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NCWNZ Conference Page 1 of 25 5 – 7 October, 2012

National Council of Women of New Zealand Conference

5 – 7 October 2012

Women and Work: No Barriers

Friday 5 October, Hutton Theatre, Otago Museum

Conference commenced at 1pm NCWNZ prayer in English and Maori led by Christine Knock National Anthem led by Christine Knock. Remembrances by Barbara Arnold Past members and associates of NCWNZ who had recently passed away - including Jacqui Te Kani, Chief Executive of the Maori Women’s Welfare League - were remembered in a minutes silence. Welcome Lynette Grave, President of the Dunedin Branch welcomed everyone to the Conference and Dunedin. There was special acknowledgment of Beverly Henderson and Lyn Dowsett and the Dunedin branch for their significant contribution to the Conference organisation. Elizabeth Bang conveyed messages from: Cosima Schenk, President of International Council of Women (ICW) who sent greetings and wishes for a successful meeting; and Colleen Singleton, thanking members for support during her time on the Board. President’s Address – Elizabeth Bang Refer Appendix 1 BUSINESS SESSION (Chaired by Elizabeth Bang) Introduction of Board and National Office Staff Board : Elizabeth Bang – President Barbara Arnold – 1st Vice President Christina Reymer – 2nd Vice President Shirley Payes Frances Townsend


Correen Rodger - Treasurer National Office Staff: Ruth Thomson – Funding and Marketing Coordinator Nicky Steel – Executive Officer Roll Call (read by Barbara Arnold) Refer Appendix 8 Apologies (Barbara Arnold) Elizabeth Crawley (AAW), Katherine Ransom (Economics Convener), Tristine Clark (Plunket) Annette Cleghorn (Rotorua), Karen Hunt(Rotorua), Barbara Lambourn ( UNICEF NZ) Patricia Jackman (WILPF) , Anne Joyce (CWL), Jennifer Thompson(Hamilton), Dame Grace Hollander( Life Member), Colleen Singleton(Board), Mary McIntyre (Matamata Branch), Dame Dorothy Winstone (Life Member), Dame Dawn Ibbotson (Life Member), Susan Jackson (Wairarapa), Elizabeth Miller ( Dunedin), Adele Hobson (Taranaki), Sarah Dickon( Wanganui), Linda Sammons(Wanganui). THAT the apologies be accepted Moved - Carolyn Savage

Seconded –Lynette Grave CARRIED Appointment of Resolutions Committee, Tally Clerks, Scrutineers, Procedural Advisor, Timekeeper and Minute Taker THAT the Resolutions Committee be: Christina Reymer, Lynette Grave, Judith Sutherland

Moved – Elizabeth Bang Seconded – Billa Field

CARRIED THAT the Chief Tally Clerk be: Christine Knock Moved – Elizabeth Bang Seconded – Margaret Cook

CARRIED THAT the Tally Clerks be: Dell Panny, Jan Brown, Cleone Campbell, Vanya Bailey, Marlene O’Sullivan Moved – Elizabeth Bang Seconded - Helen Gibson

CARRIED THAT the Scrutineers be: Dames Jocelyn Fish, Alison Roxburgh and Patricia Woodley Moved – Elizabeth Bang Seconded – Jan Brown

CARRIED THAT the Procedural Advisor be Beryl Anderson Moved – Elizabeth Bang Seconded – Bernice Williams

CARRIED


THAT the Time Keepers be: Lyn Dowsett, Ngaire Duke Moved – Elizabeth Bang Seconded – Carolyn Savage

CARRIED THAT the Minute Taker be: Tania Hitchcox Moved – Elizabeth Bang Seconded – Lynnette Grave

CARRIED New ‘National Member’ – Ratification of affiliation: Mothers Union That NCWNZ ratify The Mothers Union as a National Member. Mothers’ Union is a Christian organisation founded in the Church of England in 1876 and established in New Zealand in 1886. At present it has approximately 500 Branch, Diocesan, and Individual members throughout New Zealand and Polynesia. It has a National President, who is elected every three years, according to the National constitution. One of Mothers Union’s Mission Objectives is “To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children” and it is involved in a number of actions to this end.

Moved – Elizabeth Bang Seconded - Barbara Arnold

CARRIED Confirmation of Speaking Times and Meeting Procedures THAT the speaking times be: Three minutes for movers of motions; Two minutes for all other speakers to a motion; Five minutes for Conveners speaking to their reports. Moved – Elizabeth Bang Seconded – Margaret Cook

CARRIED Noted that Observers need the approval of the meeting to speak, and even then this right would depend on the agenda. Process for Urgent Notices of Motion as per Meeting Procedure Section 8 attached to the Meeting papers. THAT the Meeting Procedures be approved. Moved – Elizabeth Bang Seconded – Shirley Payes

CARRIED Confirmation of Conference Minutes 2010 THAT the Minutes of Conference 2010, as circulated and with amendments as received at National Executive 2011, be confirmed. Moved – Elizabeth Bang Seconded – Christina Reymer


CARRIED Dame Jocelyn Fish asked why the Ministerial replies to the Remits at the 2010 conference were not published. Some attendees said the replies were in the Circular – Elizabeth Bang undertook to follow up. THAT the minutes of National Executive 2011 be received. Moved – Elizabeth Bang Seconded – Belinda Greenwood

CARRIED Amendments to the minutes of the National Executive 2011. Colleen Dryden asked for spelling error on page 24 of the minutes be amended – ‘and cartoon plates’ be changed to ‘at Khartoum Place’. Ratified by Shirley Payes Seconded – Margaret Cook Action Sheet from National Executive 2011 The Action Sheet from National Executive 2011 to be discussed later in conference. Annual Report THAT the Annual Report 2011/2012 be received. Moved – Elizabeth Bang President’s comments on her report Refer Appendix 2.

