OANZ

Dear Member of OANZ

As you will be aware, the Board of OANZ set up a Working Group to look at the future of OANZ with the following terms of reference:

To investigate options for the future structure and arrangement of OANZ; and
To report on their advantages and disadvantages; and
To report on the funding requirements and possibilities of the various options; and
To develop the most favoured option as far as possible without limiting the OANZ Council to any particular course of action; and
To provide interim reports to the OANZ Board and Council.

The Working Group has developed its most favoured option which is essentially a two part proposal. The first part is for implementation from the AGM and the second part to be implemented progressively as needs and resources grow. Click here for the PPT presentation.

There were two principle reasons for setting up the Working Group. The first, and most pressing, was the fact that Government funding on which OANZ was almost entirely dependent, was to cease in the middle of 2011. The second was that the current governance structure was seen as being too cumbersome in spite of much excellent work achieved by OANZ to date.
The Working Group has developed the proposal based on a number of principles which it has critiqued, the main ones of which are set out below.

That there is a great deal of value in a framework or network by which the organic sector can meet to sponsor and promote a variety of initiatives and to discuss mutual problems.
That such a framework should have a Treaty Partner.
That such a framework not be viewed as an organisation in its own right but as a federation of the constituent groups.
That only those activities be undertaken by the federation which are not or could not or are unlikely to be undertaken by any of the constituent groups or which would be better achieved if shared.
That resources are available from inside and outside the sector to service a federation.

This proposal is by no means definitive. If there is a generally positive response we propose to move the constitutional changes required at the AGM in November which will be circulated in mid October and will deal essentially with the abolition of the Board and a reduced Council.
Proposed Structure

Strengthened Member Council - One attendee per member organisation (preferably CEOs/Chairmen or people able to drive action in their respective organisations). Council to assemble a few times per year utilizing teleconference / web conference where practicable. Incorporate Hui as appropriate to strengthen relations.
OANZ Board disestablished with Governance provided by the streamlined Council.
Ballpark operating Budget 30 – 75K
Permanent Part-time Executive, or an executive shared with member group(s) or another organization.
“Work from home” or potentially shared office with a member organization.
Members provide voluntary resource to supplement as required.

Activity

Effective sector voice through a priority focus of maintaining/building sector profile and stakeholder relations.
Project management and leadership role for industry good projects.
Projects resourced by interested members / volunteers.

Specifically

Providing a united voice for organics to the highest levels in Government and industry.
- “Oiling the wheels” to make things happen
- Informing MP’s, Ministers, Relevant Government Agencies, CEO’s and relevant business groups.
Coordinating media releases and speeches
Coordination of organic sector responses to issues and crises e.g. UK Food Safety report on nutritional quality of organic food.
Representation on primary sector training organisations.

If you wish to discuss this please do not hesitate to contact John Vosper john.vosper@dairynz.co.nz 0212443428 or Ian Turnbull ieturnbull@ihug.co.nz 03 3148155

Yours sincerely
Jim Kebbell
Chairman of Working Group