The rules and principles of the NZCS are enshrined in the Society's Constitution and Bylaws.

These documents are extremely important to the governance, management and other functions of the Society and are also protected by law.

Breaches of the Constitution or Bylaws by members are treated very seriously.

The Constitution of the NZCS establishes the structure, procedures, powers and duties of the Society and its officers, and is the overall governing document the Society operates under. No other rule, policy or procedure may breach the Constitution.

The Society hasn't always had a Constitution - in fact it was only approved and adopted in 1991 at a Special General Meeting (SGM) in Dunedin. It has been modified several times since.

The Constitution is also protected from the Society's members, and may only be changed by a 2/3rds majority vote at a Special General Meeting (SGM) called specifically to change the Constitution.

Click here to download the NZCS Constitution (PDF, last modified 12 May 2006)

The Bylaws of the Society define many of the higher-level processes and policies for the correct and proper administration of the Society.

The Bylaws may not breach the Constitution in any way and are modified only via a two thirds majority vote of the National Council.

Click Here to download the NZCS Bylaws (PDF, last modified 13 November 2007)