2026 Special Resolution: Proposed Trust Deed Change
Tēnā koutou e ngā uri o Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui
All registered and verified adult members are asked to vote on the following Special Resolution as part of the 2026 Trustee Election. It needs at least 75% of valid votes cast to be in favour.
"That the Trustees be authorised to vary the Trust Deed, in accordance with the proposed variations made available to Members on the Trust's website (www.teatiawatrust.co.nz) and from the Trust office, to permit up to two (2) of the eight (8) Trustees to be ordinarily resident outside Te Tau Ihu but within New Zealand, such variation being for the collective benefit of all Members of Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui."
Documents
- Full proposed amendments to the Trust Deed (PDF): the explanatory note, the proposed variations, and a side-by-side comparison of the current and proposed wording. These are the rules members are being asked to approve.
- Special Resolution information sheet (PDF): a short explanation of the proposal, why it is being made, and common questions.
Copies are also available from the Trust Office, 2/4 Te Ara Kaimoana, Waikawa Marina, Waitohi (Picton) 7220, phone 0800 284 292.
What would change?
Currently, all Trustees must have lived in Te Tau Ihu for at least six months before nomination and must continue to live there during their term. Under the proposal:
- All eight Trustees would need to meet the Deed's residency requirements for New Zealand.
- A maximum of two could live outside Te Tau Ihu. "Up to two" means there could be none, one or two, and all eight could still live within Te Tau Ihu.
- When all eight positions are filled, at least six Trustees would need to meet the residency requirements for Te Tau Ihu.
- Candidates would declare their residency status and provide supporting evidence when nominated, and election information would say whether each candidate meets the Te Tau Ihu residency requirements.
- All other eligibility requirements would continue to apply.
The Board would remain at eight Trustees, with no reserved seats for people living outside Te Tau Ihu. Members would still choose through the election process, subject to the two-person limit.
Would this apply to the 2026 Trustee Election?
No. Nominations for the 2026 election are being conducted under the current rules, which require all candidates to live in Te Tau Ihu. If members approve the resolution, the Trustees would amend the Deed as soon as possible afterwards, and the new rules would apply from then to all Trustees holding office.
Other matters in the wider Trust Deed review are planned for consideration in 2027 and are not part of this vote.
How to vote
Voter packs are sent by email or post from Friday 6 November 2026. Online and postal voting closes at midday on Wednesday 9 December 2026, and members can also vote at the Annual General Meeting on Sunday 13 December 2026.
2026 Trustee Election and AGM details »