2008 National Council Remits

1. WAR DISABILITY PENSION

THAT RNZRSA LOBBY GOVERNMENT TO MAKE PROVISION FOR ALL WWII VETERANS TO AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY FOR A 100% WAR DISABILITY PENSION (TO TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY) AND THAT SAID VETERANS ALSO QUALIFY FOR FREE MEDICAL, DENTAL AND OPTICAL TREATMENT

Devonport RSA

Notes

Many of these men who gave so much of their youth to serving this country and are now in their "twilight" years, are very ill, do not belong to the RSA and have no idea of their entitlements. By adopting this remit it would certainly give those elderly veterans recognition, satisfaction and dignity in their old age.

At last year's conference when this remit was discussed, our Pension's Officer presented two case studies to the delegates. The President of RNZRSA replied that by voting for this remit at that point in time could jeopardise the rewriting of the War Pension's Act 1954. However, he went on to say that Devonport would get a right of reply. This has never happened.

The Devonport RSA request at this year's conference that the delegates at least get the right to vote on this remit. It was mentioned to Devonport that maybe this was not the forum (National Conference) to present this remit, however we were reassured by a past RNZRSA National President that it was.

2. PROSTATE CANCER

THAT RNZRSA LOBBY GOVERNMENT TO MAKE AVAILABLE A FREE ANNUAL PSA TEST FOR ALL MEN OVER THE AGE OF FORTY

Waikato-King Country-Bay of Plenty District RSA

Notes

Approximately 500 men die of prostate cancer yearly in New Zealand. When they are diagnosed with an enlarged prostate gland, it is often too late for help. Early detection would help in reducing this number considerably.

3. CAPITATION 2009/2010 - LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS, RSA CLUBS AND RSA HOUSES

THAT PURSUANT TO RULES 56 AND 57 OF RNZRSA's RULES, THE CAPITATION TO BE PAID BY LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS AND SEPARATELY INCORPORATED CLUBS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1 JULY 2009 TO 30 JUNE 2010 SHALL BE AN AMOUNT OF $8.45 FOR EACH MEMBER AGED LESS THAN 90 YEARS IN RESPECT OF ALL CLASSES OF MEMBERS BASED ON MEMBERSHIP AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2008 AS CERTIFIED BY A STATUTORY DECLARATION COMPLETED BY THE SECRETARY OR PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL ASSOCIATION OR SEPARATELY INCORPORATED RSA CLUB, PLUS GST AT THE PRESCRIBED RATE FOR THAT YEAR

National Executive Committee

Notes

The NEC recommends that capitation payable for the year commencing 1 July 2009 be held at the 1 July 2008 level, ie that there be no increase in capitation for the 2009/2010 year.

Also incorporated is Council 2007's decision that capitation not be levied on members aged 90 years or more.

The NEC also recognises that difficulties associated with obtaining the services of an auditor, and the resultant fees, have made it difficult for local Associations and RSA Clubs to comply with the requirement that the membership returns be certified correct by the Association's/Club's auditors.

This has been simplified by replacing the auditor's certification, with a Statutory Declaration completed by either the Secretary or President of the Association/Club.

4. CAPITATION 2010/11 AND SUBSEQUENT YEARS - ADJUSTED BY ANNUAL CPI FIGURE

THAT

(i) CAPITATION PAYABLE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR COMMENCING 1 JULY 2010 BE BASED ON THE PER CAPITA RATE OF CAPITATION AS AT 30 JUNE 2009, INCREASED BY THE RATE OF INFLATION (CPI) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2009, PROVIDING THAT SUCH INCREASE SHALL NOT EXCEED 5%; AND THAT

(ii) CAPITATION PAYABLE FOR SUBSEQUENT FINANCIAL YEARS BE THE PER CAPITA RATE OF CAPITATION CURRENT AS AT THE 30TH JUNE IN THAT YEAR, INCREASED BY THE RATE OF INFLATION (CPI) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED 31ST MARCH IN THAT SAME YEAR, PROVIDING THAT SUCH INCREASE SHALL NOT EXCEED 5% IN ANY ONE YEAR.

National Executive Committee

Notes

Capitation increases would be restricted to the rate of inflation for the year ended 31 March of the same year, for example:

(a) Capitation as at 30 June 2010 $8.45 + GST

31 March 2010, inflation 3.5%

Capitation from 1 July 2010 $8.75 + GST
($8.45 x 103.5 = $8.75)

(b) Capitation as at 30 June 2011 $8.75 + GST

31 March 2011, inflation 2%

Capitation from 1 July 2011 $8.92 + GST
($8.75 x 102 = $8.925 = $8.92)

If adopted the process for setting capitation would become "Standing Policy" of the RNZRSA, rather than an amendment to the Rules.