Attendees invited to ask questions or comment on the Annual Report. There being none: That the Annual Report 2012 be adopted. Moved – Elizabeth Bang Seconded – Carolyn Savage

CARRIED Introduction to incoming President – Barbara Arnold. Barbara gave a brief summary of her current position as Science Educator at a local museum. She has a degree in Science, has interests in ecology and the environment, and has been a member of NCWNZ since 1990. Discussion on Constitution (Led by Shirley Payes) Shirley Payes explained how the consultation process had happened thus far

– Constitution discussed at Executive meeting last year and everyone attending that meeting had input into the document.

- The Board collated the comments/suggestions - Draft Constitution document formed in consultation with solicitor.

A lengthy discussion on this document ensued and was continued later in the programme.


Keynote Speaker – Tracey Ayre, Project Manager for IPENZ Women in Engineering Programme. Tracey gave an informative talk on the low numbers of women engineers and steps IPENZ is taking to address this. Frances Townsend thanked Tracey for her presentation. Discussion on Constitution continued (Chaired by Shirley Payes) Many people individually and also acting on behalf of their branches expressed very strong views on this document. The main concerns were: Plain, modern, jargon free and gender neutral language is required

Clause 7.2: an explanation was sought re the Board being able to impose a one off membership levy/levies. Shirley advised that this was included on the advice of the solicitor to cover NCWNZ if something unpredicted happens or for some special reason that funds were required.

Clarification of Membership categories is required. It was felt that as National Office is not resourced to handle the administration, including invoicing of all NCWNZ members, as proposed in the draft document, it is more effective to keep the financial administration process at a local level. A show of hands indicated strong majority support for this.

Clarification of ‘Portfolio’ was sought in relation to the proposed portfolio committees.

Issues specific to NCWNZ require input to the Constitution from members who should be the main drafters rather than lawyers. Christine Knock (ICW Board member and Observer) gained permission to speak and asked who had been consulting the lawyer. Shirley Payes replied that she herself had, having had previous experience with constitutions. The President and other board members had also been involved in consultations.

Megan Blenkarne suggested that to resolve the many concerns raised, a subcommittee should be established with members of the Board and others with constitution writing experience. That a working party be set up which includes members of the Board and people with suitable constitutional experience to further the revision of the constitution. Moved – Dame Miriam Dell Seconded – Carolyn Savage An amendment to Motion was proposed, namely that this suitable experience should be in relation to a non Governmental organisation. Moved – Rae Julian Seconded – Carolyn Savage Motion : That a working party be set up which includes members of the Board and other members, including those with suitable NGO constitutional experience, to prepare the next draft of the constitution. Moved – Shirley Payes Seconded – Carolyn Savage CARRIED


NCWNZ Members were invited to put forward names of suitable candidates for the working party. A two week timeframe for nominations was agreed. Day One Concluded at 5.30 pm.

Saturday 6 October, St David Street Lecture Theatre, Dunedin University

Quorum of 76 established by Frances Townsend Business Session (Chaired by Elizabeth Bang) That the Honorary Solicitor be Lisa Fraser, Gault Mitchell Moved: Elizabeth Bang Seconded: Correen Rodger CARRIED Financial Report presented by Correen Rodger – National Treasurer On behalf of the Board of Management, that the Statement of Financial Performance, Statement of Financial Position and accompanying notes for the year ended 31 March 2012 be received. Moved – Correen Rodger

Seconded – Mona Townson CARRIED

Comments from Treasurer:

This past year has been the most difficult the Board has had to deal with, and the financial sustainability of the organisation has been severely tested. Within the Financial Report which accompanies the Financial Statements in the Conference papers I have tried to provide as much information as possible about the annual finances of NCWNZ. Therefore in this presentation I will concentrate on the major contributor to the deficit, i.e. the loss of income from grants, and the provision for income tax.

The auditors continue to give a qualified report. This is common with organisations such as NCWNZ when they are not 100% certain that the monies are traceable. The receipting at National Office is in line with what is expected, but because the organisation does not invoice the branches then the auditor cannot say that the dues sent to National Office are in fact what is collected. Grants Many applications were made by National Office staff during the financial year and

beyond.

Applications continue to be declined since 19 August 2010 when NCWNZ lost charitable status and because funders view the organisation as having adequate financial resources.


The slide shows grants income from 2003 to 2012. Whilst showing $5,122 in this year’s accounts as a grant received, it was actually carried over from the 2011 year, receipted on 14 September 2010 and therefore is shown on the graph in that year. No grants were received for the CEDAW preparation and editing completed in the 2012 year.

Donations and support Thank you to the members, organisations, branches, women’s groups and Board

Members who have given to NCWNZ either by a lump sum donation or monthly direct credit. The total donations for 2012 are almost 7 times the previous year and your generosity is so appreciated.

Also thank you to the volunteers who support the National Office from Volunteer Wellington, and the Wellington and Hutt Valley branches. The cost saving to NCWNZ by their good deeds is enormous.

A bit of history – the National Treasurer at Conference in 1998 said the Five Cent fund supplemented the general workings of NCWNZ. She recommended that the Branches and Nationally Organised Societies continue collecting for that fund. The President at that time said the fund was originally called the Cents in May fund and collected from members of affiliated societies. This fund is now known as the Camellia Fund since there are no five cent pieces in circulation.

