Charter for the Aotearoa New Zealand Prehospital and Retrieval Medicine Society

1. Name of the Group 

The name of the group shall be the "Aotearoa New Zealand Prehospital and Retrieval  Medicine Society" (hereinafter referred to as "the Society"). 

2. Purpose and Objectives 

The purpose of the Society is to promote excellence, collaboration, and education in the field  of prehospital and retrieval medicine (PHRM) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Specifically, the  objectives of the Society are: 

2.1 To facilitate networking and collaboration among professionals involved in prehospital  and retrieval medicine (PHRM). 

2.2 To promote best practices and evidence-based approaches in prehospital and retrieval  medicine (PHRM). 

2.3 To provide opportunities for interprofessional development, education, and training in  prehospital and retrieval medicine (PHRM). 

2.4 To support research and innovation in prehospital and retrieval medicine (PHRM). 

2.5 To advocate for improved prehospital and retrieval medicine (PHRM) systems,  resources, and policies in New Zealand. 

3. Membership 

3.1 Membership is open to individuals and organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand with an  interest in prehospital and retrieval medicine (PHRM), including but not limited to healthcare  professionals, emergency responders, researchers, and educators. 

3.2 Membership categories, eligibility criteria, and fees (if any) shall be determined by the  Society’s committee and reviewed annually.

4. Governance 

4.1 The Society shall be governed by a Committee, which shall include at least a  Chairperson, Vice-Chair, and Secretary/Treasurer. 

4.2 The Committee shall be responsible for the overall management of the Society, including  financial oversight, organizing events, and ensuring the Society’s objectives are met. 

4.3 Committee members shall be elected by the membership at an Annual General Meeting  (AGM) for a term of one year, with the possibility of re-election. 

5. Meetings 

5.1 The Society shall hold an AGM each year, at which: 

● The Chairperson shall present a report on the Society’s activities. 

● The Secretary/Treasurer shall present the financial statement. 

● Elections for the Committee shall be held. 

5.2 The Committee shall meet at least four times a year, and additional meetings may be  called as required. 

5.3 Decisions at meetings shall be made by a majority vote of those present. In the event of  a tie, the Chairperson shall have a casting vote. 

6. Finances 

6.1 The Society may choose to maintain a bank account. If the Society maintains a bank  account, then all funds shall be used solely to further the objectives of the Society. 

6.2 The Secretary shall maintain accurate financial records and provide regular updates to  the Committee. 

6.3 Any expenditure over an amount agreed upon by the Committee shall require prior  approval.

7. Dissolution 

7.1 The Society may be dissolved by a resolution passed by at least two-thirds of the  members present at an AGM or Special General Meeting (SGM) convened for this purpose. 

7.2 In the event of dissolution, any remaining funds or assets shall be donated to a nonprofit  organization with similar objectives, as determined by the members. 

8. Amendments to the Charter 

8.1 This Charter may be amended by a resolution passed by a majority of members present  at an AGM or SGM. 

8.2 Proposed amendments must be circulated to all members at least 14 days prior to the  meeting. 

9. General Provisions 

9.1 The Society shall operate as an unincorporated group in New Zealand and shall not be a  separate legal entity. 

9.2 The Society shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations in New Zealand. 

Adopted by the Aotearoa New Zealand Prehospital and Retrieval Medicine Society on 15th  January 2025.