It's Our City Incorporated was registered as an Incorporated Society on 28 May 2009. Here are the rules by which the society is governed:
INTRODUCTION:
There is increasing evidence that the City of Christchurch government is becoming far less transparent and open with those who fund their activities – the ratepayers.
A growing number of citizens are uninformed and lack objective information about this serious problem.
An ideology of “we know what it right“is evident at all levels of the government both in senior staff and a majority of elected councillors.
Its Our City, Inc. will make every effort to inform and involve residents of Christchurch about how to get their city to once again work for them.
NAME & ADDRESS:
Its Our City, Incorporated
Post Office Box 21008
Christchurch, 8043
New Zealand
(03) 379 3873
MISSION:
To help residents of Christchurch fully understand why they need to vote for councillors and a mayor who support and sign the 10 promises in the 2010 local election.
OBJECTIVES:
To provide objective information about how are city is being run by bureaucrats and not elected councillors.
To help cause the defeat of councillors who do not believe in the 10 promises.
To communicate to the people of Christchurch by use of a website and newsletter.
To participate in meetings and forums
To remain unaligned with any political party.
MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA:
Membership can be obtained by any interested person, organisation or company by completing a membership application in writing.
Membership applications are available on the website and via mail if requested.
Members may stop being members by notification in writing.
Contribution of money, materials, volunteer time, etc. are encouraged.
The Board reserves the right to cancel the membership of any individual or organisation if their behaviour brings the society into disrepute or causes the society unwarranted legal issues.
To cancel a membership based upon disreputable behaviour will require the vote of a majority of the Board.
RULE CHANGE PROCEDURES:
Rule changes will require a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors.
MEETING PROCEDURES:
The annual general meeting (AGM) shall be help on the fourth Wednesday of March.
The AGM is open to all current members and members of the press
Office holders will be nominated and elected at the AGM beginning in 2011.
Each member will be notified either by newspaper advertisement or via email notification as to the meeting time, agenda and location of the AGM.
This notification will be posted 30 days in advance of the AGM.
General meetings of committees and Board members will be held at least quarterly or more often as required.
VOTING CRITERIA:
Each current member, organisation or company shall have one vote.
Members may vote either in person at the AGM or via a mail ballot.
APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS:
During the period from incorporation and for a period of two years, the President shall appoint the Board of Directors and the officers.
Officers will include the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. The Secretary and Treasurer position may be held by the same person)
At the first AGM, all current Board members, the President and all other officers must be nominated and voted upon to serve a term of two year.
At that time any current members may be nominated for any office.
OFFICERS PRINCIPAL DUTIES
The Chair shall convene meetings and ensure the objectives and the rules are followed. The Chair will participate in public meetings and forums.
The Vice Chair shall act as the Chair in the absence of the Chair as well as participate in public meetings and forums.
The Secretary is required to keep a up to date and current list of members, prepare notices for all meetings, keep minutes of all meetings and keep of official common seal in safe keeping.
The Treasurer is required to keep proper financial records, to bank all money received, pay all accounts and prepare all annual reports including the annual account information with the Registrar of Incorporated Societies.
CONTROL & USE OF SOCIETY’S SEAL:
The WaterWisdom common seal of incorporation shall be used on all legal documents and contracts.
The use of the seal is limited to the President, Secretary and/or Treasurer.
CONTROL OF SOCIETY FUNDS:
A cheque and saving account shall be opened.
The Chair and the Treasurer shall be co-signers.
Any cheque written over the amount of $250 shall require the signature of both the Chair and Treasurer.
All cheques received must be deposited into the Bank Account.
At this time there is no provision to borrow money.
DISSOLVEMENT PROCEDURES:
If the society dissolves, any surplus assets will be given to a selected society or trust.
If no such trust is selected, surplus assets will be donated to a charity selected by then current Board.
