The New Zealand Guild of Storytellers

Nga Kaikorero Purakau O Aotearoa (Inc)


The Guild is the brainchild of Elizabeth Miller, MBE, of Invercargill.

A librarian by profession, Liz saw the potential of storytelling as a way of enriching the lives of children and adults throughout New Zealand.

It was her vision and hard work that brought about the existence of the NZ Guild of Storytellers.

The promotion and development of storytelling in New Zealand has its foundation in strong Maori and Celtic oral traditions.

The New Zealand Guild of Storytellers/Nga Kaikorero Purakau O Aotearoa is dedicated to preserving, practising and promoting the art of Storytelling.

The Guild was legally incorporated in 1993. The membership includes professional tellers, teachers, librarians, parents, and people like you!
The Guild publishes a quarterly newsletter, encourages the formation of regional storytelling groups and supports storytelling events around the country.
If you are interested in storytelling, either as a listener, a learning teller, or a teller with experience, we invite you to contact us.

Individual :  NZ$25
Affiliated Group:  $30.  NB.  This allows groups so affiliated to apply for funds for storytelling activities where local bodies request an Incorporated Society as the umbrella.  The Guild is both Incorporated and has charitable status.
Institution :  NZ$50

Please make cheques payable to New Zealand Guild of Storytellers.

A register of Guild Members is available and will be maintained for all members. On application please state if you wish to have your name, contact details, and areas of storytelling interest added to this register.
Unless we hear otherwise from you we will add your name and contact details to the Guild mailing list. The list is used to update you about Guild activities and other news of interest to Storytellers.


Contact Guild President, Katy Mills, to have a subscription form mailed to you.


Current Committee Members.  2006 - 2007.

President/Chairperson
Katy Mills
2/15 Glennandrew Drive
Bucklands Beach
Auckland
Phone    09 5338082           Email    kmills@ihug.co.nz

Secretary
Liz Miller
191 Princess St
Invercargill
Pnone     03 2167290,          Email      lizm@xtra.co.nz

Treasurer
Annette Knowler
14-ORD
Oamaru
Phone     03 4395117,          Email      story@ihug.co.nz

Magazine Editor
Annette Knowler


Committee Members:
Tess Bayly (Auckland)
Craig Holtz (Whakatane)
Ruth Greenway(Christchurch)


Web Master
Tere Hide



CONSTITUTION OF THE NEW ZEALAND GUILD OF STORYTELLERS (INCORPORATED)

THE NAME
The name of the society shall be THE NEW ZEALAND GUILD OF STORYTELLERS – NGA KAIKORERO PURAKAU O AOTEAROA (INCORPORATED) which body shall hereinafter be referred to as “the Guild”. The registered office shall be where the Guild deems fit, and notice of the address and any change thereof shall be given to the Registrar of Incorporated Societies. The Guild will maintain a register of all its members.

OBJECTIVE
To perpetuate, promote and preserve the art of Storytelling and to encourage all who practise the art.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership or affiliation shall be given to all persons and groups who agree with the objective of the Guild, provided that consensus be reached after discussion at a regular meeting as to the acceptability of the applicant. Any subscription set at the Guild Annual General Meeting shall be paid upon admission and annually. Every new member shall be given a copy of the constitution.

THE MANNER IN WHICH PERSONS, AFFILIATED AND GROUP MEMBERS CEASE TO BE MEMBERS
By the member’s own choice By non-payment of the Guild subscription By acting in a way which would bring the Guild into disrepute, as agreed by a consensus of the Committee or arbitrator.

THE WAY THE RULES CAN BE CHANGED
The Rules may be altered, added to or rescinded by a Resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of those present in person or by proxy or by electronic means at: A Special General Meeting An Annual General Meeting When ratified any change shall be delivered forthwith to the Registrar of Incorporated Societies.