5. CAPITATION POLICY

THAT CAPITATION BE NOT PAYABLE FOR WAR VETERANS WHO ARE RESIDENTS OF CERTIFIED REST HOMES

Tauranga RSA and Whakatane RSA

Notes

Currently capitation is not payable for residents of War Veterans Homes of Ranfurly, Levin, Rannerdale, Montecillo and Sunningdale (NEC Circular 4283 dated 31 March 08).

The above War Veterans Homes were based on populated areas and/or armed forces hospitals and rehabilitation centres during or immediately after world war conflicts.

During the last two decades sparsely populated areas have now become towns and cities. The veterans' homes are located well away from the local areas. Consequently family and friends would be unable to visit.

Local RSAs have become responsible for war veterans in their area. Many local Associations pay capitation for these returned personnel residing in the rest homes within their area.

6. MEMBERSHIP/ CAPITATION - DIRECT CONTACT WITH BRANCHES

THAT THIS NATIONAL COUNCIL AUTHORISES RNZRSA TO;

(i) OBTAIN THE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS DIRECTLY FROM LOCAL ASSOCIATION BRANCHES, IN THE MANNER AS PROVIDED FOR LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS, AND

(ii) DIRECTLY BILL THOSE LOCAL ASSOCIATION BRANCHES FOR CAPITATION, IN THE MANNER AS PROVIDED FOR LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS

National Executive Committee

Notes

The purpose of this remit is to enable branches of local Associations to advise RNZRSA directly of their membership numbers and to be billed direct for the resulting capitation.

Regrettably there have been instances where capitation paid by a branch to its parent Association has not been passed on to RNZRSA, but has been used by the parent Association or has gone to other creditors on the winding up of that Association.

7. RNZRSA RULES AND STANDING ORDERS - AMENDMENTS

THAT:

1. RULE 46 BE AMENDED BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW CLAUSE (a)

(a) ALL MEETINGS OF NEC SHALL BE CONDUCTED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE STANDING ORDERS IN FORCE FOR THE TIME BEING.

RENUMBER EXISTING CLAUSES (a) to (c), (b) to (d) INCLUSIVE

2. STANDING ORDERS - REPLACE EXISTING STANDING ORDER 4.1.2 WITH

4.1.2 "THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT SHALL PRESIDE AS CHAIRMAN AT ALL MEETINGS OF THE NEC, OR, IN HIS ABSENCE A NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT"

ADD NEW STANDING ORDER 4.1.3

4.1.3 "THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT MAY PRESIDE AS CHAIRMAN AT ALL MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL. SHOULD HE ELECT NOT TO PRESIDE AS CHAIRMAN THEN THE NEC SHALL APPOINT A SUITABLY QUALIFIED CHAIRMAN.

THE CHAIRMAN SO APPOINTED SHALL NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO SPEAK TO, OR VOTE ON, ANY MATTERS COMING BEFORE COUNCIL."

RENUMBER EXISTING STANDING ORDERS 4.1.3 TO 4.1.6, 4.1.4 TO 4.1.7 RESPECTIVELY

AMEND STANDING ORDER 4.11

LINE 3, DELETE THE WORD "CHAIRMAN" AND REPLACE WITH "NATIONAL PRESIDENT"

National Executive Committee

Notes

The purpose of this remit is to put in place a mechanism giving the NEC the option to appoint a Chairman, to chair a National Council meeting should the National President in any one year, elect not to do so.

Contrary to concerns expressed at last years Council meeting, such a move would not diminish the authority of the National President, rather it would enable the National President to concentrate more on the substance of the Council meeting rather than the many and varied procedural requirements.

A Chairman appointed for this purpose would be solely engaged in the mechanics of running the meeting.

The National President would retain the right to a second or "casting" vote, should such be necessary.

Some RNZRSA Affiliates already successfully use this model, as do both the Royal Canadian and Royal British Legions.

7A RNZRSA RULES - AMENDMENTS

THAT RULE 38 (a) AND (b) OF THE RULES OF RNZRSA BE AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:

1. DELETE THE LETTER (a), and

2. DELETE THE ENTIRE SUBSECTION (b),

THE AMENDED RULE 38 TO READ:

"PROXY VOTING

38. PROXY VOTING SHALL BE PERMITTED UNDER THESE RULES"

National Executive Committee

Notes

1. The purpose of this remit is in effect to repeal National Council 2007 Resolution 29 which requires proxy votes relating to the National Council elections of the National President, the Vice Presidents and the 4 Elected Members of the NEC to be vested in the Returning Officer, with a directive as to how those votes are to be exercised.

2. In other words, the present rules do not allow proxy votes for the elections as detailed above, to be vested in any other party other than the Returning Officer.

3. After very carefully considering all of the issues surrounding proxy voting, and the current restrictions, the NEC has concluded that the potential exists for substantial disenfranchisement of Associations where there is a candidate standing for more than one position.

