgage and otherwise encumber, exhaust, use and/or exploit any and all forms or real or intangible property.

c. To establish, undertake and execute any trusts.

d. To lend, borrow, gift, invest or otherwise deal with any form of money, security or asset.

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e. To write down or write off any debt to the extent it may be considered irrecoverable.

f. To communicate, discuss and represent to any government, regulatory authority, organisation, individual or other body information, matters of concern or interest to members generally.

g. To join with in any capacity such other organisation, body or persons and to incorporate companies, to enter partnerships and joint ventures if to do so is not inconsistent with the Association’s objects and purposes.

h. To delegate.

i. To the extent permitted by law, to indemnify including to obtain insurance cover for its officers and others.

j. To establish, maintain, control, manage and dissolve Branches of the Association and to determine and modify the rules, rights, privileges, obligations and duties of any such Branch.

k. Without limiting the foregoing, to do such things, incur such costs and complete such documents as may in the opinion of the National Executive be conducive to the performance of the Association’s objects and purposes.

3.2 None of the powers of the Association shall be deemed subsidiary or ancillary to any other power or authority and the Association shall be entitled to exercise all or any of the powers independently of any other or other of them. In the event of any ambiguity, this provision shall be construed so as to widen and not restrict the powers of the Association.

3.3 The National Executive may exercise all the powers of the Association except those powers that these Rules or the Incorporated Societies Act require to be exercised by general meetings of the Members.

3.4 The National Executive may delegate to a member of the National Executive, a subcommittee or staff, any of its powers and functions other than—

a. This power of delegation or,

b. A duty imposed on the National Executive by the Incorporated Societies Act or any other law.

3.5 The delegation must be in writing and may be subject to the conditions and limitations the National Executive considers appropriate. The National Executive may, in writing, revoke a delegation wholly or in part.

4. The Control and Investment of the Association’s Funds

4.1 The Association must keep true and fair accounts.

4.2 The National Executive is responsible for keeping proper accounting records of the Association’s financial transactions to allow the Association’s financial position to be readily ascertained.

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4.3 Annual financial statements for presentation at each Annual General Meeting will be prepared in accordance with the Association’s accounting policies.

4.4 The income and property of the Association shall be applied solely towards the promotion of the objects and purposes of the Association.

4.5 The National Executive may use the funds of the Association as it considers necessary, expedient or proper in payment of the costs and expenses in furthering or carrying out the objects and purposes of the Association including the employment of solicitors, auditors, officers, agents, consultants and employees or others authorised to perform the functions delegated by the National Executive.

4.6 The Association may invest and deal with funds of the Association not immediately required in such a manner as decided by the National Executive.

5. Prohibition of Pecuniary Gain

5.1 While the Association may trade and make profits, in no event will the Association operate for the pecuniary gain of any of its members. In no event will any member:

a. Have an exclusive or otherwise disposable right to any property held by the Association.

b. Be entitled to share in the revenue generated by any of the Association’s activities irrespective of the contribution to the generation of that revenue by the member.

c. Be entitled to receive any gain, dividend, distribution, a share of any profits or any other financial benefit howsoever generated by the Association.

5.2 It shall not contravene the prohibition on pecuniary gain if a member receives:

a. Remuneration for services provided to the Association in the ordinary course of that member’s employment or retention by the Association.

b. Payment for services provided to the Association by a member in the ordinary course of their occupation or the occupation of a business in which the member is retained.

c. Reimbursement of costs incurred by that member in performing service on behalf of the Association.

d. Pecuniary gain to which the member would be equally entitled if not a member of the Association, having entered into a transaction with the Association on arm’s length term.

e. Prizes other than financial prizes in competitions run by the Association for members

f. Pecuniary gain permitted by law and accepted by the National Executive in its sole discretion as appropriate.

6. Membership

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6.1 The membership of the Association shall consist of various categories as determined by the National Executive from time to time. The National Executive will set the eligibility criteria for each category of membership

6.2 The National Executive will from time to time set the Association’s membership fees for each membership category.

6.3 Any person who satisfies the criteria for one of the membership categories determined by the National Executive is eligible for membership and may become a member if they:

a. Complete the relevant application form, supply all requisite details and information and make any declarations, or gives any undertakings, that may be required by the National Executive from time to time (including, but not limited to, undertakings as to compliance with the Rules and any Code of Conduct or Code of Ethics) and,

b. Pay the appropriate membership fee.

6.4 The Association shall keep an electronic register of members, containing full name and address of the Member and any other information as required by the National Executive from time to time

6.5 No information may be provided to a third party without the approval of the member.

1. The membership of a member ceases on resignation or expulsion. 2. A member is taken to have resigned if

a. The member’s written resignation is received by the Association or,

b. The member's annual subscription is more than 1 month in arrears or

c. Where no annual subscription is payable a written request to the member to confirm that they wish to remain a member has not been responded to within 1 month after the request has been sent

3. A member may be expelled from the Association if the member:

a. Does not provide the requisite details, information, declarations or undertakings set out in the application form or,

b. No longer fulfils the eligibility criteria for a category of membership.

7. Election of Officers

7.1 The National Executive may consist of up to seven persons who, being members of the Association, shall be elected as National Executive members by the members of the Association in accordance with these Rules as follows:

a. Notifications calling for nominations to vacant National Executive positions are to be sent to all members at least forty-two days prior to the Annual General Meeting.

b. All nominations must be in the hands of the Secretariat thirty-five days prior to the Annual General Meeting

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c. A proposer and seconder must sign the nominations. The nominee must also agree in writing to accept nomination. Proposer, seconder and nominee must all be members of the Association.

d. Any nominee must be a member of the Association who has been a member of the Association for at least two consecutive years.

e. The term of appointment will be 3 years, with the term taking effect from the day after the Annual General Meeting.

f. In the event the nominations received do not exceed the number of vacancies, the President may declare that nominees duly elected without the need for a ballot of any kind.

g. Voting forms, whether paper or electronic, shall be forwarded to all members no later than thirty days prior to the Annual General Meeting.

h. Voting must be concluded at least fifteen days before the Annual General Meeting.

i. The National Executive who have been duly elected will be announced via e-mail or other communication means to the membership as a whole, ten days before the Annual General Meeting.

j. The National Executive may appoint scrutineers to determine the result of the election.

k. In the event of a tied vote, the National Executive will decide a method for determining how to select between the nominees.

7.2 The National Executive may co-opt from time to time additional National Executive members with or without full voting rights. Their term of office shall expire at the next Annual General Meeting following their appointment unless the National Executive earlier rescinds their appointment. A person may be co-opted because they bring particular aptitude to the National Executive and such person(s) may or may not be a current Member.

7.3 A meeting of the newly-elected National Executive shall be convened upon the declaration of the result of the National Executive election, to appoint a National Executive member as President of the Association. The appointment of a National Executive member to be President shall be by consensus or a simple majority vote of the National Executive. The National Executive member proposed as President may participate in any such vote.

7.4 Such meeting may be held in person, or by conference telephone call, video-conferencing, email or such other technology as the National Executive may determine is appropriate.

7.5 The position of President will be announced at the Annual General Meeting.

7.6 Should a position become vacant through death, resignation or for any other reason the National Executive may appoint a suitable replacement from the membership to act in that office until the next regular election of that National Executive member would occur.

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7.7 A National Executive member may resign from the National Executive by written notice.

7.8 A person ceases to be a National Executive member if he or she fails to attend 3 consecutive National Executive meetings without a leave of absence from the Chair or ceases to practice as a celebrant.

7.9 A National Executive member may be removed from office by the President by reason of:

a. Inability to perform the requirements of the position,

b. Neglect of duty,

c. Misconduct,

d. Bankruptcy.

8. Duties of the National Executive

8.1 As soon as practicable after being elected or appointed to the National Executive, each member must become familiar with these Rules and the Incorporated Societies Act.

