ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Minutes
Saturday 5th June 2010

Alexander Park Raceway

Welcome

ZL1TGC welcomed everyone to the meeting, promptly at 8:30am. He then introduced Mrs Fadia Mason, Compliance Officer, for Radio Spectrum Management.

Fadia spoke on her role which liaises with product suppliers. She also made special mention of the recent fine imposed on a radio amateur for operating outside his GURL.

She advised that the MED hope to implement better border control in the next 6 months.

Fadia declared the meeting open at 0845am.

ZL1TGC thanked Fadia for her remarks then handed the meeting over to the President Roy Symon ZL2KH to start the AGM.

1. Apologies

Branches: Kawerau, Tararua, Gisborne, Waitara, Westland, South Taranaki, Taupo, South Otago, Otago, Wanganui, Waitomo, Manukau.

Individual Members

Edwin Musto ZL1BBO, Janet ZL1JAN Musto, Bev Gillman ZL3OV, Lorne Douglas ZL2AHB, Jamie Pye ZL2NN, Alan Chapman ZL3GX, John Bell ZL1FB, Barry Stewart ZL2RR, Joe Reed ZL2AH, Peter Norden ZL2SJ,Geoff Gillman ZL3QR, Bev Osborne ZL1OS, Tony Buckland ZL3HAM, Bruce Douglas ZL2WP, Colin Rowe ZL3COL, Owen Pimm ZL3GM, D MacDonald ZL3DMC, B J Platt ZL3TIW, Stephen Cooper ZL2WAU, Neville Copeland ZL2AKV, Dave Wilkins ZL1MR

2. Silent Keys – minute silence

Gerry Kilpatrick ZL1BBS

3. Confirmation Of Quorum

A quorum of 1132 was required for the meeting to proceed. 1433 transmitting members were recorded as being present.

4. Report On Council Business

The following are outcomes of those motions passed at Council’s meeting on Friday 4th June.

NZART will make a contribution to Peter Lake ZL2AZ of $1,000 to assist with expenses incurred while attending APG3.

This was carried unanimously and Council thanked Peter for his continued commitment to amateur radio at international level.

After considerable discussion Council resolved

That 2011 subscription remains at $95 with a rebate increase of $15 if paid by 30 November 2010.

All other subscription levies will remain. ZL2KH said it was also timely that we encourage people to either pay early or on a monthly basis.

It was noted that there has not been an increase in subscriptions since 2004 at the Blenheim Conference. Therefore ZL2KH stressed the Association has absorbed annual inflation costs over the past 6 years.

Council approved the application from ZL1TPH, with thanks, to join the FMTAG committee for a 6 month trial period.

The Business Manager submitted a paper to Council on the current location and operation of NZART HQ.

Having considered all possible options as submitted, council resolved to remain in the same location in Upper Hutt, in the interim, until a suitable lower cost option becomes available.

One of the options submitted by the Business Manager, that Council considered, was a home office environment. There are technical issues regarding access to computer based files, therefore Council further decided that Evan Sayer Association Treasurer be appointed to lead a project team to resolve software issues regarding remote access to data.

Northern Region Councillor Phil King ZL1PK, is to review in the coming month, all submissions on the future of NZART, recently received and prepare a summary for Council’s consideration. Phil will highlight and prioritise those areas needing urgent attention.

The following motion was also passed as a result of these submissions.

That NZART implement a Membership drive at Branch level, with an incentive of 50% of the first years subscription going back to Branches who sign up new members. This also includes members that have not been NZART members within the last 5 years.

Branches of course will need to appoint an agent to ensure this can be run effectively and efficiently and give financial benefit both for the Branch and the Association.

Acting on a letter from Nelson Branch, Council gratefully received the donation of a cup or trophy by the Branch. This will be awarded in recognition of candidates who have achieved high examination results in all age groups not otherwise catered for.

Council had several officers visit throughout the day, John Walker ZL3IB Break In Editor, Don Wallace, ZL2TLL Administration Liaison Officer, and Peter Lake ZL2AZ IARU Region 3 Director. Council thanked these and ALL of the hard working officers who commit so much of their time and energy for the Association.

Council resolved on request from ZL1TPH and ZL4PLM to advise FMTAG, they see no objection to a weak signal band between 2396 – 2400 MHz

Before the close of the meeting, Vaughan ZL1TGC updated Council on the Kordia situation. Site access has been reinstated, however anyone having concerns regarding this is to contact Vaughan. An approach is being made to SOE Minister Simon Power to see if free amateur hosting can be retained.

The Co-location Agreement has been signed with a copy being held at NZART HQ.

5. Minutes 2009 AGM– Confirmation

Moved ZL2LS Seconded ZL1UD Carried

6. Annual Accounts

a) Annual accounts – Evan Sayer

Moved Treasurer Seconded ZL3TNT Carried

Evan then proceeded to talk to members present as follows: Quote.

“Twelve years ago I stood before you for the first time to present your Associations Financial Report . That was for the year ended 31 December 1998 and it was far from a pretty picture. The loss for the year just ended was $69615 and Total members funds were a whole $1614. During that year the Association had been technically insolvent ie Subscriptions received for the new 1999 financial year were used to pay the bills of the previous year.