Provision for income tax I refer to the note in the Financial Statements, page 21 of your Conference papers. NCWNZ has chosen to take a conservative view and provide for income tax. To do otherwise, and then be unsuccessful in challenging the decision of the Charities Commission, NCWNZ could be liable for high penalty fees and interest, back dated. Should a successful outcome be received then a refund of the income tax paid would be sought. Membership dues do not count as income for tax purposes, nor can any expenses connected to the members’ funds be claimed. The total interest from the Centennial Fund is taxable, as is Circular income, National Meetings income and rental. On the positive side since the filing of the financial statements and completed audit I have continued to work hard on apportioning costs to the activities of the Council, in conjunction with BDO Wellington who have taken NCWNZ on to their agency list, which means the returns can be filed later without penalties and interest. Although not yet finalised the provision for tax shown in the Financial Statements should be less, (approx. $5,000), as the 2011 return will now be filed from 19 August 2010 (the date when NCWNZ was de-registered by the Charities Commission).

Dues The income from Dues continues to decrease. In the past Dues were raised by about 10% every four years, and the last increase was in 2004. With the inability of NCWNZ to access grants and the low interest rates being received, the Board foreshadowed at the National Conference in 2010 and the National Executive Meeting in 2011 that an increase in dues would be required from the 2013 year. The Board is especially mindful of the financial circumstances of some branches and also financial pressures facing members and to increase by too great a sum could incur hardship and deter membership. Therefore the suggested increase is approximately 10% as it was in the past, and as shown in the table. Bear in mind some of the figures in the 2005 column (which includes GST) were increased slightly when the GST component was increased.


From 1 April 2005 1 April 2013 Representatives $20 $22 Individuals $20 $22 Associates $16 $18 Branch Life Members $16 $18 NOS $66 $72 National Members $66 $72 Circular The Circular cost to rise $17.50 $20

Travel Pool Forms for making a claim have been emailed to Branch Presidents from National Office. The forms need to reach National Office by 31 October 2012. You will need to provide a

tax invoice/receipt for any claim, or advise the kilometres travelled.

My thanks to Nicky Steel, Executive Officer, and Ruth Thomson, Funding and Marketing, for their

support over the 2011-2012 year with the financial work. Members of the Financial Advisory Sub-Committee for their sound advice and guidance

with investments. Liz Brown who will step down having served two terms has sent her best wishes for a sound financial future, and Pat Leen is prepared to serve a 2nd term.

Budget Comparisons The Board has agreed with my recommendation that from next year in order to make the Financial Statements more informative to the membership, that the budget for that current year be included in the Income and Expenditure Statement and Balance Sheet. This is in line with current business accounting practice. Therefore you will see the actual income and expenditure for the year with the budget figures alongside, and then the previous actual year comparisons.

Questions from the floor: Rae Julian - asked about the inability to gain grants yet there are some noted in reports. Correen explained that these refer to contracts such as from the Ministry of Social Development. In her report she was referring to the inability to gain grants to cover overheads/special projects as in previous years. Maureen Heine – Commended Correen on a great job in hard times. She noted that if the sale of the previous office in Park St was taken out of the figures then it would show a loss for 2012. With a loss in 2011 and 2012, will 2013 be a 3rd year loss? Correen replied that this year the board is looking at a fundraising project to cover commitments and that what is really needed is sponsorship. Dianne Glenn – Asked if Correen was asking for approval of the budget. Correen said that she has copies and will have them made available prior to seeking approval of it.


Beryl Anderson – Reminded everyone that the Board approves the budget and then copies are distributed. Dame Alison Roxburgh – Feels that there must be a provision for the ICW conference and also asked if the Centennial fund could be transferred into a separate trust. Correen replied that the ICW costs are in the budget for this year. It was in the budget for 2012 but Elizabeth Bang did not attend as there were not funds available. The Board is considering the trust option for the Centennial Fund but there are barriers that need to be overcome first due to how the Fund was initially set up. Mary Gavin – Congratulated Correen on her great work in very challenging times. Queried cost of registration for this conference and wondered if the lower attendance rate was due to the cost being too high. Correen replied that at the moment NCWNZ is asset rich, cash poor. The Board decided that the conference had to be self funded. For previous conferences there has been substantial sponsorship. If any profit is made from this conference, this will go towards helping out with the expenses for next years Executive Meeting. Elizabeth Bang said that the venue – Otago University, was free of charge, however, NCWNZ is obliged to use their catering service and that this conference includes lunch on the Saturday. Wine on Friday night was supplied by Dawn Ibbotson and she thanked Dawn for this gesture. Dianne Glenn – Asked if there is an alternative budget to the one on the screen. Correen said that the one on the screen was an earlier draft copy and that she will photocopy the final budget and have copies available after morning tea. Also sponsorship and gifting money is in the final budget. Elizabeth Bang informed everyone that even the Government contract money is not secure. Annette Smith – Enquired about Centennial Fund set up. Dame Alison Roxburgh gave an overview. The fund was set up for the NCWNZ Centennial year. A group of very active NCWNZ women aimed to raise $1million dollars which would give the council income from the interest whilst leaving the capital unspent. These women raised almost $600,000 and this was topped up with grants from the Ministry of Womens Affairs. Until 2006 about $30,000 was gained in interest each year but now that the interest rates have reduced, this is much less. That the cost of the Circular be increased to $20 per year from the 2013/2014 year. Moved – Correen Rodger Seconded – Jan Brown CARRIED Discussion about Circular and the distribution method used. Christina Reymer said that she believes $20 per year is affordable and that it is not about postage and distribution, rather more about the production of a quality document.