8.2 The National Executive is collectively responsible for ensuring that the Association complies with the Incorporated Societies Act and that individual members of the National Executive comply with these Rules.

8.3 National Executive members must exercise their powers and discharge their duties:

a. In good faith in the best interests of the Association;

b. For a proper purpose;

c. With care and diligence; and

d. To avoid and declare any potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

8.4 A National Executive member who has a material personal interest in a matter being considered at a National Executive meeting must disclose the nature and extent of that interest to the National Executive.

8.5 If the President determines that the National Executive member has a material conflict, the National Executive member:

a. Must not be present while the matter is being considered at the meeting; and

b. Must not vote on the matter.

c. If there are insufficient National Executive members to form a quorum after all National Executive members who have a material personal interest are disqualified from voting on a matter, a general meeting may be called to deal with the matter.

8.6 This rule does not apply to a material personal interest:

a. That exists only because the National Executive member belongs to a class of persons for whose benefit the Association is established or,

b. That the National Executive member has in common with all, or a substantial proportion of, the Members of the Association.

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8.7 National Executive members and former National Executive members must not make improper use of:

a. Their position,

b. Information acquired by virtue of holding their position so as to gain an advantage for themselves or any other person or to cause detriment to the Association.

8.8 The business of the Association must be managed by or under the direction of the National Executive.

8.9 The National Executive may:

a. Appoint and remove the President/Secretariat.

b. Establish subcommittees consisting of members and non-members with terms of reference it considers appropriate.

c. Approve (and from time to time amend) a Code of Conduct and a Code of Ethics which will be binding on all members once notice is given to members of them. Such codes may be published on the Association’s website.

9. Meetings and Voting

9.1 A meeting is either an Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting.

9.2 Members shall be given at least 21 days’ notice of any general meeting.

9.3 The Association may give the notice of meeting to its members;

a. By sending it by post to the address of the member in the register of members; or

b. By sending it to the electronic mail address nominated by the member.

9.4 The notice of meeting must:

a. Set out the place, date and time for the meeting (and, if the meeting is to be held in two or more places, the technology that will be used to facilitate this); and

b. State the business of the meeting; and

c. State that members have the right to appoint a proxy; and

d. State that the business of the meeting will be restricted to those items of which due notice has been given unless approval is given by the President.

9.5 The Annual General Meeting shall be held once every year no later than five months after the Association’s balance date.

9.6 The National Executive shall determine when and where the Annual General Meeting will be held.

9.7 At each Annual General Meeting the National Executive shall present a report covering the previous year’s work and other matters pertaining to the welfare of the Association and the Association’s year-end financial statements.

9.8 Other business, including general business, may also be undertaken.

9.9 The National Executive may call Special General Meetings.

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9.10 The National Executive must call a Special General Meeting if the President receives a written request signed by at least 20% of the Members.

9.11 A request for a special general meeting must—

a. Be in writing; and

b. State the business to be considered at the meeting and any resolutions to be proposed; and

c. Include the names and signatures of the members requesting the meeting; and

d. Be given in writing to the National Executive.

9.12 If the National Executive does not convene a special general meeting within one month after the date on which the request is received by the National Executive,

a. The members making the request (or any of them) may convene the special general meeting.

b. The Association must reimburse all reasonable expenses incurred by the Members convening the special general meeting.

9.13 A Special General Meeting convened by members must be held within 3 months after the date on which the original request was received may only consider the business stated in that request.

9.14 No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business.

a. A quorum shall be at least 10% of Members (present in person or by use of appropriate technology). In the case of any dispute as to whether the requisite numbers of Members are present, the decision of the President of the meeting will be final.

9.15 No business shall be transacted at any National Executive meeting unless a quorum is present.

a. The quorum for any meeting of the National Executive shall be three.

10. Common Seal

10.1 The Association shall have a common seal, which shall be kept at the registered office, and shall only be affixed to documents in the presence of the President, or in the presence of two members of the National Executive or one member of the National Executive and the President, or other person duly appointed by the National Executive for such purpose.

10.2 In the event that the Association is no longer required, under the Incorporated Societies Act, to have a common seal, contracts will be executed by an approved National Executive policy.

11. Resolving Complaints and Disputes

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11.1 Any person may lodge a complaint with the Association concerning a Member. Every complaint shall be in writing and supported by any statutory declaration or additional information the Association may require. Complaints regarding Members must be received by the Association within 90 days of the date of the ceremony.

11.2 When a Member lays a complaint with the Association against any other Member, the complainant Member shall agree that it will accept the decision of the National Executive in full and final settlement of the subject matter of the complaint.

11.3 In the absence of a written complaint, the National Executive may of its own volition initiate action and follow the procedure as for a written complaint.

11.4 When a Member lays a complaint with the Association against any other Member, the complainant Member shall be responsible for the payment of any reasonable legal costs incurred by the National Executive and by the Member complained against in the event that the complaint is held to be invalid. The complainant Member must be given prior written notice by the Association that a legal opinion is to be sought.

11.5 The National Executive shall only consider (or continue to consider) a complaint made or referred to it, if it is satisfied that:

a. The matter cannot be resolved informally;

b. It is not more appropriate that the complaint be dealt with by a court, or by another independent or statutory complaints or conciliation procedure, or by mediation or arbitration;

c. Except where relevant new evidence is available, the subject matter of the complaint was not included in a complaint by the same complainant; or by any one or more of them, previously considered by the Association;

d. The subject matter of the complaint made to the Association, has not been, or is not, the subject of proceedings in or before any court, tribunal, mediator, arbitrator, ombudsman, or any other body involved in complaints or disputes resolution;

e. The subject matter is not a fee dispute;

f. Consideration of the dispute would not cause the Association to infringe trade practices legislation or any other legislation.

11.6 On receipt of a complaint, the Association shall, unless the complaint is frivolous, vexatious, and/or of insufficient nature to warrant being referred to the Member and is able to be resolved without being so referred:

a. Send to the Member concerned copies of the complaint;

b. Any supporting statutory declaration;

c. Any supporting additional information;

d. Require the Member within 14 days to respond in writing to all matters raised in the complaint and any other matters required by the Association or to appear before the National Executive.

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11.7 If the National Executive is of a unanimous opinion, they can immediately suspend the Member pending the outcome of an investigation, if this course of action is in the best interests of the Association.

11.8 The National Executive shall investigate the complaint and make a decision in camera. The National Executive shall take into account what is reasonable in the circumstances with regard to:

a. The principles of good celebrancy practice.

b. The Association’s Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.

c. Any applicable rule, law or relevant judicial authority.

11.9 In defining what is fair and reasonable, the National Executive may consider:

a. The way in which the Member dealt with the complaint, before and after the complaint arose.

b. The manner in which the complainant approached the Member before and after the complaint arose.

c. Any other matters the National Executive considers relevant.

11.10 The National Executive shall adopt one or more of the following courses of action:

a. Decide that no further action be taken.

b. Refer the complaint to a Disciplinary Committee.

c. Informally admonish the Member, whether or not they have breached the Rules, the Code of Ethics or the Code of Conduct.

d. Order the Member to do one or more of the following:

i. Provide an apology to the family or individual involved; ii. Refund or waive all or part of the Member’s celebrancy fee;

iii. Make an ex gratia payment to the family or individual involved. iv. Provide an additional level of reporting or supervision for a specified period. v. Suspend the Member status as a Member of the Association until specified

improvements or training has been completed, if the conduct of the Member firm is in the National Executive’s opinion contrary to the aims and objectives of the Association, or is in contravention of the Code of Ethics or Code of Professional Conduct.

vi. Expel the Member in accordance with these Rules.

