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Why the Constitution is changing
The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 requires that all Incorporated Societies amend their constitutions and reregister before 5 April 2026.
Changes required in the new constitution
The new 2022 Incorporated Society Act changes some of the requirements for the constitution and membership.
The 2022 Act requires that we appoint a contact person to liaise with Incorporated Societies, and stipulates that this requirement is in the constitution.
There are new requirements for membership.
- All members must consent to being a member.
- The society must keep a record of the consent from each member, their membership contact details, and their subscription payments.
The requirement for the Society to keep a Common Seal has been replaced with a requirement to detail how expenditure is authorised.
The new constitution will be approved at a Special General Meeting on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
To vote at the meeting, you must be a financial (subscription paid and up to date) Full Member of the Society.
Please ensure that you have paid your subscription.
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About BINZ
Te Utu Tika Hei Oranga i Aotearoa – Basic Income New Zealand Inc. (BINZ) was formed in May 2015 to promote Basic Income (BI) in New Zealand.
- BINZ is a non-profit Incorporated Society affiliated with the international Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN).
- Visit BIEN ( http://www.basicincome.org ) for further information, including their Common Questions About Basic Income page for answers to many people’s most frequently asked questions about Basic Income.
- Visit the BINZ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for more information about Basic Income.
- Visit our Resources page for links to books, articles, reports and other resources.
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Vision, Aim, and Principles
BINZ will promote a Basic Income for New Zealand, that is, regular payments given unconditionally to all on an individual basis, without means test or work requirements.
Further details
- BINZ focuses on practical ways of transitioning to a Basic Income, of financing it and operating it.
- BINZ has no political alliances or biases.
- BINZ welcomes all proposals for the practical implementation of a realistic Basic Income.
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Guidelines
Read the guidelines
- It is universal and unconditional, with the level based solely on age in broad bands, or in limited cases on special needs.
- For example, one rate for children, one for those of working age, and one for superannuants.
- Special rates may be considered for those with ongoing special needs.
- It is as simple as possible.
- The method of funding is as simple as possible.
- It is as fair as possible.
- It does not preclude the use of other allowances for hardship or exceptional circumstances.
- It does not reduce the incomes of those who are at present on legitimate and justifiable welfare.
- The payment structure and method of funding do not increase inequality.
- It does not significantly worsen other social problems.
- It sets no conditions on entitlement apart from citizenship or work permits if or when required.
- A Basic Income may be a taxable or tax-free payment depending on the design of the scheme.
- The receipt of a Basic Income may be coupled to an appropriate income tax scheme to ensure Broad Targeting of the Basic to those with low to mid-range incomes.
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The BINZ Constitution
The 2022 Constitution (pdf, 36kB), to be replaced with the 2026 Constitution, describes our aims, structure, and rules.
For enquiries regarding the Constitution, please contact the Secretary.
Establishment
BINZ was established following Professor Guy Standing’s lectures on “The Precariat” and “A Precariat Charter” during a Humanist and Rationalist conference held in Havelock North.
- Professor Standing is a founding member of the Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN), an international organisation established in 1986 with the aim of linking individuals and groups interested in the Basic Income concept.
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Te Utu Tika Hei Oranga i Aotearoa – Basic Income New Zealand 