This last year, 2009, produced a surplus of $22,693 and when added to previous year’s Total accumulated funds your Members funds now exceed $239,000. I don’t apologise for this result although I understand some members believe I have rorted the membership.

This latest financial result was achieved against a budgeted loss of around $10 - $12000. The difference occurred because expected costs for the IARU Region 3 meeting in Christchurch was kept well in check and of course you had no callbook. On top of this negotiations were underway with Kordia for which I needed to make a financial provision. Rorting is not a description that I take a lot of comfort in, but it’s obviously a perception that some of your members obviously have of me and I find it disturbing. To top that off I learned over dinner last night that the grapevine has it that I must be sitting on a stash of money hidden away somewhere. While my long and varied career has included forensic accounting your Associations accounts have been audited by a reputable firm of Chartered Accountants for more years than I have been involved and while I enjoy a good business relationship with that Company, it’s to the financial advantage of this organisation that the benefit accrues not to me.

While on such topics I should probably pass comment on the Business Management Committee or whatever it’s currently called and the hidden agendas that we are supposed to have. As a member of that august body I have stuffed more envelopes and licked more stamps than I could count. I have rung, emailed or contacted all manner of persons, extracted all sorts of favours and benefits for your Association and its members. While I realise that I’m preaching to the converted here next time you receive one of those emails or view a blog just be content in the knowledge that you know real truth of the matter.

The 2009 Financial Accounts. We have receipted more subscriptions last year but that is a result of a promotion done 2 years ago. The financial health of this Association lies in maintaining or better still increasing membership.

Interest. As predicted last year the fall in interest rates has approximately halved the income we receive from this source.

I think it’s fair to say that we keep a close eye on expenses and don’t spend money just for the sake of it.

Cash Resources. WE have maintained a policy of keeping our Cash resources invested in the mainstream banking system. That limited our exposure to the financial market collapse but we also take a lower return than to income” Unquote

b) Appointment of Association Auditor

Motion: That Parsons Roddick be appointed as the Association Auditor.

Moved: Association Treasurer Seconded ZL3VP Carried

9 Officers’ Reports As Published In Break-In Issues

Debby ZL2TDM corrected her report and advised that she did not move to the Kapiti Coast as reported, and will not now be doing so. Therefore her office hours are subject to change, dependant on what members prefer. At this stage she will go to 4 days a week 8:30 – 2:30 Tuesday to Friday.

A request to have HQ Info-line in pdf format was raised after the HQ Info-line report. ZL2KH will liaise with Jamie ZL2NN into the feasibility of this.

Special thanks were attributed to ZL2NN for carrying on good work – received with acclamation.

ZL2BHF requested that branches please forward Branch newsletters to zl6a@nzart.org.nz if able via e-mail.

Two vacant positions have now filled. Simon Lewis ZL4PLMhas been appointed to the UHF/VHF/SHF Records Keeper position and Frank Hunt ZL2BR has been appointed to the position of Contest manager.

Moved Reports en masse ZL3TNT, Seconded ZL2AZ Carried

10 Voting Procedure

President to explain procedure as presented on paper handouts

Quorum Total Membership 1716

Quorum (2/3 membership) 1132

Total Represented 1433

11 Remits

Remit 1 Lower Hutt Branch 18 Non Transmitting

“That the ARX services shall be free to NZART members.”

Motion: That the word ‘examination’ be included after ARX.

Amendment put: That the ARX examination services shall be free to NZART Members.

Moved Bob Holt Seconded ZL2BCC Lost

The amendment to the motion was lost

Remit count taken on votes present.

For 629, Against 737 Remit Lost

Remit 2 Upper Hutt Branch 63 Non Transmitting

That NZART Council undertake a revision of the purpose of the Family Membership Subscription with a view to ensuring than only the primary member has the right to vote in the Executive elections for NZART President and Council.

Amendment from Branch 56 to include “that only licensed members”

That NZART Council undertake a revision of the purpose of the Family Membership Subscription with a view to ensuring that only licensed members have the right to vote in the Executive elections for NZART President and Council.

Moved ZL2BCF Seconded ZL3IB Carried

The new remit now stands as above in the amended version

On Voices Carried

Remit 3 Hastings Branch 13 Non Transmitting

That NZART request that the MED release the X, Y and Z two and three suffix amateur callsigns for general use by amateurs. One letter suffix X, Y and Z callsigns should be issued under the existing restrictions that apply for all other single letter suffix callsigns.

On Voices Carried

Remit 4 Hastings Branch 13 Non Transmitting

That Council seek a mandate from the full membership before proceeding with the implementation of an entry level licence.

Amendment to remit to included “at this meeting”

That Council at this meeting seek a mandate from the full membership before proceeding with the implementation of an entry level licence.

Moved ZL1BBQ, Seconded ZL2VCC Carried

Remit as amended was put and Carried on voices. Carried

After remit 4 was decided – all delegates were polled to ascertain which of their members were in favour of the introduction of an entry level licence. The majority were not in favour of such a system – so there will be no entry level licence introduced.