11.11 For the purposes of any investigation, the National Executive may:

a. Make, or employ any person to make, such preliminary inquiries as the National Executive considers necessary; and

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b. Require any Member to whom the investigation relates to provide the National Executive or any person so employed within 14 days or such longer period of time as the National Executive thinks fit any documents, things or information that are in the possession or under the control of that Member and relate to the subject matter of the investigation; and

c. Take copies of any documents that are provided to the National Executive; and

d. Require the Member at the Member’s own cost to attend before the National Executive on at least 14 days’ notice to confer regarding the complaint; and

e. Request the complainant at the complainant’s own cost to attend before the National Executive on at least 14 days’ notice to confer regarding the complaint.

11.12 The National Executive shall relay its decision to the Member and to the complainant by ordinary post or electronic mail within 14 days of the decision, and where the National Executive has resolved to suspend the Member, a copy of that resolution must be mailed to all Members by ordinary post or electronic mail within 14 days of the date of such resolution.

11.13 From the fourteenth day after the decision to suspend, the Member concerned shall not be permitted to display before the public the letters Celebrants Association of New Zealand or otherwise indicate that it is a Member of the Association, but it will be entitled to receive all notices, circulars and news sheets emanating from the President’s office.

11.14 Upon the National Executive receiving satisfactory evidence that the suspended Member has remedied the complaint which brought about the suspension, then by further resolution of the National Executive (either at a full meeting or by postal or electronic vote) the suspension shall be lifted thereby restoring the suspended Member to full forthwith. This Member shall be notified of the resolution lifting the suspension.

11.15 If the suspension has not been lifted within four months of the date of the suspension or re- confirmation of suspension, the National Executive must convene a meeting and invite the Member to be present. At this meeting, having given the Member further opportunity to make submissions the National Executive may by resolution:

a. Lift the suspension and reinstate the Member to its previous status; or

b. Reconfirm the Members suspension for a further period; or

c. Give notice that at its next meeting it will pass a resolution to expel the suspended Member in accordance with these Rules.

11.16 Subsequent to a National Executive meeting at which the National Executive reconfirms a suspension, the suspended Member firm may by notice in writing appeal against the suspension, and such appeal shall be heard and dealt with at the next Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting of the Association, when the decision of the National Executive shall be supported or defeated by a simple majority.

11.17 Adjourning Meetings

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a. The President may, with the consent of any meeting at which a quorum is present (and must, if so, directed by the meeting) adjourn the meeting but only business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place may be transacted at the adjourned meeting.

b. If a meeting is adjourned for 21 days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given as in the case of an original meeting.

11.18 Chair at Meetings

a. The Chair for the purposes of any general meeting of the Association shall be the President.

b. If at any general meeting the President is not present within 15 minutes after the appointed meeting time, the Members present will choose a Member from their number to be the chairperson.

11.19 Equality of Votes

a. In the case of an equality of votes, the President of the meeting shall not be entitled to have a second or casting vote. The resolution put to the vote shall be deemed lost.

12. Minutes

12.1 All minutes of general meetings shall be kept at the registered office of the Association or by electronic means, as determined from time to time by the National Executive.

13. Voting

13.1 At any general meeting, a resolution put to the vote of the meeting must be decided on a show of hands unless any Member demands a poll. Such demand must be made before or immediately on the declaration of the result of the show of hands.

13.2 If a resolution is to be voted on by show of hands, each Member present or represented by proxy shall have one vote.

13.3 Unless a poll is demanded in accordance with these Rules a declaration by the President that a resolution has on a show of hands been carried unanimously or by majority, or lost.

13.4 An entry to that effect in the minutes of the Association is conclusive evidence of the fact provided that the chairperson’s declaration reflects either the show of hands or the votes received.

13.5 If a poll is demanded in accordance with these Rules it must be taken either:

a. At once;

b. After an interval or adjournment not exceeding one hour; or

c. Otherwise as the President directs.

13.6 The result of the poll is the resolution of the meeting at which the poll was demanded.

13.7 A poll demanded on a question of adjournment must be taken immediately.

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13.8 On a poll, a Member holding more than one vote need not exercise all votes in the same way.

13.9 A demand for a poll may be withdrawn.

14. Postal and Electronic Ballots

14.1 Any resolution of Members able to be passed at a general meeting may instead be passed by postal or electronic ballot (a ballot) conducted in accordance with these Rules.

14.2 The National Executive may determine that any resolution be put to Members by way of ballot and, if so, the National Executive is to be responsible for conducting the ballot, for supervising the conduct of each ballot and for determining whether the votes have been properly cast.

14.3 The ballot paper for, and other papers relating to, any ballot is to be in the form determined by the National Executive, but in each case must:

a. Specify the resolution proposed to be put for the consideration of Members,

b. Include an explanatory memorandum, setting out the general effect of the resolution, and

c. State the time and date on which the ballot is to close.

14.4 On any ballot, voting shall be deemed a poll. The National Executive shall ensure that Members are advised of the result of the ballot within 48 hours of the counting of the votes in any ballot. The result of any ballot shall be as effective and binding on Members as a resolution at a meeting.

15. Proxies

15.1 A Member may appoint another Member to be their proxy to vote and speak on their behalf at any general meeting.

15.2 The appointment of a proxy must be in writing and signed by the Member making the appointment.

15.3 The Member appointing the proxy may give specific directions as to how the proxy is to vote on their behalf, otherwise the proxy holder may vote on behalf of the Member in any matter as they see fit.

15.4 If the National Executive has approved a form for the appointment of a proxy, the Member must use that form but if not, the Member may use any other form that clearly identifies the person appointed as the Member's proxy and the Member has signed that.

15.5 A form appointing a proxy sent in writing is of no effect unless the Association receives it no later than 24 hours before the commencement of the meeting.

15.6 No Member shall hold more than two proxies.

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16. Use of Technology

16.1 A National Executive member who is not physically present at a National Executive meeting may participate in the meeting by the use of technology that allows that National Executive member and the National Executive members present at the meeting to clearly and simultaneously communicate with each other.

16.2 A National Executive member participating in a National Executive meeting is taken to be present at the meeting and, if the National Executive member votes at the meeting, is taken to have voted in person.

17. Minutes of National Executive meetings

17.1 The National Executive must ensure that minutes are taken and kept of each National Executive meeting.

17.2 The minutes must record the following—

a. The names of the National Executive members in attendance at the meeting;

b. The business considered at the meeting;

c. Any resolution on which a vote is taken and the result of the vote;

d. Any material personal interest disclosed by a National Executive member.

18. Register of Information held

18.1 The National Executive from time to time will approve the collection of information from Members that is pertinent and relevant to assisting the membership. Staff, National Executive and Members who have access to this information in the course of performing their duties, will treat this information as confidential information of a sensitive nature.

19. Alteration of the Rules

19.1 These Rules may only be altered by a Special Resolution.

20. Dissolution of Association

20.1 The Association shall not be dissolved except by special resolution passed in accordance with the provisions of section 24 of the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 and if upon winding up or dissolution of the Association there remains, after the satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, any property whatsoever, the same shall not be paid to or distributed among the Members, but shall be given or transferred to such other organisations, having objects similar to the objects of the Association, as may be decided at or before the time of dissolution by the Members.

21. Policies

21.1 The Association may create policies governing any matter that is not expressly addressed in these rules or required to be addressed by the law governing incorporated societies

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21.2 The National Executive has the power to create, amend, delete, replace or otherwise alter Association policies at any time.

21.3 The creation, amendment, deletion, replacement or other alteration of a policy is not an amendment to these rules

21.4 All Members agree to abide by the policies set by the National Executive

22. Registered Office

22.1 The registered office of the Association shall be situated at such place as shall be decided by the National Executive and notified to Members and the Registrar of Incorporated Societies from time to time.

1. Definitions

23.1 Act or Incorporated Societies Act means the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 or any replacement legislation.