That the Financial reports for the year ended 31 March 2011 be adopted. Moved – Correen Rodger Seconded – Carolyn Savage

CARRIED That the Membership Dues for 1013-14 be increased as the Treasurer’s report. Moved – Correen Rodger Seconded – Billa Field

CARRIED 1 Abstention by Rae Julian UN Women That the Financial Advisory Subcommittee be The National President, the National Treasurer, Pat Leen and Correen Rodger. Moved – Correen Rodger Seconded – Margaret Cook

CARRIED That BDO Wellington be reapproved as auditors for the NCWNZ accounts for the 2012/13

financial year, subject to the fees being considered reasonable

Moved – Correen Rodger Seconded – Averil Demetriades

CARRIED That $2,000 being a contribution to expenses for the year ended Sept 2012 be paid to the National President Moved – Correen Rodger Seconded – Christine Rattray

CARRIED That $250.00 be a contribution to expenses for the year ended Sept 2012 be paid to all Board members excluding the President. Moved – Elizabeth Bang Seconded – Bernice Williams

CARRIED Speeches from candidates for election as Vice Presidents: Vanisa Dhiru – introduced herself and detailed her experience and career. Her three points of difference she explained were that she is young, she is experienced and that she embraces innovation Rae Duff – introduced herself and detailed her experience within NCWNZ and in general. Noted that from her experience as the Education Standing Committee Convener over the past four years, she has already developed active and effective advocacy networks and has become much more aware of the value of the submission process, oral reporting to Select Committees and the importance of gaining the ear of the media.


Shirley Payes – introduced herself and detailed her experience, citing her solid background with members and the board of NCWNZ. Book of Resolutions 115 years (Helen Bruce) Helen explained that she and Beryl Anderson edited and updated the Resolutions and those that have been retired are greyed out. The book is $25, including postage and packaging. Elizabeth Bang thanked Helen for her work and informed the attendees that had Helen sponsored the publication. Quorum of 77 established by Frances Townsend Remits 3 and 1 (Chaired by Barbara Arnold). REMIT 3 Equal Entitlement for all Children with Disabilities That NCWNZ supports all children with disabilities, whether or not acquired through accidental causes, receiving equal entitlements. Proposer of the remit: Fern Nielsen, Tauranga Branch Seconder : Raewyn Benzie, Southland Branch. Fern Nielson Main points:

Ensure that all children with disabilities receive equal entitlement otand access to support systems

Enable funding to be to tailored to individual’s needs as soon as they are identified and provide them and their families with more choice and control over the supports provided to them.

Raewyn Benzie Southland supports Tauranga’s remit. Our research through a Southland mother with a son born with disabilities highlights the following points. Every child in NZ with a disability

- must have access to the same level of professional advice and support no matter where they live.

- must be diagnosed as early as possible so a life plan of co-ordinated assistance can be started.

- must have support for their parents, who should be included in decisions about a child’s treatment.

It should be a priority for a child with a disability - to live as normally as possible. - To be offered through mainstream schools a range of educational programmes so they

can reach their full potential. Successive Governments since 2002 have supported an Office for Disability Issues and has a Minister of Disabilities.


New Zealand has now signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Government policies have made it “easier for disabled people, and their families, to have more choice and control over the supports provided to them”. The concentration, however, is on adults. If every disabled child receives equal entitlement then the government policies being espoused currently, can be achieved. We want to achieve equal entitlement, a level playing field, for all disabled children. This will enable all disabled children to be well supported at home and in their communities from an early age. Speakers for the motion: Margaret Wilson ( Auckland) Dianne Glenn (Papakura -Franklin) Ayes: 77 Noes: 0 Abstentions :

CARRIED REMIT 1 : Hydraulic Fracturing That NCWNZ urges the Government to

Identify any risk associated with hydraulic fracturing”

Provide a regulatory framework based on evidence governing hydraulic fracturing, including on-going monitoring

Proposer of the remit: Dell Panny Environment Convener Seconder: Dianne Glenn, President Papakura Franklin Branch. Dell Panny: To date, oil and gas companies have understated the risks associated with hydraulic fracturing. What are the risks?

1. Vast quantities of water are used and contaminated in the process. To date there is no satisfactory means of disposing of that water.

2. Drilling creates underground pathways, leading to eventual seepage into waterways. 3. Air contamination will be apparent before water pollution. The first sign will be a

strange smell in the air. Then people will suffer headaches, nose-bleeds, skin irritation. Overseas, that has been followed by blood disorders such as leukaemia.

4. The toxins used in fracking are acutely dangerous in minute quantities, with ingredients that differ from well to well according to geology.

5. Hydraulic fracturing not only introduces toxins, it releases radioactive substances trapped naturally beneath the ground. So far in NZ, testing has been carried out by Geiger counters, which are incapable of detecting alpha radiation such as the intensely dangerous radon, which is present in our sandstones.

Why do we need a regulatory framework?


1. Regional councils issue resource consents, but their rules were not designed to cover the risk associated with hydraulic fracturing.

2. A recent UK royal Society report claims that fracking can be carried out safely if it is effectively regulated.

3. The report says that robust monitoring is vital. 4. To be robust, monitoring must be independent.

Why is independence essential?

1. Oil and gas companies want to maximise profits. 2. Regional councils want employment, investment and prosperity in their regions. A

recent Taranaki Regional Council report paints a positive picture, but admits to no physiochemical analysis of water, no bio monitoring surveys, no ambient air quality analyses.

