AGM suspended, rule change sought

It’s a temporary hiccup. But the fact is: Tuki Wright cannot serve a third term as President of the Cook Islands National Disability Council.
This follows events at the council’s annual general meeting (AGM) held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs Office on Thursday evening.
Frances Topa, the independent person appointed to conduct the election of office bearers, pointed out that under the council’s constitution a president could only serve two two-year terms.
The only other nominee for president, John Battailard, had earlier withdrawn his nomination out of deep respect for Mama Tuki.
BLOW
The advice from Topa was a blow for the more than 20 people who braved a very wet night to attend.
The election of office bearers was one of the last items on the agenda. Those present had already received reports on the activities of the council, the Creative Centre and the Disability Action Team (DAT) and the financial statement. Any requests for copies of these reports should be directed to the council.
CHANGES
The meeting resolved to suspend the AGM and to hold another meeting on Thursday 15 March at the Creative Centre. At that meeting it is expected that rule changes to the constitution will be considered.
A further issue raised at the meeting may also be discussed and that concerns the meaning of the term “financial member.” It seems only financial members may cast votes but the Constitution is not clear on the definition of the term. Organisations can be financial members but as to individuals, that is unclear.
AUDITOR
One issue of concern to those present, and also to the auditor who examined the council’s finances, was the relationship between the council and DAT, which was formed in August 2005.
The two Rarotonga-based DAT team members were not present as they were in Atiu. However, Temu Okotai pointed out that DAT was independently funded through grants from donor agencies NZAid and AusAID. From time to time the Council supported DAT activities.
Aunty Cath raised the issue of where the funds generated by Housie went to. In 2006 some $8,000 was raised by the Housie Committee. Those funds went to the council.
Mama Tuki urges all interested parties to attend the next meeting which will be publicly confirmed soon.

Headlines : Times 192 19 Mar 2007
- Government business units fail to meet targets
- Marurai names research boss
- Time to focus budget on real issues
- Bridge on the ball
- Letters: Waiting for Makea family to embrace truth
- Tuesday will be trial for Oceania
- Dengue mosquitoes facing new Tom Wichman threat
- Six super ministries possible
- Glitz and Glamour coming to Aitutaki

Headlines : Times 191 12 Mar 2007
- AGM suspended, rule change sought
- Court case ‘lost’ for nearly two years
- Busy time ahead for leading artist
- LA LAUNCH Gets Boost
- Rotoract success up at the Staircase
- Ngakau Aroa: raising Games funds
- Rwandan priorities similar to ours: Aunty Mau
- New ring coming, Oceania next month