23.2 Association means the Celebrants Association of New Zealand Incorporated.

23.3 Branch means any group of Members formally established by the Association

23.4 Celebrant means a person who conducts ceremonies.

23.5 Chair means the person in the role of chair of a meeting of the Association.

23.6 Code of Ethics means the Code of Ethics as adopted by the National Executive.

23.7 Code of Conduct means the Code of Conduct as adopted by the National Executive.

23.8 Member means a member of the Association.

23.9 Meeting means the Annual General Meeting or a Special General Meeting

23.10 National Executive means the National Executive of the Association for the time being as appointed in accordance with the rules of the Association.

23.11 Office means the registered office of the Association.

23.12 Register of Members means the Register of Members maintained by the Association in accordance with the Rules.

23.13 Special Resolution means a resolution that requires not less than three quarters (75%) of the Members voting at a general meeting, whether in person or by proxy, to vote in favour of the resolution.

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Performance Report

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Accountants report on the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019

The Association incurred a deficit for the year of $83,298.

The main reason for the deficit was the cost of contracting the services of an Executive Officer to

assist with the ongoing development of CANZ. It was expected that the costs associated with this

new position would be funded through increased revenues.

While the Association benefited from the appointment, it became apparent that revenue was not

going to increase sufficiently to cover costs. Once the Executive became aware of the situation

steps were taken to terminate the contract.

There were also unanticipated cost increases ($10,234 more than last year) relating to maintenance

of the “old” website – the Executive has changed providers.

Another increased cost in the 2019 year was the $22,264 amortisation (or depreciation) of the

website. This is a non-cash expense to allow for the estimated reduction in value of this asset

during the year.

Although the deficit reduced the Association’s cash reserves, CANZ is still in a sound financial

position.

John Sexton FCA

Sexton Business Builders Limited

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Reviewer’s Report

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Presentation of Report from Registrar-General Jeff Montgomery At last year’s CANZ conference in New Plymouth, the Registrar-General Jeff Montgomery announced he intended to review the appointment and renewal process for celebrants, celebrant numbers, and related areas within the Registrar-General’s current statutory powers and delegations. He considered that a review is timely given all the changes that have taken place around marriages in the past couple of years, and that some celebrants had raised concerns about the current process.

Jeff will provide an update on the progress of the review, and in particular will speak to the findings of the Independent Celebrant survey completed during December and January, and what possible changes he is considering.

All independent celebrants were surveyed and the survey link was also available via newsletters. 1707 celebrants responded, and there were more than 12,000 comments that the Registrar-General’s team has been reviewing and analysing. Jeff will do a short presentation on what has come out of the review so far, and then move into questions and discussions about the issues raised in the survey and possible changes that he is considering.

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Branch Reports

Southern

Chair’s Report

APM 8 April 2020

Good evening all. Thank you so much for joining us tonight. It is great to see that southern are trailblazing our way to hold our APM.

We are the first to trial this form of communication for CANZ, so if you have any feedback, can you please email me to let me know any issues / feedback / brickbats / bouquets.

This time last year, when I was voted on as Chair, little did I realise what was in store for the coming months.

At last year’s APM we had David Moger from FDANZ speaking to us with regards to our organisation using their systems and people for our daily work. Since then, things have changed and Dianne Troup of CANZ who has joined this meeting may have some more things to say regarding this shortly.

Moving forward, we arranged a workshop in Queenstown in July and Pinky Agnew was our speaker and facilitator. For those of you that have been lucky enough to hear Pinky speak, you know how she delivers with warmth, humour and wit. Pinky also willingly shared with us her questions she ask couples (for weddings), or families (for funerals). We all came out learning more about ourselves and our ceremonies.

This is the second time I have been lucky enough to attend one of Pinky’s workshops and she doesn’t fail to deliver.

We had hoped to bring a visit to the Marae in Dunedin this past year, however due to timing, we were not able to do this, and it is something we are looking at doing in the future. It is still on our radar, but like all good things, it takes time. We have to be aware of our busy times, both for celebrancy and also family lives.

This year has been one of challenges, least of all what we are going through now with Covid19. At the moment we are all living our new normal. This also involves many challenges to us, having family home all day, getting on top of one another. One thing I am doing, is making a real coffee and taking the time with my husband to sit down and enjoy it like we are in a café (including the baking). This is so that we are doing something different at home. Everyone has their way of coping – I hope you all have yours.

It has been a challenge to many to try and re-arrange their weddings. Please be aware of any communication that comes through from CANZ, they are our official source of information.

I would ask, those that are on the CANZ chat page (Facebook), that you remember the guidelines and that if you wouldn’t say something to someone’s face, then don’t say it on Facebook. Let’s keep the communication for growth and positivity.

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Take care everyone and we’ll see you at the next workshop (this could yet be online).

Top of the South

Chair’s Report

Branch Chair Report 2019/2020 Jenni Bancroft Top of the South Branch

This has been another year full of change, challenges and celebrations and as celebrants we adapt and greet each new situation with a calm and collaborative approach.

Currently in lockdown due to Covid19, life for many is uncertain, financially and personally testing. For our couples and families this can be a hugely difficult time for all the obvious reasons. Just another set of circumstances where celebrants are called on for their kind, calm and professional approach.

Statistically our numbers are down on last year. Our branch has gone from 53 to 45 this year, with the number of independent celebrants registered across Top of the South and the West Coast standing at 164. This has increased from last year which stood at 113.

The National Executive team are constantly trying to evolve the organisation to meet the needs of not only the celebrant membership, but the community we serve. There has been a new website this year, a consultation questionnaire, more Virtual Assistants to look after administration and events, and now of course the introduction of online meetings and training. There are many positive outcomes from their hard work on our behalf.

BDM sent out a questionnaire to all independent celebrants – the first consultation with celebrants they have ever undertaken to my knowledge. I do hope you all took the time to respond to this fully. We are all looking forward hearing the outcome and seeing what change may come from this.

This year at branch level we have had two professional development workshops but no other real social gatherings. The lack of social gatherings is due in part to the very small committee, but also to the seeming lack of interest of our membership to respond or join social activities. It appears that it is the same people who respond and attend each time. I hope that with a new Chairperson and committee in 2020, people may feel inspired to contribute and participate!

At the 2019 APM our guest speaker was David Moger, who was at the time the CANZ CEO as a result of the pilot management relationship between FDANZ AND CANZ. The educational opportunity that day was provided by Alison Locke who delivered a very useful workshop on Self Reflection. Alison’s session was very well received by those present.

In October we ran our second workshop for the year. Pinky Agnew, a hugely experienced celebrant, came from Wellington to deliver a workshop on Creative Writing. It was very much enjoyed and well attended by our membership. One of the highlights of the day was that six non CANZ members attended. One of the benefits of having a national administration team is that they can share the learning or professional development opportunities with all registered celebrants in the area.

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In closing, I would like to say thank you to those of you who have supported and engaged with the emails sent, the workshops, communications and social occasions during my tenure over the last few years as Chair. Special thanks to Denise Hutchins for hanging in as secretary and providing wise counsel and efficiency during this time. Also, to our Executive team support – Marg Palmer and Jann Hook, thanks for your support and patience.

I wish the incoming Chair and committee all the very best for the next year. And to all our wonderful Top of the South celebrant community - take care of yourselves, your whanau and your community.

Go well

Wellington / Wairarapa

Chair’s Report

It is with pleasure that I write this report on behalf of the Wellington Branch committee. Currently we have 124 members in the overall region, a slight increase over the past year. Wellington has 75 members, Wairarapa has 13 members, and Manawatu has 36 members.

We currently run the Branch via a regional committee with Wairarapa and Manawatu organising events locally, as per their reports.

The current Branch Committee is:

Toni Christie, Treasurer; Julie Stewart, Manawatu Liaison; Rachel Clarke, Wairarapa Liaison; Janetta Mandeno, Almoner; Joy Harvey, Events; Astarte; Winnie Duggan.

Rachel Clarke is also our National Executive Liaison, it’s been great to have her support throughout the year, thanks Rachel, especially around developing our ability to respond to DIA Registry weddings through several workshops!!

We have a shared Chair role.