3. The report’s information, it states, was “largely supplied by oil and gas companies”. In Conclusion, Hydraulic fracturing should be monitored by an agency whose priorityis not profit, but the health of people, animals, fish and birds, and the health of the soil, water and air. Dianne Glenn: , President Papakura Franklin Branch Dianne went through the charts that were on the wall about Fracking in the past, present and future. Speakers in support of the Motion: Sarah Dickon; Audrey Jarvis Ayes: 77 Noes: 0 Abstentions : 0

CARRIED. Urgent Notices of Motion (chaired by Christina Reymer) That NCWNZ urges the Government to amend the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 to make the registration of all Social Workers mandatory. Reason for Urgency: There are moves to undermine the status and qualifications of Social Workers, endangering our most vulnerable New Zealanders.

Moved: Toni Millar, Auckland Branch Seconded: Jan Brown, Consumer Affairs Convenor

CARRIED That NCWNZ endorse the establishment of working groups to address the ‘Key Areas for Government Action on Women’ identified by the Monitoring Committee for CEDAW in New York 2012. Reason for Urgency: These recommendations require immediate action and cannot wait until October 2013.

Moved: BPWNZ


Seconded: UN Women CARRIED

That NCWNZ urges the Government to place a 5 year moratorium on the proposal to close a number of Christchurch schools. Reason for Urgency: This proposal covers an event that has occurred since remits were called by NCWNZ Board.

Moved: Auckland Branch Seconded: NZEI

CARRIED Remits 4 and 2. (Chaired by Christina Reymer) REMIT 4 – Calculating Beneficiaries’ Income That NCWNZ supports the income that DPB beneficiaries may earn before abatement, being set as a percentage of net average after tax ordinary time weekly wage (NAATOTWW) Proposer: : Vanya Bailey, Employment Convener Seconder : Lynette Grave, President Dunedin Branch Vanya: At the end of June 112,000 working age people aged 18 – 64 were receiving a sole parent benefit, down 1,000 from the previous year. Nearly half are aged between 25 and 39, and 20%, are aged 18 – 24. About 20% have part-time work, and nearly two thirds care for a pre-schooler. Only 10% had been on it for 10 years or more. So most sole parents return to work and get on with their lives. Long term dependency is not the norm. These are women raising our next generation of children on their own. They pay tax on their DPB and 20% of them are already declaring earnings and paying tax on those as well. So they are not benefit bludgers. This remit asks the Social Welfare minister to make two policy changes aimed at encouraging sole parents as they make the transition back to work under new government work obligations. If the basic DPB was fixed to to a percentage of the basic average weekly take home pay, as national super is. Two things would happen instantly: the basic rate for the DPB would increase by about $60 a week gross according to my calculationsSecondly it would take beneficiaries beyond the realm of populist politics, which in recent weeks has seen such rancour directed at beneficiaries. Our support for this remit would put us in good company. In August the expert advisory group on solutions to child poverty suggested reforming the system around sole parents benefits so that in the first year of a child’s life, a parent would be supported to stay at home to care for their child. Parents would then be assisted to gradually increase their hours of work. They quote research suggesting that part-time work is beneficial for the parent and the child. The Greens want to extend the child welfare payment currently paid to low income working parents to low income non-working parents. Lynette: The second part of this remit focuses on Abatement. Imagine being on the DPB and living on the basic rate of just under $300 a week.


Imagine being only allowed to supplement this up to $100 a week (or $5,201 a year) and THEN being taxed at 30c in the dollar. Imagine earning more than that and being taxed 70c in the dollar. There is not much left, is there? Economist Gareth Morgan talks of the “poverty trap” for those on benefits. He quotes – “The more you earn the more you lose”. He asks, “Why would a beneficiary bother to seek paid employment?” Would you be inspired to go to work and incur more costs for such things as child care, clothes, transport? Finding part time work is not that easy and can be poorly paid at times, unstable and often with a disjointed work pattern. There are 77,000 women in this country who are working part-time but would like to work more hours. Consider the cost to the sole mother’s health and the prejudice against working mothers. We suggest the Minister for Social Welfare align the new work obligations for sole parents giving them tax incentives. What we need from Social Welfare is a system that accepts the reality of the workplace – and helps people improve their prospects without injuring their self esteem. To quote Walter Nash: “Social Welfare is a floor below which you cannot sink, - NOT a ceiling above which you cannot rise. Speakers for the Motion: Coreen Rodger, Cleone Campbell, Mona Townsend, Justine Samson Vanya Bailey exercised her right of reply. Ayes: 73 Noes: 3 Abstentions:

CARRIED Parliamentary Watch Standing Committee Report - Wendy Zemanek Over the last two years, PWC took on the additional role of searching for discussion documents and government bills that NCWNZ may want to respond to.

1. That decision is made by the EO in consultation with the National President. It is usually clear whose topic it is, such as environment, health, social issues etc, and the relevant convener is asked if she is available.

2. Each week, a member of PWC is on duty. She goes to the office on Wednesday and a) researches the Register of Resolutions for NCWNZ policy on the topic b) searches for previous submissions on relevant topics and prints copies of them. c) completes a Submission Workflow Sheet, for the Convener and the Office.

3. National Office posts the documents and the workflow sheet to the Convener who has agreed to write the submission. For Parliamentary Bills, a copy of the worksheet is kept in the office.

4. If time allows, the convener writes an Action Item. Once it is approved by her Board member, it is sent to the National Office and circulated the Board, Conveners, Branches, Nationally Organised Societies and National Members.

