The India New Zealand Business Council (INBC) has proposed amendments to its Constitution to make the organisation stronger and better prepared to cope with the changes occurring in the economy.
The move was apparently in response to a suggestion by prominent lawyer Warwick Wright, who declared that the election of new Deputy Chair and Executive Committee be declared null and void.
The decision was taken at the Annual General Meeting of the Council held in Auckland on October 28.
The new Constitution will be submitted to the Members at a Special General Meeting in February 2011 and following its ratification, the election of Deputy Chair and Executive Committee would be held the following month.
INBC Chair Wenceslaus Anthony said a new Constitution was necessary in the larger interest of the members and the New Zealand business community.
He said the suggestion to re-write the Constitution itself reflected the core values of transparency and openness of the Council.
“I am sure that the new Constitution would not only be dynamic and in tune with the evolving trends but also reflect our new high level vision and strategy.
“A draft of the proposed Constitution will be released to the members for consultation shortly,” he said.
Mr Anthony said a fresh election would be held in deference to the unanimous decision of the members.
The Annual General Meeting heard that the membership had risen to 83 from 42 recorded during the previous year.
INBC received a new lease of life after Mr Anthony assumed office of the Chair for a two-year period in 2009. From a single Chapter based in Wellington, the Council has local Chapters in Auckland and Christchurch.
Cricket legend Sir Richard Hadlee is the Patron of the Council.
INBC is the only organisation of its type currently active in New Zealand. Divisiveness and working at cross-purposes that are so common among Indian organisations, should not be allowed to enter this Council, which has a strong advisory role to play in Government and private sector initiatives.
www.inzbc.org.