Kesh Gilmour has also joined National Exec at the last conference in Taranaki, and is involved in supporting the Taranaki Branch.

Thank you to all for your efforts, it has been great to have you on the committee, and we hope that everyone can continue and maybe be joined by some new committee members.

Branch Activities:

We have met at Childspace at Johnsonville for workshops, and have aimed to hold social gatherings around the region in between the workshops.

March 10th 2019: APM, with David Moger, then CEO of CANZ/FDANZ as a guest speaker, followed by a Creative Writing for Celebrants workshop offered by Winnie Duggan. This was a fun afternoon with a lot of laughs as we created images based on tactile items like shells, red felt perfumed hearts, green cars and more! Some amazing poems that emerged as people got into their creative space! All who attended were grateful to Winnie for the inspirations that arose from the structured process engaged with through the workshop.

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June 14th 2019: pizza night at Kesh’s, a great opportunity to chat and connect with our fellow celebrants- thanks Kesh for your great hospitality!

July 14th 2019: Social Media with Jenn Quinn – a fabulous afternoon getting to grips with the ins and outs of social media, what to know and look out for and how to use it to advantage for your business- a wonderful, energetic afternoon- Jenn is great!

September 1st, 2019: Marketing, Promotions and Social Media Workshop- Part 2. Jenn Quinn again presented an excellent workshop, this time on marketing promotion plans for our business, including using Social Media with some FB and Insta tips and hints. A really valuable time spent with Jenn!

November 10th 2019: Cultural Ceremonies and Ritual- an amazing afternoon with the Imam and Leila Adams from Kilbirnie Mosque, hearing about their experiences of being Muslim in New Zealand and their realities of March 15th in Christchurch, and the ongoing impact of that. Also, we were privileged to hear about their rituals throughout life and how these uphold their beliefs and strength during such tragedy. We followed the afternoon with drinks and nibbles at the 1841, a good chance to relax and chat before the year-end got too busy with weddings!

Communication with Branch Members

By email largely, and occasional phone calls. Kesh has established a local Facebook page: CANZ Wellington, Wairarapa, Manawatu Region. Join the page! It’s a great place to advertise local events and communicate any last-minute notices about events.

Goals for the Year ahead

• Ongoing: Increased engagement with members who have yet to make local contact and encouraging new members to attend workshops and social events.

• Support for the CANZ Conference in May in Lower Hutt! Looking forward to a large local turnout and support for on the ground tasks over the weekend.

• events to be decided by members at the APM.

Recommendations for change

Due to the difficulty of communicating with a geographically spread committee, our suggestion is that each area have its own sub-branch committee or whatever is needed, and all members can go to all events. We therefore need more members from within the local Wellington area to join the committee! Please consider joining the team and making the year ahead really valuable for our members.

Thanks to everyone who has been involved over the past year in the Conference committee planning as well, it is a big commitment – particularly for Clare Ladd and Helen Chesterman, who took on the co-ordinating roles and have led us through a number of meetings and liaising with National Office and Executive. We are all looking forward to the opportunity to have conference in our region and the chance for networking and learning that it provides. It does of course, also have an impact on the local Branch activities, and so we have chosen to organise only one more event this year- on Sunday 20th September, 2020. Put it in your diary, and if you have any ideas for what you would like to do that day, please let us know!

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Personally, I would like to thank the committee for their support during the year and the energy that has gone into keeping things happening for our members, all on a volunteer basis! The numbers who attend events attests to the interest and need for these.

Nga mihi mahana,

Winnie Duggan for the Wellington part of the committee.

Report from Wairarapa Sub Branch 2020

I moved to Featherston in May 2019 and have since held two small informal gatherings across 2019. One at my home attended by three people and one at a café/bar attended by three people. I have broached the idea of a Wairarapa workshop but this is currently on hold until after the CANZ conference in May. It would be good to have a regular Wairarapa meeting although there is a handful of members that go to the Palmerston North meetings on a regular basis.

Nā, Rachel Clarke.

Report from Manawatu Sub Branch 2019

2019 February I took over the guidance of the Manawatu Branch

Our Calendar of events for the year offered a variety of professional development and social gatherings which were well supported by a group of enthusiastic celebrants who travelled distances to join us in Palmerston North. Our little group draws its numbers from as far away as Hunterville, Marton, Kimbolton, Dannevirke, Eketahuna, Featherston, Masterton and along with the Palmerston North celebrants, we are a wonderful eclectic group of men and women with skills and talents to share and enjoy.

Our years events included; in April Poetry/ quotes/readings - sourcing good material for ceremonies. The power of a poignant quote - the importance of a well-placed reading - finding words that articulate what we sometimes cannot.

People brought their favourite readings and shared a brief narrative round them and then read it to the group. I collated all the resources and shared then among those who attended. A really enjoyable evening with some poignant and promising readings.

In June the Palmerston North group organised and hosted the Wellington /Manawatu/Wairarapa Regional event. We were immensely grateful to Vicky Ellison for her engaging and informative session around Matariki and Vanessa Taylor’s creative writing session. Everyone had a great afternoon and it was well supported for a Sunday event.

August our theme -Writing our own story: we write others, have we written our own? Joce Goodman - a volunteer biographer at Arohanui Hospice enlightened us on the merits of writing life stories for hospice clients. I concluded the evening with practical tips on how to begin to write and record your own story. Joce’s talk was well-received.

October: Blessings/Homes – Rooms – Spaces. Hosted by Vanessa Taylor at her home in Hewitts Road. Vanessa shared her experience of blessing her home after she and husband brought the old homestead on the outskirts of Palmerston North and use it as a B&B. Vanessa also explained how she incorporates the practise of smudging to continually bless and cleanse her home. Great input from many of those present. To conclude the evening, I

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got everyone to write a blessing and they were passed anonymously to those present and we all received a beautiful blessing as we headed home. This event will be repeated this year again, due to the discussion it generated.

December saw us close the year with an event hosted at my place. Appreciated the lovely turn out, great food and chat. We took time to reflect on the year gone and the year ahead. Some positive feedback about 2019 events and potential events for 2020.

There continues to be good heart and spirit in our local group, and I take this opportunity to thank them all again for their wonderful support, encouragement and participation. I love that they uphold the ethos of our CANZ by gathering together to share, to learn and connect, and they do it so well. Thank you everyone.

Our branch over 2019 has demonstrated strong support for VCAZ with about 10 of us now VCANZ accredited.

Our event calendar for 2020 offers 5 occasions for getting together including an education day in June and in October we have secured Winnie Duggan for the evening to share on the topic of supervision - how we can look after ourselves in our celebrant roles - not to be missed.

Remember, celebrants from the wider region are always welcome to join us in Palmerston North.

noho ora mai

Julie Stewart

Northland

Chair’s Report

Northland Branch APM report 8th March 2020

Northland Comes of Age

On 8 March 2020, a group of Northland celebrants took the exciting step of forming the first ever CANZ Northland branch and committee.

It had taken two years to reach this point. Back in March 2018, the CANZ Executive asked celebrants for suggestions on ways to improve and grow their skills and experience. Member at large and Northland celebrant, Sue Halliwell, responded with a request for Northland celebrants to be helped to strengthen collegiality in their region and given their own opportunities for professional development. With busy lives, and with Northland stretching a considerable distance from tail to tip, many of its celebrants found getting to Auckland regularly for peer support and upskilling a challenge.

The CANZ Auckland and CANZ Executive committees in turn asked Sue if she would consider doing something about the situation, offering their support and Auckland’s care as an umbrella branch under which Northland celebrants could shelter and grow. Sue became the Northland representative on the CANZ Auckland committee, with wider CANZ support also

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coming in the form of personal encouragement and guidance from CANZ President, Dianne Troup.

With that backing, Sue was able to provide Northland celebrants with their first meetings and professional development opportunities. Nearly two years on, in December 2019, Dianne contacted Sue to offer Northland celebrants the opportunity to form their own branch of CANZ. It was an idea whose time had come, with Dianne travelling north on Sunday, 8 March, to guide them through that process.

