Annual General Meeting 2019

The National AGM was held on the 26th April 2019 at National Office in Penrose Auckland and made available via web-conferencing for members and staff to join remotely.

Members and supporters were in attendance, including former National Council Chairperson, Helen Melrose.

Trevor Jenkin presented his Chairperson’s Report and noted the highlights as:

  • Becoming recognised as a Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO) and officially joining the DPO Coalition in September 2018.
  • The Discretionary Fund had 60 applications throughout the year, with 42 approvals totalling $20,000 of funds donated. This has assisted our members with education, equipment and other resources that are not covered by other funding sources.  
  • The Duke of Edinburgh Awards saw 3 out of 5 with the other 2 almost finished “Dukies” complete bronze level.
  • Promoting access to new treatments for SMA and other neuromuscular conditions has been a strong focus for 2018, and we look forward to continued collaborations in this space.
  • Organising the 60th Jubilee in August 2019 celebrating our 60th anniversary as an Incorporated Society.
  • The Association invested heavily into membership services with one off grants to branches for fieldwork service and the NRFT for research.

 The outcome of the National Council elections was announced.  Three councillor at large positions were available and only 1 was received from a sitting councillor, Jan Daly.  Kerry Stephenson decided not to re-stand this term. Trevor Jenkin confirmed that there were only 2 nominations for the position of Councillor-at-Large, they were: Joy Jenkin and Jan Daly.

Newly elected councillors are:

  • Joy Jenkin (Auckland) – Councillor at Large
  • Jan Daly (Timaru) - Councillor at Large

Formal business was followed by an engaging presentation from Dr. Tristram Ingham.

To view the 2018 annual report, click here.

Election process for National Councillors

Nominations process

In March each year we call for nominations to fill positions on National Council, as elected members reach the end of their two year term. Elected members can stand for re-election, however all people wanting to stand for National Council must meet eligibility criteria, complete an official nomination form and be nominated and seconded by current members of MDANZ.  

Voting process

If more nominations are received than positions available, we will conduct a ballot to elect National Council members.  Only formally registered members of MDANZ may vote during National Council elections.  Friends of the Association may not.  Only Rangatahi members aged 16-25 years may vote for the Rangatahi Representative.

Find out more

If you are interested in the role of the National Council and would like to find out more, please contact the National Chief Executive at National Office by phoning 0800 800 337 or email us at [email protected].