5) Plea for every Branch and every NOS to appoint someone who will take responsibility for circulating the Action items, and emailing the responses back to the National Office. Shirley Payes thanked Wendy for her report. Education Standing Committee Report - Rae Duff


Charter schools Thanks to those who responded. Overall, the majority to date do not favour this type of school and would prefer to see the funding used in local state funded schools to ensure quality teaching and learning, smaller class sizes and appropriate resources. New Zealand’s educational outcomes are recognised as some of the best in the world but there is always room for improvement. However, there is little evidence that Charter Schools will be able to solve educational problems which have their roots in very complex social and economic problems. Christchurch Schools The Christchurch Schools education sector has now experienced another aftershock. After having re-established themselves in the aftermath of the earthquake tragedy, it now needs to respond to an educational renewal plan that threatens established education communities. There is currently an overcapacity in the Christchurch schools with some 8000 students leaving the area. The Ministry of Education proposed that up to 31 of the 215 schools (some 12%) in the greater Christchurch region may face closure or a merger with other schools. This announcement was marred by incorrect information on some schools being released by a media outlet before the official release. The Government and the Ministry of Education have a fiscal and social responsibility to ensure the best student and community outcomes. Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill (No 2) A submission is being prepared in advance on the Student Loan Scheme Amendment Bill (No 2) which has yet to be passed to the Education and Science Select Committee. The bill gives effect to reforms announced in the Budget 2012 to improve the value of the student loan scheme. It amends the Student Loan Scheme Act 2011 to improve repayments from overseas-based borrowers and that the repayment obligations are determined on a fair and equitable basis for all borrowers regardless of the types of income they earn. The definition of income for student loans is to be largely aligned with the definition of income used for Working for Families tax credits and student allowances. Residential Special Schools It was disappointing to find that our submission and NCWNZ’s publicity on the effects on disabled young women of the closure of Salisbury School for Girls was not accepted by the Ministry of Education. There will now be only one South Island and one North Island residential special education school. However there is still a consultation period until November where the two schools to be closed have the opportunity to provide the Minister with additional information about why they should stay open. National Standards League Tables The debate over National standards and the so called ‘league tables’ continues. The Ministry of Education has released data on the performance of some schools and the media has attempted to use this to create ranked tables. As the Minister has pointed out data are not held for all schools, the data are derived from different sources and any attempt to use this to formulate league tables will not produce valid comparisons. Parents from those schools for which data have been supplied can use it as a simple performance measure of their own school but it is the classroom teacher who will be able


to identify what is required for their child to progress. As stated by Howard Fancy, a past Secretary for Education, ‘an emphasis on developing better professional practice would see National Standards primarily used as a diagnostic resource to increase the effectiveness of teaching and learning’. Rae expressed her thanks to all those who had supported and participated in the work of the Education Standing Committee and Frances Townsend thanked Rae for her work.

Social Issues Standing Committee Report - Belinda Greenwood We have looked at the censorship laws around video games in New Zealand. Australia has drafted guidelines which look at setting a R18+ rating on their games and the question asked was ‘should NZ follow suit’? We responded to a request from the Humanist Society of NZ asking if we had any information on the practise of Female Genital Mutilation. and completed the submission on the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill. this, along with Section 59 of the Crimes Act, has resulted in the most feedback from members for many years. Replies were very clear in what people’s opinions were. Belinda extended her thanks for support to her committee and especially to her own Branch and Shirley Payes thanked Belinda for her work. Panel Discussion – Women and Work: No Barriers Chair – Barbara Arnold introduced panellists whose fuller profiles were supplied in the Conference papers. Joanne Gordon – Director, Policy, Ministry of Women’s Affairs Tracey Howell – Project manager, Arrow International; Working with Otago Polytechnic on its Women and Trades initiative. Dr Esther Haines – National Convener for the Association for Women in the Sciences Anna Rakonjac – PhD student in Physics, Otago University Robyn Murdock – Distribution Manager, Delta; first woman in Australasia to qualify as a line mechanic Panellists thanked by Correen Rodger Group Discussions on Theme Conference attendees split into groups to discuss questions relating to the theme, Women and Work: No Barriers. Announcement of Vice Presidents Elizabeth Bang announced the outcome of the Vice Presidents vote. Congratulations to Rae Duff, 1st Vice President, and Shirley Payes, 2nd Vice President That voting papers be destroyed.

Moved: Elizabeth Bang Seconded: Anne Rodger


CARRIED

Announcement of New Employment Standing Committee Convenor – Carole Beaumont Elizabeth Bang explained that Carole had to leave early and thanked her for taking on this role. Board Candidates Vanisa Dhiru, Mary Gavin, Helen Gibson, Belinda Greenwood each spoke for 2 minutes to expand on their profiles published in the July 2012 Circular. Refer Appendix 3 Employment Standing Committee Report - Vanya Bailey

Has enjoyed her time as Employment Convenor

Thanks everyone, Board National Office and Committee members for for their assistance

Barbara Arnold thanked Vanya for her contribution. Family Affairs Standing Committee Report - Billa Field

Urged all Branches to try and encourage at least one of their members to become Corresponding Members to this Committee to ensure good feedback.

Reviewing of the Family Court is in progress. Changes include

A new Family Dispute Resolution service which will include free access to the highly regarded Parenting through Separation Course, will cost $780 plus GST or $897 to access, those entitled to legal aid will be able to claim for this expense. Service will replace the existing Counselling Service.

People needing immediate access to court, legal representation, legal aid, or court funded counselling will get it. It is planned that there will be a fast track created for urgent cases with better support for victims of domestic violence and with improved treatment programmes.

Action item Paying Family Carers to Provide Disability Support, a very crucial issue for carers and the disabled people, possibly the most important question is How should new policy address the issue of quality and safety of the paid support received by disabled people?

Billa thanked her Committee PWC and her Board member for their support and Christina

Reymer thanked Billa for her work.