Although the important committee positions are yet to be allocated, nine celebrants put their hands up to form the CANZ Northland committee. They are incredibly excited to be part of CANZ Northland’s coming of age, and now look forward to beginning the process of assisting Northland celebrants to grow, both personally and together.

Waikato

Chair’s Report

Waikato Celebrant’s Association NZ - Annual Planning Meeting Chairperson’s Report

Onyx Cambridge – 11 March 2020

Introduction and Thanks

Welcome all to the Annual Planning Meeting for the Waikato branch of CANZ. Thank you all for being here and for taking the time out in the middle of the busy wedding season!

My name is Cameron Wakefield and I have been very fortunate to represent you as one of your committee members now for the past 12 months and more recently have stepped up into the role as Co-Chair to support Raewyn as your other wonderful Co-Chair of the committee. I would like to just take a few moments to thank some awesome people.

Firstly, a massive thank you to your executive committee, Raewyn, Marion, Denise and Lyn who over the past 12 months have put in a lot of effort, dedication and commitment to ensure you get the most out of your membership and have set a really solid foundation for the future of the branch going forward.

Secondly, a big thank you to our membership base and all those who attend our meetings. Obviously, there is a financial benefit to the club having a paid membership base, but the intangible benefits hugely outweigh this. We are very fortunate to have celebrants from all walks of life with a huge range of different experiences in our branch. I think I speak for everyone in saying that this ensures we have a lot of interesting conversation, broadens each person’s network and offers an opportunity to learn something new whenever we get together.

Finally, a thank you for the support we have received from both Lianne, our National Exec Liaison and the National Executive itself represented here today by Dianne.

Past 12 months

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Over the past 12 months, we have really placed an emphasis on the social aspect of your membership and actually getting to know some of our awesome members. The plan was to ensure that we start to get a regular cadence of meetings going to broaden the network of our branch and to ensure that each member feels that they can reach out to someone for support that they are not in it alone.

I am confident that with the effort put in by your committee, we are well on the way to achieving this goal, some key highlights for me were:

The networking dinner that was hosted by the amazing Lyn, where I probably had more than my fair share of the pizza and wine… and actually got to meet some of my fellow CANZ members

The coffee catch ups, which we are definitely looking at introducing a bit more of

The education day, although this was unfortunately postponed… this has given us an opportunity to review the content and speakers and we are really excited about the refreshed day!

Next 12 months

After taking the time to start connecting more with the member base, the focus for the next 12 months will be to keep the momentum up with awesome speaker events focussed on both funerals and weddings, continue to build on our networking events and have an increased focus on VCANZ.

We will go into a bit more detail later in the evening when we go through your survey results, but I am definitely excited about what the next year will look like for you as members! There is a huge opportunity here to get involved in your committee as a CANZ member, so if you are keen to step up and get stuck in, make sure you definitely put your hand up tonight!

Conclusion

In conclusion, if I am honest… when I first joined the branch. I was a little apprehensive about what my $172.50 was actually going to get me outside of an advert on the CANZ page and a few resources that I found through the members area… But after being on the committee, taking the time to get to know a few members and soaking up everything I could from my awesome fellow members I am pretty excited about what 2020 will bring for me.

My own journey as a member, then on the committee and then Co-Chair has definitely allowed me to see areas where we could improve for the future and with the help of your amazing executive committee, we have made significant headway. Unfortunately, after giving a lot of years to the Waikato committee, some of them tonight, but I am positive that our newly elected committee tonight today will deliver our strategy and push the branch to even greater heights and I am really looking forward to being part of this in 2020!

Plug for membership 

As our APM evening advances tonight please know that your branch needs YOU!  A branch without member involvement and members not putting their hand up for a stint on the committee is comparable to a deciduous tree.  As Co-chair  we want our ‘branch’ to be full of flourishing foliage, with new buds forming so to speak even though we are in the Autumn

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season.  I encourage members to embrace tonight’s opportunity to stand for the committee, because it’s not a burden, it’s about working together, being a contributor and getting things done, learning and networking, trust me, being on the committee does have a dual benefit.  I challenge each of you tonight to not only help grow our branch but help Waikato CANZ be the best branch we can be.  Thank you.

CANZ Waikato Co-Chair Report

March 2020

Good evening and a warm welcome to you. It is my pleasure to deliver this my final report as Co-Chair after having spent 3 years in this role. It is now time to stand aside and make way for some refreshed members to take the helm.

Our past year

We moved into our past year with 60 members, the same number that we have today.

We had a busy committee comprising:

Co -Chairs Frances Christie and myself

Committee Members:

Lyn Allen

Denise Herbert

Marion Peck

Cam Wakefield

Part way through the year Frances stepped down as Co-Chair due to other commitments and we were sad to see her leave after a long period of time in that role. I would like to acknowledge all the hard work done by Frances over the years and we wished her well on behalf of all Waikato members.

I held the role as sole Chair until Cam Wakefield stepped up to the plate and I was delighted to be able to share this role with him. Since our last APM, we took on board some of the suggestions made by members and we held events for members regularly.

Events attended by our members:

May: Several members attended he CANZ Conference in New Plymouth

June: members attended a CANZ Leadership Day

June: Pizza and conference feedback evening at Lyn’s home in Cambridge. This enabled those of us who went to conference to share what we had learnt with those who couldn’t make it. This was very well attended, and its location enabled several celebrants who live rurally to attend.

October: Coffee, scone and catch up in Hamilton

October: Coffee and catch up in Cambridge

November: Coffee and catch up in Tirau

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November: Christmas Dinner at Lynn’s was a beautiful evening where we shared memories of family Christmas traditions over beautiful festive food. We also brought items to be donated to the local Food Bank.

Our annual Education Day originally planned for September 2019 was unfortunately called off due to poor enrolment numbers.

We are delighted to say that we rescheduled this for Sunday 5 April 2020 and are about to open registrations for this. We have another great line-up of speakers and awesome opportunities for networking at the same time.

This year it will be held at the Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge – a beautiful venue in Tainui Street, Hamilton.

As a committee we have tried hard to meet the needs of the membership by holding events which members have said that they have wanted. At times, attendance numbers have been low and so, we have recently put out a survey to gauge your ideas about what you want from our local branch.

Tonight, with Cam’s help, we will explore the results of the survey to help plan the exciting things your branch has ahead.

I would like to especially acknowledge tonight the support of the committee through this past year. We have been a great team! Thank you:

Lyn Allen, Denise Herbert, Marion Peck and Cam Wakefield.

We are all volunteers working together to support our local CANZ celebrants.

I wish the committee moving forward, all the best for the coming year.

Raewyn Calvert

Co-Chair

Taranaki

Chair’s Report

ANZ Taranaki APM April 2020

Chairpersons Report

Report sent through for inclusion in AGM 20 booklet but APM postponed until after Level 4/3 of Covid 19 alert has been lifted. APM not undertaken by Zoom due to main participants having unstable broadband and unable to Zoom to a satisfactory level.

Ngā iwi, Ngā matua, Ngā Whaea, Tena koutou

The CANZ Taranaki community, ladies, gentlemen, greetings.

It is with pleasure that I present this report to the 5th Annual General Meeting of CANZ Taranaki.

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The 2019 CANZ Conference hosted by CANZ Taranaki and held in New Plymouth was a highlight of the past year. The theme of Raising the Bar, was reflected in the high calibre of the speakers, the excellent organisation and warm hospitality offered to delegates, A highlight for many was the visit to Parihaka Marae on the Friday night. This provided a very fitting introduction to a weekend of learning and collegiality. Plenary speakers and workshops were well received and it was good to be able to include local presenters in the programme.

