Club Rules

Name

The club is known under the name of “CHRISTCHURCH SWISS CLUB”.

Objects

1. To support and promote the social and cultural contact among people of Swiss origin and friends of Switzerland.
2. To assist new Swiss immigrants morally.
3. To promote good spirit and understanding among Swiss and non-Swiss members.
4. To arrange social gatherings which are in the interest of the majority of the club members and to the benefit of the club.

Membership

1. All citizens of Swiss origin of either sex and their descendants are eligible for mem-bership. (Membership of the Swiss Society is compulsory for Swiss citizens).
2. Non-Swiss citizens who are friendly disposed towards Switzerland may be admitted as associated members if the majority of the committee approves their application and if the membership on non-Swiss does not exceed 45% (forty-five per cent) of the total membership of the club. Associated members may also apply for membership of the Society, their applications are subject to approval of the Society’s committee. As-sociated members have the right to vote and are eligible to hold office.
3. The committee may terminate the membership of any member who is six months in arrears with payment of any subscription or who has acted to the detriment of the club. The committee shall inform of its intention by registered letter and give the member concerned the opportunity to state the case in writing. A member may resign the membership in writing to the Admin Director, but shall be liable for the subscription of the current year.
4. Honorary Life-Membership may be granted to persons of special merit to the objects of the club and may be elected at the Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.). Nominations for such may be brought forward by the committee only.

Subscriptions

1. The minimal annual subscription shall be fixed by decision of the Annual General Meeting. Contributions and donations will be very much appreciated.
2. The financial year of the club ends on the 31st of March. Subscriptions for the ensu-ing year are payable during the months of April and May.
3. Members who have not paid their subscription within the two months shall not be enti-tled to vote on any occasion or share the privileges of the club in any form until the subscription is paid in full.

Management

1. The committee of the club shall consist of at least five members namely of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a Vice-President, an Admin Director, a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and one or more Board Members as decided by the Annual General Meeting. Non-Swiss members are eligible for elec-tion of officers except the CEO and only if the majority of committee members are Swiss citizens.
2. The committee shall be elected annually by the Annual General Meeting. Any mem-ber unable to attend meetings may vote by post or proxy.
3. The quorum for committee meetings shall not be less than four members. In the case of equality of votes, the CEO or chairman shall have a casting vote.
4. All committee members shall be eligible for re-election at the Annual General Meet-ing.
5. If a vacancy should occur it shall be filled by appointment by the committee until next Annual General Meeting.
6. All members of the committee act in an honorary capacity.
7. The committee shall have complete control of the investments and funds of the club.

Meetings

1. The Annual General Meeting shall be held each year at such a date, time and place as the committee decides. Notice shall be given in writing of the date and business of the Annual General Meeting to all members.
2. The quorum for the Annual General Meeting shall not be less than 20% (twenty per cent) of all members.
3. The order of business at the Annual General Meeting shall be:
   1. Appointment of scrutineers.
   2. Proof of the presence of the quorum.
   3. Reading of the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting and of the last General Meeting (if any) and report on action taken.
   4. Presentation of the Annual Report of the CEO.
   5. Presentation and approval of accounts and balance sheet.
   6. Election of committee.
   7. Any unfinished, new or other special business.
4. On request by the CEO or by at least 20% (twenty per cent) of all members a Special General Meeting shall be called and notice given in writing to all members, stating date, time, place and business.
5. The committee shall meet, adjourn and otherwise regulate its proceedings as it thinks fit.
6. Questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes.

Registered office

1. The registered office of the club shall be the residence of the Admin Director.
2. External correspondence shall be signed by the Admin Director.

Register of members

The CFO shall keep a register containing the names, addresses, nationalities and the date of membership of all members. A copy of such register shall be handed to the CEO and the Admin Director of the club not later than three months after the Annual General Meeting.

Alterations of the Rules

The rules of the club may be altered or added to if the majority of the members at a General Meeting show their agreement by vote.

Winding up

The club may be wound up if at a General Meeting a resolution is passed by a majority of members of at least 75% (seventy-five per cent). All surplus assets after payment of all costs shall be placed in custody of the Swiss Society of New Zealand.

 

These rules are subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting 2007.