THE WAY ORDINARY MEETINGS SHALL BE HELD
Ordinary meetings of the Guild Committee shall be held at such times and places as it may determine and by whatever means the Committee deems fit. Notice of every Committee meeting shall be given to each Committee member not less than seven days before the date of the meeting, and shall include the agenda and the minutes of the previous meeting. A quorum shall be a specified number set at the Annual General Meeting each year, and may consist of members present through electronic means. If there is no quorum present within a reasonable time following the set start time of the meeting, those present shall set the time of the next meeting, to be held as soon as is practicable. The Guild Chairperson shall facilitate the meeting, or in absentia, the Vice-President, and should the Vice-President not be present then one of the members present at and elected by the Meeting shall preside at such Meeting.

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING
A Special General Meeting of the Guild may be held At the request of the Chairperson. At the request of at least three members of the Committee. At the request of at least seven ordinary members of the Guild. Any notice calling for a Special General Meeting shall be given to all Guild members in writing or by electronic means at least twenty - one days prior to the date of the meeting. This notice shall state clearly the business to be dealt with, and only that stated business may be dealt with at the meeting.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting shall be held within three months of the annual balance date. At least twenty-one days notice of the date of the Annual General Meeting shall be given to all members by written or electronic communication. The purpose of the Annual General Meeting shall be: To present the Annual Report. To present the Annual Balance Sheet and Statements of Accounts for the previous financial year. To endorse the appointment of an Auditor for the next financial year. To elect Guild Officers and members of the Committee. The Officers shall be the following: President - Chairperson Vice-President Secretary Treasurer The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by one person. The number of ordinary committee members shall be set at the Annual General Meeting, and shall be not fewer than four members appointed by election or co-opted. To fix the annual subscription to the Guild. To transact any business or make any rule change as long as the rules for the Special General Meeting have been met.

At all Annual General and Special General Meetings
No fewer than ten members of the Guild, present either personally or by proxy or by electronic means shall form a quorum. The Guild President/Chairperson shall facilitate the meeting, or in absentia, the Vice-President, and should the Vice-President not be present then one of the members present at and elected by the Meeting shall preside at such Meeting. If there is no quorum present within half an hour of the set start of the Meeting, those present shall set the date and time for the next Meeting, to be held as soon as is practicable,following due notice being given again to all Guild members. Decision making: All resolutions at any Annual General, Special General, or General Meeting shall be decided by a bare majority of members present and voting, and/or members exercising their vote by proxy. The mode of voting shall be by voice or show of hands but if any member present demand a ballot, then by ballot.

THE CONTROL AND USE OF THE COMMON SEAL
The Guild shall have a common seal which shall be held in the custody of the current Secretary. Whenever the common seal is required to validate such documents as the Committee shall decide it shall be affixed in the presence of any two members of the Committee who shall then sign the document to which the seal is affixed.

CONTROL AND INVESTMENT OF FUNDS
The Treasurer will take responsibility for the preparation of financial reports and present these reports at meetings. Officers and Committee members shall make all decisions about monies at ordinary meetings, by consensus, except that minimal amounts, as set by the Committee, may be spent by particular designated members. Monies shall be held in bank accounts approved by the Guild. Cheques shall be signed by two designated Committee members after approval of the expenditure by the meeting. Accounts shall be maintained meticulously and invoices paid in a prompt and timely manner. Surplus funds will be invested at the Guild’s bank at the best rate of interest and used for projects in keeping with the objects of the Guild. Surplus funds may also be invested for other purposes as the Guild sees fit.

THE POWER TO BORROW MONEY
The Guild shall have the right to :-
Enter into contracts, undertake obligations and acquire, hold or convey property; or raise mortgages and loans as required. Accept, raise, conduct appeals for, and hold FUNDS acquired. Details of monies received thus and any interest accruing or owing shall be given to the membership at regular meetings.

WINDING UP
The Guild may be wound up if :-
· A resolution is passed by consensus at a Special General Meeting called for the purpose, PROVIDED THAT a subsequent Special General Meeting is called for the purpose not earlier than thirty days, to:- · connfirm that resolution · decide the disposition of any surplus assets of the Guild, after the payment of the Guild’s liabilities and the expenses of winding up. · deal with such other matters as the Registrar may require to be provided for in any particular instance.


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