My grateful thanks to local branch members who comprised the local committee for conference; Sam Bennett, Suzee Freeman, Kara Northcott, Margaret Chapman, Jenny Judd, Rose Haskell and Beverley McLean. I sincerely acknowledge the time and effort that they have contributed in working alongside members of the national Executive to making this conference a success,

In September, CANZ Taranaki hosted our annual Professional Development Day. The presenter, Kathryn Roundtree, Emeritus Professor of Anthropology from Massey University, gave a fascinating insight into the celebrant’s role as a ritual specialist which was very well received by those who attended.

Communication with the membership is a key role of the branch committee and this is achieved in a range of ways.

2019 saw the introduction of monthly coffee and chat sessions as a way of members keeping in touch and providing opportunities to share expertise and resources. Although attendance was not particularly high, those who did attend found it beneficial.

The CANZ Taranaki closed Facebook page currently has 21 members. The introduction of a new role of Social Media Coordinator will assist in keeping this page up to date and relevant to our members.

In September 2019, we ran a survey of members through Survey Monkey. 10 members responded. Continuing with professional development opportunities and looking at ways to raise membership numbers came through strongly. These will be a continued focus for our incoming committee.

Branch membership has slightly declined from 26 paid members in March 2020 which is the same as 2019. Although we have new members, some have left.

The incoming committee will focus on actively seeking new members during the 2020/21 year.

The Taranaki Branch of the Celebrants Association of NZ has come a long way since its inception five years ago. This would not have been possible without the energy and vision of those celebrants who have been involved since then. In particular I wish to acknowledge and thank Sam Bennett, past president, who initiated the establishment of the branch and Amanda Bound who was the branch secretary/treasurer since then until last year’s AGM. Sam, who has filled the role of secretary/treasurer since last year, is standing down from the committee to pursue other interests and Amanda is also taking on a new direction and will no longer be involved with the association. Our grateful thanks to you both for the significant contribution to the branch, particularly in promoting it to the local celebrant community and building networks with other vendors.

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Thank you also to the incumbent 2019/20 branch committee consisting of Sam Bennett, Secretary/Treasurer, committee members Kara Northcott, Beverley McLean, Rose Haskell, Suzee Freeman and Jenny Judd. Your time, effort and skills are very much appreciated and valued.

Our official Taranaki branch mentorship programme is available for mentors and mentees to liaise and discuss celebrant related matters. This programme does not take the place of training. It is more about support, advice and guidance. Beverley McLean is the current programme facilitator.

I wish to thank and acknowledge the CANZ Executive team and our local liaison advocate Kesh Gilmour who continue to provide assistance and guidance throughout the year to our branch and activities.

Lastly, and by no means least, to you our valued CANZ Taranaki members – thank you. Without your ongoing support, continued commitment and vison we simply do not have an effective branch that we can be proud of.

Nga mihi nui. Noho ora mai.

Fiona Parkinson

CANZ Taranaki Chairperson

Canterbury

Chair’s Report

Canterbury Branch Report for APM 2020

Branch Committee:

Chair: Helen McCaul; Secretary/Treasurer: Karen Docherty; Newsletter Editor: Helen McCaul, Membership/Meeting Host: Danielle Bartlett, Committee: Zani Polson and Joelle Reid.

Branch Activities:

Our Annual Planning Meeting was held on 7th May 2019 when the above Committee was installed. We had the pleasure of welcoming David Moger, CEO, CANZ National Executive, as well as our entertaining speaker for the evening, Gill Smith, who gave as an amusing insight to many of her ceremonies, title “Expect the Unexpected”.

Ongoing monthly social catch-ups were held at No 4 Restaurant & Bar, Merivale, and attendance increased over the year, ranging from 8 to 15.

These get togethers were well attended by new members and the sharing of ideas, information and fellowship has proved to be a success.

We also introduced informal speakers during the year, including Fern Whitau in August (Te Rao pronunciation); Mark Glanville in September (FDANZ); Melanie Mayell in October (Death Café); as well as an open-mic session in November when members attending shared some hilarious stories from ceremonies conducted.

Professional Development/Workshops:

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During the year we held two formal workshops in Christchurch:

On 11th August, with the assistance of National Executive, we held a full-day “Wellbeing Workshop – Sustainable Me” presented by the very inspirational Tricia Hendry. This workshop was in response to the incidents and trauma many of our Celebrant members have experienced over the past few years; including the Canterbury earthquakes, the Port Hill fire, and the more recent Mosque attacks. Tricia’s workshop was very well received and attended by 29 members, plus one or two non-CANZ members. A fully catered lunch was provided and attendees left with a better understanding of grief and how to manage it from a personal perspective.

On Sunday 22nd September we ran a Digital Media workshop, delivered by Dr Shirley Gibbs of CompSkill. Shirley was a relaxed and friendly presenter and entertained us with anecdotes and advice on how to get the best out of the various social media we use, as well as how to market our profiles in a competitive industry. 26 members attended this half-day workshop.

Our year ended on a highly social note when we took a bus-trip to visit three venues north of Christchurch. 22 of us enjoyed the party-bus ride and the opportunity of being taken on guided tours through the beautiful Lacebark (Kaiapoi); Rosemount (Ohoka) and Darjon (Swannanoa). With our BYO/shared/bring-a-plate lunch at Darjon, followed by the always entertaining “Secret Santa”, plus the return bus-ride back to the city, it was a wonderful and entertaining day.

As with all our workshops and meetings, we were able to tick off further professional development BoKs. Support from National Executive has been immensely valued and we appreciate the support from all members who contributed their support, time and advice to ensure our activities were the success they have been.

All of our events through the year have been funded by the Branch, with some assistance from National Executive, allowing us to provide professional development activities at no charge to Branch members.

VCANZ:

According to the CANZ website, we currently have thirteen VCANZ accredited celebrants in the Canterbury area.

With the changes happening for Registry Office ceremonies, the opportunity for Celebrants with VCANZ to perform registry-style wedding ceremonies will increase, as the Christchurch office is scheduled to discontinue with weddings before year-end.

Branch Membership:

As at 31st December, our Branch membership was at 116. This is down from 132 members reported at our 2019 APM.

Whilst we have welcomed many new celebrants to our Branch over the last year, we have also lost some long-standing members. A phone-around early in the year was conducted to understand why some members had left the branch and the underlying reason appeared to be “lack of value in membership”.

Newsletter:

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Quarterly newsletters have been sent to all our Members each quarter. These are generally well received with positive feedback. Covering major points from CANZ and BDM updates, they also include upcoming activities and information deemed to be of interest to members.

APM & 2020/21 Committee Nominations:

The date for our upcoming APM will be held on Sunday 15th March and will held in conjunction with a professional development workshop. We encourage members to show their support for the Branch and consider becoming a member of the Committee. We are all volunteers leading busy lives but those of us who are involved enjoy the opportunity to assist with the direction and activities of our Branch.

Goals for the Year:

For the incoming committee will be to:

Further promote membership

Two committee members to attend leadership training (date to be advised)

Continue monthly catch ups and increase attendance and inter-activity

The ongoing commitment to more formal training/professional development activities per year and a Christmas function

Select a VCANZ champion for the branch. Identify someone who is available for the role as a liaison. This person can then get more details on what is required for a) the role and b) how to promote, from Paula McGill.

Helen McCaul

Chair

CANZ Canterbury Branch

February/March 2020

Bay of Plenty

Chair’s Report report to come

The committee APM 9th May 2019 met at Mt Maunganui Club with attendance of 20 people. New Committee members were sought at this time and 3 put their names up

Diane Hughson – Chris Dever and Shirley Meredith. These 3 are the only consistent attendees and make up the current committee. The Committee would like to thank Jenny Moyle & Maryan Kennedy who stayed on the committee for 3 months to assist with continuity.

Goals for the year

The BoP Branch Committee see the role of the local branch as two-fold. Firstly, we want to enable local celebrants to improve their skillsets, enhance their business skills and to assist members in meeting their ongoing commitment to continuing professional development. Secondly, we want to encourage peer support and a sense of comradery across those celebrants that are members of the association.