4. The reason? Because once in the hands of the Returning Officer, the proxy votes recorded cannot be varied or redistributed.

5. For example:
"A" nominates for the offices of National President and National Vice President.

"A" receives100 proxy votes for the office of President, and 120 proxy votes for the office of Vice President - all of which were lodged directly with the Returning Officer

"A" is successful in the ballot for President, and withdraws from the ballot for Vice President, leaving 4 other candidates to contest for the 2 available places.

So what happens to the 120 proxies recorded in his name?

6. Quite simply, nothing! There is no mechanism for them to be redistributed amongst the other 4 candidates, or for those Associations which elected to use the proxy option, to then place their proxy vote(s) in favour of one of the 4 remaining candidate.

7. If adopted this remit returns the proxy voting procedures to those which existed prior to the adoption of 29/2007 and enables those entitled to vote at Council to vest their proxy votes in whomsoever they choose. It also permits the proxy holder to exercise a vote in the case of multiple nominations.

8. RNZRSA RULES - AMENDMENTS

THAT RULES 56 AND 57 EACH BE AMENDED BY ADDING, AFTER THE WORDS "OF AN AMOUNT" AND BEFORE THE WORDS "AS DETERMINED", THE FOLLOWING:-
"AND FOR EACH CLASS OR GROUP OF MEMBERS"

National Executive Committee

Notes

These amendments are necessary to implement the decision by Council 2007 that capitation be waived for all members of or over the age of 90 years.

If adopted, the amended rules (additions in italics) would read:

Local Associations

56. Returned, Service and Associate Members

Local Associations shall pay capitation each year of an amount [and for each class or group of members,] as determined from time to time by the council, by

(a) two equal instalments due 31 March and 30 September, or

(b) in instalments of a lesser or greater frequency as may be approved by NEC

RSA Clubs

57. Every RSA Club shall pay capitation each year of an amount [and for each class or group of members] as determined from time to time by the Council and in the manner as provided for local Associations.

9. RNZRSA RULES - FIFTH SCHEDULE - AFFILIATED
ORGANISATIONS

THAT THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND ARTILLERY ASSOCIATION (INC) BE ADMITTED AS AN AFFILIATED ORGANISATION, EFFECTIVE FROM 1 NOVEMBER 2008, THAT IT BE ENTITLED TO HAVE ONE DELEGATE AND ONE OBSERVER ATTEND NATIONAL COUNCIL AND THAT IT BE ALLOCATED ONE VOTE.

FURTHER, THAT THE FIFTH SCHEDULE TO THE RNZRSA RULES BE SO AMENDED

National Executive Committee

10. RNZRSA RULES/STANDARD RULES FOR LOCAL RSAs - AMENDMENTS

THAT THE TERMS "JUNIOR MEMBER AND/OR JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP" BE AMENDED TO "YOUTH MEMBER AND/OR YOUTH MEMBERSHIP" AND THAT THE APPROPRIATE AMENDMENTS BE MADE TO BOTH RNZRSA RULES AND THE STANDARD RULES FOR LOCAL RSAs

National Executive Committee

Notes

The NEC believes that the term "Youth" is far more appropriate than the term "Junior" and better reflects the intent of the Association's "Youth Manifesto".

11. STANDARD RULES FOR LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS - ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

THAT ALL REFERENCES TO THE WORD "ASSOCIATE" BE DELETED FROM RNZRSAs RULES AND THE STANDARD RULES FOR LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS AND THAT THOSE ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE THIRD SCHEDULE BE CLASSED SIMPLY AS "MEMBERS".

Hastings RSA

12. STANDARD RULES - SALE OF LOCAL ASSOCIATION REAL ESTATE

THAT THE PROVISIONS OF RULE 51 OF THE STANDARD RULES FOR LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS ("SALE OF LOCAL ASSOCIATION REAL ESTATE") RESTRICTING POLICY VOTING TO FINANCIAL RETURNED (8(a)), AND SERVICE (8(b)) MEMBERS BE AMENDED TO ENABLE LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS THE OPTION OF EXTENDING THE RIGHT TO VOTE TO FINANCIAL ASSOCIATE (8(c)) MEMBERS.

