Chair's Report to Council 25/05/01

REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN TO A MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE INTERNET SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND INC 25 MAY 2001

This has been a particularly busy month, in particular dealing with two, or three, special general meetings.

The proposed constitutional special general meeting occupied a considerable amount of time in my role as chair and as a member of the Constitutional Working Group. The intention to have a special general meeting prior to the annual general meeting proved impossible, in view of the legal advice received and counsels advice of the readiness of the new constitution. An attempt to have a mini special general meeting also failed.

I commend the continued work of the Constitutional Working Group which has further recommendations to make to this Council meeting.

Fellows, and the vagueness of the constitutional provision has also occupied time, and an e-vote. I am pleased to report that the constitutional amendments referred to above now include the basis for what I believe will be a very valuable institution for ISOCNZ.

There has been a considerable volume of email on the members list concerning the defamation action, which came to trial in the first week of May. The apparent inability of some IDG reporters to get names, dates, quotations and other facts accurate would be of concern if it were appearing in a more significant newspaper. My ability to discuss the matter is limited on legal advice, which has resulted in a relatively one-sided discussion on a number of aspects of the case. I look forward to a judgment following which there can be a full discussion of the issues this case has given rise to, so that we can learn and move forward.

The amended business plan has been released and I commend the Executive Director for its prompt production after the April Council meeting. It should now be published for members consultation without delay.

The Society complained about the Heralds use of material on the members list, raising the issue of the confidentiality of those lists. There is some debate about that. Further work needs to be done in terms of MEPs review of the lists and Councils discussion of the principles of confidentiality of ISOCNZ material in general.

Considerable further administrative effort and my time has been taken up with the second special general meeting to discuss funding Alan Brown and reviewing the work of Patrick OBrien. As usual, legal advice was sought, which has indicated that at least the first two nations are out of order.

I am pleased to note progress from a number of committees and working groups other than those already mentioned. In particular, Social Impact had a successful seminar in Waitakere and work is proceeding apace for the next one, in Tauranga in mid-June. Similarly, the Domainz DRS review is under way at last.

We need to make progress with the working groups dealing with blocking and by the Registrar Liaison Group investigating improper registration of domain names by agents.

And in late breaking news I am delighted to report that after time-consuming and delicate negotiations conducted largely by the Secretary with the Executive Director, agreement has been reached with the Executive Director concerning her contract.

© 2001 The Internet Society of New Zealand
Last updated 28 May 2001