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Activities

Since this committee took over in June last year, we have arranged a successful day visit Osbornes Funeral Directors in Rotorua. The day was hosted by Richard Fullard, a very competent Celebrant, who was prepared to share his experiences in dealing with complex situations where the skills of the celebrant are tested. This day was attended by about 20 Celebrants.

In addition, we arranged for a joint training day with the Waikato Branch in Hamilton. Their program looked promising however, they cancelled their training as they could not get enough members to attend.

We planned a training day here in Tauranga on the 13th October. Unfortunately, that training day also had to be cancelled as we could not get enough support.

The committee is still keen to understand how we can meet our commitments to providing training. At a Committee meeting in mid-January, we reviewed our approach. The ‘Training day’ concept did not work well in Hamilton, nor did it work well in Tauranga. Clearly, this format was not meeting the member’s needs.

As a result of that review, we are planning to change the format of our training to a shorter, more focus training. The proposal is to hold training on a Sunday morning 10am till midday. In that time slot we will arrange two appropriate speakers and all costs should be able to be covered by the branch funds. In this way, we hope that the training will be more convenient for members busy diaries. If the initial day is a success, we would hope to run similar course in both Whakatane and Rotorua. The first of these was scheduled for 19th April 2020 in Tauranga however, with the COVID-19 level 4 in place, we never got to try that format.

Support for local Celebrants

For the second priority, that of providing a social and supportive network across the bay, we have arranged an informal catch-up on a monthly basis. These were scheduled on the Third Tuesday of each month at The Raft, 65 Chapel Street, Tauranga. We see these as being and unstructured and informal catch-ups. There will be a committee member their (we often will have a committee meeting following the informal meeting). We see this as an opportunity to support new celebrants and to provide an opportunity for those celebrants working in tough areas to debrief with their colleagues. Again, these were interrupted by the COVID-19.

In particular, the committee is keen to hear from the membership how we can assist and what events and formats are best.

The committee has struggled at times with communications. Often newsletters have been posted to the Celebrants website but not emailed to membership. We are working with the national office to address this. I can confirm that you are still on our mailing lists.

Your committee is keen to hear how we can best address membership needs and wants. Any ideas you have would be most welcome.

Membership

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The Membership list as supplied by CANZ has reduced by 30 over the year. If membership is to be grown, the branch (and association) needs to be providing value to the members and this will require a new think about how to achieve that. The committee believes that the proposed new format for the training days may go some way towards that but the benefits of membership are unclear to many at this stage.

The Chair would like to acknowledge the hard work put in by Diane Hughson and Shirley Meredith in what has been a tough year.

Chris Dever - Chair, BOP Celebrants Association

Auckland

Chair’s Report

Looking Back

After the Annual Planning Meeting held on 14 March 2019 our new Committee, consisting of both returning and new members mapped out the 2019/2020 year.

Our activities included:

Diane Levy - Family Therapist, Counsellor, Parenting Coach, Speaker

Diane drew a large audience from the Auckland branch and all appreciated her insight and sharing of the knowledge in her field.

Jennifer Ward-Lealand – Actor/Public Speaker

Jennifer’s presentation was informative, humorous and entertaining. She drew from her experiences as an actor and public presenter to discuss with celebrants the importance of the role of presentation. Jennifer was recently awarded New Zealand of the Year.

Rāniera Winikerei - Know Your Pepeha

Rāniera gave a workshop on knowing your pepeha and by the end of the session we were all able to write, practice and deliver a pepeha. Although a small number of people attended the workshop it was very well received.

Resignation

It was with regret that we lost Sue Halliwell from the committee. Sue hails from Whangarei and since joining the Auckland branch she had been working tirelessly to organise presentations and events for the Northland Branch. As the members were growing in that area she felt it timely to devote her time to Northland. Her input into the Auckland Branch was invaluable and appreciated.

VCANZ Support

During the year Emma Love also resigned as the Auckland VCANZ Support person. Her workload had increased and she was unable to continue with the support role. Our thanks go to Emma for her assistance.

To date this position has not been filled.

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Meeting Venue

Throughout the past year we continued to hold the meetings at Purewa St John’s Lounge at no cost to the branch, except for the last one which we held Davis Funeral Home Lounge in Henderson. This was as a result of the Auckland members commenting on the meeting venue and the distance for some to attend.

Committee

I have always had the firm belief that the committee are the support team for the Auckland branch and the National Executive who hold the governing role within the organisation. We organise the workshops, events and give assistance to branch members.

The 2020 committee has some changes. Both Sheryl Mungall and Lynne Alberino have resigned. Both of them have been very instrumental in organising our presentations and workshops and the support they have both given during their time has been very much appreciated.

We welcome Larry Summerville as our new Chair for Auckland. Larry joined the committee last year and has been, dare I say it, a breath of fresh air to have a male perspective at the meetings.

Shayne Elliott and Dianne Troupe will be joining the committee this year. Shayne is a Waiuku based celebrant. Dianne has always been involved closely with the Auckland branch and has been an ex officio member.

Barbara Johnston, Pat Cosford, Sandy Millar and I make up the remainder of the 2020 committee.

Looking Ahead

The Auckland committee will continue to provide educational workshops/presentations, albeit from a different platform and it will be an educational process for us all. A recent monkey survey was sent to members to gauge what members wanted for the 2020 year. Sadly there was not much response to this survey but the information submitted will be analysed.

This year has already proved to be a challenging one in learning new skills and coping with the temporary loss of our celebrant business. Our businesses will definitely be taking a different turn when we finally get back to the ‘new normal’ but the work is about adaptability.

The phrase ‘we are all in this together’ and ‘be kind’ are words we hear often during this time and as professionals I feel we should use this as our mantra.

Take care – from my bubble to yours

Susanne Rossiter

Chair, Auckland Branch

Celebrants Association of New Zealand

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East Coast

Chair’s Report

CANZ East Coast Branch Report

April 2020

Our past year

In August 2019 CANZ and non-CANZ celebrants from around the East Coast were invited to an inaugural meeting in Napier to gain support to form a new regional branch.

28 people attended this meeting which included presentations from the Marg Palmer and Lianne Fraser, members of the national executive, Vaughan Millar (BDM), Janet Wilson (Deadline Limited) and David Moger, the then EO for CANZ . There was a wonderful positive vibe throughout the day and it was unanimous from the group gathered that an East Coast Branch be formed, with Lianne Fraser as the branch liaison. The first working group comprised Sheryl Alexander, Sharon Sanson, Nichola Nicholson, Jo Smith and Wendy Beauchamp. To date the branch has 35 members and the committee comprises:

Co-Chairs: Sharon Sanson and Sheryl Alexander. Sheryl also has the secretarial role.

Joanne Smith and Wendy Beauchamp are responsible for resources and research.

The APM, held in January 2020, the committee agreed to hold four annual meetings, with casual catch up opportunities throughout the year. They have plans for a range of excellent professional development workshops as well as visits to several venues around the region; The first workshop is planned for June 2020, with Pinky Agnew as the guest presenter.

However, with such uncertainty around gatherings, the branch is looking to technology (e.g. Zoom) and other communication tools to keep the momentum going. It’s been an energetic start and there is much to look forward to.

Lianne Fraser

Branch Liaison

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Proxy form – 2020 AGM I, (Name of member)

hereby nominate (Name of proxy member)

as my proxy for the purpose of voting at the 2020 Annual General Meeting of the Celebrants’ Association of New Zealand Inc., as I am unable to attend. I ask that my apology be accepted.

This proxy vote can only be granted to a current financial member and is not transferable.

To be accepted, this signed form must be received by the National Executive no later than 5pm on 21st May 2020.

To submit:

scan and email before 21 May to: [email protected] or

hand to a member of the National Executive before 21st May 2020


2020 agm papers€¦ · for your reference the 2019 agm booklet can be found on the member...

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