Hastings RSA

13. STANDARD RULES - ELECTION OF ASSOCIATE MEMBERS TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES

THAT ALL LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS BE REQUIRED TO AMEND THEIR RULES TO ENABLE FINANCIAL ASSOCIATE MEMBERS OF A LOCAL ASSOCIATION TO STAND FOR ELECTION TO ANY POSITION ON A LOCAL ASSOCIATION'S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, INCLUDING THOSE OF PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT(S), AND THAT ALL LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS BE REQUIRED TO MAKE THE APPROPRIATE AMENDMENTS TO THEIR RULES BY 31st DECEMBER 2011

National Executive Committee

14. SEPARATELY INCORPORATED CLUBS

THAT SEPARATELY INCORPORATED RSA CLUBS BE EXTENDED THE SAME SPEAKING AND VOTING ENTITLEMENTS AS FOR LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS IN RESPECT OF ALL REMITS AND OTHER MATTERS COMING BEFORE THE NATIONAL COUNCIL, AND THAT THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BE HEREBY DIRECTED TO PUT IN PLACE THE NECESSARY RULES AMENDMENTS AND REGISTER SAME WITH THE REGISTRAR OF INCORPORATED SOCIETIES, TO ENABLE SUCH CHANGES TO COME INTO EFFECT FOR NATIONAL COUNCIL 2009.

Waipukurau and District RSA

15. VETERANS BADGE

THAT THIS NATIONAL COUNCIL DIRECTS RNZRSA TO LOBBY GOVERNMENT TO SUITABLY AMEND THE ELIGIBILITY FOR THE AWARD OF THE NEW ZEALAND VETERANS BADGE TO INCLUDE ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED IN HM NEW ZEALAND FORCES

Te Puke Memorial RSA

Notes

Over the years there has been a movement to recognise service in CMT Territorial etc. There are also members of the Regular Navy/Army/Air Force with long service who in many cases are completely unrecognised by New Zealand for their valuable contribution to this country's armed forces.

We can see no better way of honouring their service than awarding them the New Zealand's Veterans badge.

16. OFFICIAL RECOGNITION AND CONDITIONS OF ENTITLEMENT TO THE AWARD AND WEARING OF THE COMBAT INFANTRY BADGE

THAT RNZRSA REQUEST FROM THE NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE AND VETERANS AFFAIRS NEW ZEALAND THE RECOGNITION OF A NEW ZEALAND COMBAT INFANTRY BADGE FOR ISSUE TO ENTITLED PERSONNEL RECOGNISING THE NATURE AND EXIGENCIES OF INFANTRY COMBAT ACTION IN LINE WITH AUSTRALIAN AND UNITED STATES PARALLEL EQUIVALENT.

Hastings RSA

Notes

It is envisaged this award would in all respects mirror the Australian Combat Infantry Badge with regard to design, entitlement and authorised wearing on uniform and civilian attire.

17. SERVICE IN MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE

THAT RNZRSA ACTIVELY SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING:

1. THAT THE NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE FORCE (NZDF) AND VETERANS AFFAIRS NEW
ZEALAND (VANZ) AUTHORISE A REVIEW OF GARRISON AND FIELD SERVICE IN MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE DURING THE NOW RECOGNISED 2ND MALAYSIAN EMERGENCY 1968-1969 - DEFINING "WARLIKE" AND "UNWARLIKE' SERVICE RENDERED.

2. THAT THE REVIEW (SUB PARA 1) NEGOTIATE AND LIAISE WITH AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE AND VETERANS AFFAIRS REPRESENTATIVES FOR ACCESS TO RECORDS OF DELIBERATIONS AND REVIEWS OF PARALLEL AUSTRALIAN SERVICE IN MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE AND RIFLE COMPANY DEPLOYMENTS TO BUTTERWORTH AIR BASE DEFENCE 1970-1989. THERE IS A NEED TO INCLUDE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS FROM RELEASES UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AS IT AFFECTS THE CRITERIA FOR "WARLIKE" SERVICE.

3. THAT THE NZDF AND VANZ ADDRESS THE RESULTS OF THE ABOVE REVIEW PROCESSES AND IF/WHEN SUBSTANTIATED APPROVE:

A. AWARD AS APPROPRIATE THE NZ OPERATIONAL SERVICE MEDAL,

B. AWARD OF A "WARLIKE" OR "NON WARLIKE" NZ MEDALLIC RECOGNITION OF SERVICES RENDERED - OR NEGOTIATE WITH AUSTRALIAN AUTHORITIES THE AWARD, PURCHASE AND WEARING ENTITLEMENT OF THE AUSTRALIAN SERVICE MEDAL AS APPROPRIATE FOR PARALLEL SERVICE.

C. AWARD AS APPROPRIATE THE NZ VETERANS BADGE.

D. IDENTIFY THAT SERVICE RENDERED WHICH QUALIFIES FOR NZ WELFARE AND PENSION ENTITLEMENTS.

E. PUBLICITY MEASURES TO ADVISE RECIPIENTS.

Hastings RSA

Notes

(i) Previous medallic claims for this service have until now been met with a zero response.

(ii) The Australian Defence Forces have long ago recognised exactly parallel service with medallic awards.

(iii) Recent developments in Australia, based on information accessed under the Freedom of Information Act have prompted an accurately documented submission by Rifle Company Butterworths representatives to have their service upgraded to "warlike" with follow on medallic, welfare and pension entitlements.