Justice & Law Standing Committee Report - Cleone Campbell,

a productive two years

Most action items receive numerous responses from across the spectrum reflecting wide diversity and differing circumstances in the rural communities compared with the urban and city centres. e.g in smaller communities there is the possibility of a victim to be in close proximity to an offender who is on home detention, and offenders have less access to work programmes in the rural environment.


There is the continual tension of balancing the rights of the community with rehabilitating offenders, balancing the access to welfare for those in need and giving pathways for living independently.

There are the economic constraints, the paring down of the public service and restructuring. NCW has to continue to be vigilant to ensure that access to justice is readily available to all women and children.

Cleone thanked National Office staff, Christina Reymer, the nucleus committee and the members of her standing committee and Christina Reymer thanked Cleone for her work. Public Issues Standing Committee Report - Beryl Anderson

Public Issues is a diverse area to do submissions on.

It helps other standing committees when needed.

Thank you to Parliamentary Watch committee for help earlier with getting submission in on time.

Everyone needs to make sure they always validate information with statistics, quotes etc.

Has enjoyed being a convenor to a small nucleus committee and correspondence people.

Shirley Payes thanked Beryl for her work.

Guest Speaker Eileen Fegan Introduced by : Dot Page from New Zealand Federation of Graduate Women. Eileen’s talk titled “Education, Economics, Employment : Imagining Our Future. Refer Appendix 4 Day two concluded at 5.30pm. The Conference Dinner was held at Larnach Castel. Jo Goodhew, Minister of Women’s Affairs was the guest speaker.

Sunday 7 October, St David Street Lecture Theatre, Dunedin University

Quorum of 69 Established by Frances Townsend Remit 2 (Chaired by Elizabeth Bang) REMIT TWO – Free Contraception for all Women That NCWNZ supports free contraception for all women in New Zealand (i.e. the consultation fee and cost of contraceptives), including the provision of Emergency Contraceptive Pills through community pharmacists and all other providers of contraceptive services (Supersedes 9.4.15).

Proposer : Dr Audrey Jarvis, President Manawatu Branch Seconder : Suzanne Manning, Hutt Valley Branch.


Dr Jarvis’ report The current situation as regards to the provision of contraceptive services is complex. The reasons for putting forward the remit are:

1. Autonomy: We support women having access to contraception to enhance reproductive freedom and autonomy and to allow women to determine the number, spacing and timing of the children.

2. Choice: We believe that different methods of contraceptive suit different women, and that women should have the right to use the contraceptive that is best for them.

3. Cost: When the implant Jadelle became subsidised, clinicians from FPA reported an increase in Jadelle implants from 275 to 3500 in the year following the subsidy being introduced.

4. Reduction of abortion rates: The best way to reduce abortion rates is to make contraception more widely available and accessible. (http:www.guttmacher.org/pubs/tgr/06/4/gr060407.html). Figures released in the MidCentral Health area by the (Manawatu Standard in July 2012 released under the Official Information Act) showed that in the previous year the number of the abortions in the Manawatu-Whanganui area fell by 10.3% compared with 4.6% nationally. This has been attributed to a better use and availability of contraception.

5. So we want a level playing field: Presently there are differences between the accessibility of contraception to women based on age, cultural background and the availability of a provider who will supply a particular contraceptive.

Speakers supporting the motion: Julie Fairey, Jan Brown, Justine Samson, Rae Julian, Speakers opposing the motion: Ethne Wyndham-Smith In her right of reply Dr Audrey Jarvis quoted costs of contraception for women. Ayes: 56 Noes: 6 Abstentions to be recorded – 7 (Wellington, Dunedin, Soroptimist International NZ, Nelson, Taranaki, Auckland (1), Board Treasurer

CARRIED. Consequential motion: That resolution 9.4.15 is superseded in part by the remit just passed

Moved: Beryl Anderson Seconded : Carolyn Savage

CARRIED URGENT NOTICES OF MOTION


That NCWNZ urges the Government to place a 5 year moratorium on the proposal to close a number of Christchurch schools.

Proposer – Margaret Ready Auckland Branch Seconder – Vicki Signal

Margaret Ready:

Schools and early childhood centres have played a vital role in helping Christchurch

children deal with the stress and trauma following the earthquakes and aftershocks. In the

schools scheduled for closure some are in the damaged area but many are not, the

opportunity is just being taken for closure or merger. For Christchurch and its families to

fully recover, the long-term consequences and social costs of all decisions need to be fully

understood and taken into account.

Speakers in support: Lynley Pearce, Maureen Woodhams, Raewyn Menzie Speakers against: Lia de Vocht, Billa Field Margaret Ready exercised her right of reply. Quorum of 73 established by Frances Townsend Ayes: 34 Noes: 37 Abstention to be recorded – Tauranga & Auckland (1)

LOST Beryl Anderson recommended the Education Sub-committee to take action using the existing NCWNZ policy. That NCWNZ endorse the establishment of working groups to address the ‘Key Areas for Government Action on Women’ identified by the Monitoring Committee for CEDAW in New York 2012.

Proposer – Carolyn Savage BPWNZ Seconder – Rae Julian UN Women

Rae Julian: NCWNZ has done great work and wants to see this process continue. Reports to CEDAW should focus on what came out of the last meeting. Under the guidance of NCW a branch might want to work on this, though co-ordinated through NCWNZ. Speakers in support: Dianne Glenn, Elizabeth Bang Carolyn Savage exercised her right of reply. Ayes: 72 Noes: 0 Abstentions: 0


CARRIED.

