“To change the structure and governance of NZNO is ultimately a decision for our members,” Brookes told Kaitiaki.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa — NZNO’s constitutional review began five years ago.
The constitutional review panel, which has an equal mix of NZNO board and Te Poari members, has been working on the draft since 2020, including consulting with member groups and Te Poari — NZNO’s Māori governance arm.
‘This is your chance to have your say on what kind of organisation you want NZNO to be.’
Member groups at an NZNO special general meeting on April 7 agreed to put the proposed new constitution to a member ballot. This followed the endorsement of the proposed draft constitution by NZNO’s Te Rūnanga — Māori member group — on April 4 at a special hui ā-tau.
The panel has said the new constitution, if adopted, would create a more unified, egalitarian, democratic and te Tiriti-led organisation.
NZNO’s regional councils and national membership committee would be replaced by local organising groups partnered with Te Rūnanga members to create new rōpū (groups) called ngā hapū.
NZNO’s “hierarchical” structure with a chief executive role and board of directors would be replaced with a national secretary role and national executive to bring it into line with “more egalitarian” union structures, the panel’s presentation shows.

Te Poari would have equal status with the national executive, both meeting at least three times a year in joint hui to decide major issues.
More detailed coverage and background can be found here: Proposed constitutional shake-up would see ‘more egalitarian’ and te Tiriti-led NZNO.
Brookes said after five years of work — including dozens of presentations to member groups around the country — he was pleased to see the draft constitution reach an all-member vote.
“It’s over to members now,” he said. “This is your chance to have your say on what kind of organisation you want NZNO to be.”
The ballot opened this week on Tuesday, May 20, and will close at midday on June 17.
Voting is online and instructions have been emailed by returning officer Warwick Lampp of electionz.com directly to members or by mail for those without an email address on record.
The result will be announced on June 18.
The current and proposed new constitution can be viewed on the NZNO website here.