NZART will not be considering nor implementing an Entry Level Licence

For 679, Against 746 Lost

Remit 5 Hamilton Branch 12 Non Transmitting

That upon adoption of this remit, Branches hosting Conference are instructed to schedule the AREC AGM/Forum on Saturday afternoon following the NZART AGM.

Amendment Put: Remove the word AREC, AGM

That upon adoption of this remit, Branches hosting Conference are instructed to schedule the AREC Forum on Saturday afternoon following the NZART AGM.

Moved ZL1BSW Seconded ZL2TW Carried

A Further amendment was then put as follows:

Amendment Put: To include ‘encouraged, where possible

Moved ZL3IB Seconded ZL3VP

That upon adoption of this remit, Branches hosting Conference are encouraged where possible to schedule the AREC Forum on Saturday afternoon following the NZART AGM.

Amendment Put Lost

On Voices Lost

Remit 6 NZART Council Transmitting

That the NZART constitution paragraph 2 .5 be amended to read as follows:

2.5 Non-Transmitting Members of the Association:

An applicant for membership who is not qualified to be enrolled as a Transmitting Member may be enrolled as a Non-Transmitting Member, that is to say a member resident in New Zealand who does not hold a current Amateur Station Licence. There shall be two classes of Non-Transmitting member of the Association:

(a) Individual Non-Transmitting Members who have the same rights as Transmitting Members, except:

(i) They have no right to hold or be nominated for any elective office.

(ii) They have no right to vote on any remit to amend this constitution.

(iii) Except as provided for in paragraph 6.4b, they have no right to vote at a general meeting or in a referendum on any matter which affects only the rights or special interests of Transmitting Members.

(b) Family Non-Transmitting Members who have no right to vote on any matter or the right to hold or be nominated for any elective office.

On Voices Carried

Presentation of Rothschild Cup

Rothschild Cup – Nelson 14 passes each.

12. Fixing Of Venue For 2011 Conference

Mark Gooding ZL2UFI from Upper Hutt Branch confirmed that Conference 2011 will be held in Upper Hutt. The venue will be the Silverstream Retreat. On site accommodation is available.

13. Best Examination result

Youth Achievement Award: Ethan Brown ZL1AE Raglan Branch 59/60 Born 1991 – 18 years

Merit Award: Jason Light ZL3LD Christchurch Branch 45/60 Born 1998 – 11 years.

Arthur (Jumbo) Godfrey Memorial Award for outstanding service to a branch.

Denise Hider ZL3HI

14. General Business

ZL3TMB Christchurch, re prosecution of Mr Potter. Have to prove that you don’t use equipment not in compliance of your GURL. So watch out. The law works.

Frank Hunt - the amendment to the ACT in 2008, was to clarify the old law of, being able to prosecute persons using the equipment, need to actually catch them in the act. The ACT was introduced to be able to prosecute where it is known and have evidence of a person operating outside of their GURL.

ZL2TLL clarified with RSM – if a Radio amateur exceeds the limit of their GURL then RSM have the right to prosecute.

Motion: That NZART approach MED to increase power levels to 1.5 kW

Moved ZL1BHQ Seconded ZL2BR Lost

Annual Conference

Brian Farrell - Family membership needs to be considered at AGM registration to make it possible for young people to attend.

Motion: That NZART investigate with dialogue to branches running conference, to enable junior transmitting members to attend the conference at a reduced rate.

Moved: Brian Farrell ZL1HN SecondedZL4PLM Lost

ZL2UFI suggested that it should be up to a branch to assist our younger amateurs to attend conference.

Motion: NZART Executive review charges of ARX fees in light of other branches offering for free.

Moved ZL3VP seconded ZL ZL3IB Carried

Trevor Service ZL4GJ from the Radio Electronics Group requested that their application be considered for Branch status again.

If REG reapplies again, then Council will reconsider.

Peter Smith Branch 29 – suggests support for straight key night. CW needs to be preserved. Asked Branches and individuals to keep the straight key night, one night a year active.

Warren Harris ZL2AJ introduced the idea of a contest, whereby the hobby is taken to the people on a Friday night or Saturday morning. Set up contest stations and take amateur radio to the public.

Debby Morgan ZL2TDM, Business Manager reported that an updated brochure introducing Amateur Radio and NZART is now available. She thanked Mark Gooding ZL2UFI and Karen Gooding for the work involved with getting the brochure to print.
Branches are encouraged to contact the Business Manager to get a supply of these brochures for their branch.

ZL1IE asked about options available for prospective blind candidates.

ZL2LS, ZL2MJS and others suggested that Foundation for the blind, plus ZL2AMJ is working on a system for the visually impaired.

Amateur of the year

Awarded to Peter Aikin ZL1TX. Brian Winger accepted on behalf of Peter ZL1TX and will present it to him at the next Whangarei Branch meeting.

15. Stirrers Award

No outstanding candidates…ZL2HD was talking too much. ZL2LS was also stirring but this is usual for her!

Frank ZL2BR for prosecuting someone for an offence on 26 MHz

AGM closed at 13:05.