Consumer Affairs Standing Committee Report - Jan Brown

Consumer Affairs has prepared 38 submissions over the last 6 years, reflecting the continuing work improvement and change to policy resulting from NCW feedback and viewpoints. These submissions represent a very wide range of subjects in response to discussion and consultation documents from FSANZ, NRFSA, Standards NZ as well as Government Departments and Commissions. The responses offer and reflect a diversity of opinion, information and considered feedback. The Domestic food Review is one such example. This has been a significant long term (10 years) project to develop a food regulatory programme across all sections of the Domestic food industry. The parliamentary process was finally completed earlier this year.. Other topics were: –

Smokefree Environment Amendment Bill and subsequent consultation documents and Government Bill to the most recent proposal to introduce Plain Packaging and Tobacco Products – Sept 2012

Easter Trading and Holidays Legislation

TV N2 Amendment Bill

The Natural Health Products Bill

The Consumer Law Reform Bill 2012 and Consultation Papers and 3 previous submissions

Fair Trading – Soliciting on Behalf or Charities Amendment Bill

Other areas of special interest and concern were:

Increasing cost of overseas airmail postage

Country of origin labelling of food products and bar-code identification

Continuing surveillance of safety of dishwashing detergents and toxicity

Cereal packaging

Safety of ECO Light bulbs and mercury levels

Containers and baby bottles containing BPA

Front of pack food labelling and traffic light food labelling

Advertising directed at young children

Safety standards for nursery products and children’s toys. Jan extended sincere thanks to all those who had supported her in a rewarding and challenging role and Frances Townsend thanked Jan for all her work in her 5 years as a convenor.

Environment Standing Committee Report - Dell Panny

Went to Rio +20 Conference at the Beehive earlier this year.

Is Speechless over the improvements in the environment.

Has received wonderful support from Manawatu Branch. Barbara Arnold thanked Dell for her work.


Guest Speaker: Professor Nicola Peart The Impact of New Zealand Trust Law on Social Justice . Organised, introduced and thanked by NZ Federation of Graduated Women. Refer Appendix 5 Report Back from Discussion Groups. Due to the lack of time for oral feedback it was requested that reports from discussion groups be sent to National Office where these will be collated and reported in the circular. Announce of Election Results – New Board Members Vanisa Dhiru Mary Gavin Helen Gibson Elizabeth Bang moved that the voting papers be destroyed CARRIED Rosebowl – Two judges will look at these post conference and the winner will receive the presentation in their branch. Quorum of 71 established by Frances Townsend Urgent Motion: NCWNZ urges the Government to amend the Social Workers Registration Act 2003 to make the registration of all Social Workers mandatory.

Proposer – Toni Miller Auckland Branch Seconder – Jan Brown, Consumer Affairs

Speakers for the motion: Carolyn Savage Toni Miller exercised her right of reply.

CARRIED International Report – Christina Reymer (Announced that copies of the report were available from the Registration desk. )

Pacific Region is dominated by Australia

Papa New Guinea is the 2nd largest Country in the Pacific – 7 million population

NZ is the 3rd largest Country with 4 million population

Three main groups Polynesian, Melanesian, Micronesian Christine Knock – ICW Vice -President

Attended her 5th International Conference which was held in Korea. There were over 800 people at the opening of this Conference.

The Pacific was well presented and NZ put forward a remit that was passed. Asks that people take note of the Soul declaration that came out of this conference.

Finland are way ahead with 86 are women out of 200 elected members in Finland, and there are 9 women ministers out of 90 in total.


Thanks extended to NCWNZ for the support and opportunities. Dame Miriam Dell

Talked about Korea Conference and how the meeting lacked any procedure ability.

Disappointed on lack of New Zealand representation due to lack of funds. Others from NCWNZ were there in different capacities so were not representing NCWNZ.

Next Executive Meeting is in Malta

Beryl Anderson –CEDAW Substantive Equality is the term which:

Recognises difference and affirms equality between men and women

Encompasses both de jure[written law] and de facto[ practice] equality

Places an obligation to correct the environment that disadvantages women

Requires all initiatives to lead to equality of opportunity; equality of access; equality of results or benefits

The oral presentation focused on :

Violence against women

Gender pay gap

Labour force participation

Participation in political and public life

Sexual health

Action plan for NZ women

Legislative review of forced and underage marriage

Welfare reform influencing women’s reproductive choice

Adopting the recommendations of the transgender inquiry

Refer Appendix 6 for full report Soap Box – Shirley Payes Apologised for time constraints so invited those whose topic was of demonstrated urgency. Lia de Vocht – drew members attention to the calico banner in the foyer for signatures and comments of concern that CERA is making decisions for Christchurch rather than the elected city councillors. It is intended that the banner will be made into quilt to take to parliament. Margaret Wilson – concern about the Brandit Brand of clothing for children coming in from America with military styles and advertising . Wendy Pearce – concern about for the use of many acronyms. President’s Final Speech – Elizabeth Bang Refer Appendix 7


Acknowledged retiring convenors and Board Members

Thanked Dunedin Branch helpers – Beverly and her team Elizabeth Bang handed over Presidents Badge to Barbara Arnold Incoming New President’s Speech – Barbara Arnold

Thanked everyone for their positive encouragement

Acknowledge Elizabeth’s work for past four years as National President

Acknowledged retiring Board Members – Christina Reymer, Correen Rodger and Frances Townsend.

Welcomed and thanked the incoming and continuing standing committee convenors.

New Board Introduced o Rae Duff VP o Shirley Payes VP o Anne Argyle Treasurer o Mary Gavin o Vanisa Dhiru o Helen Gibson

Next Executive Meeting will be in Wellington next year 20-22 September 2013

Next Conference will be in Auckland in 2014 Conference closed at 1.50pm on Sunday 7th of October, 2012.

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