Feb 2010 meeting minutes

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This article details the proceedings of the Pirate Party of New Zealand Inaugural General Meeting 20 February 2010.

Actionables

 * Cairo to discuss any legal requirements for keeping personal details of younger members with Alex (our lawyer)
 * Cairo and Luke together to organise the under-18 wing of Pirate Party NZ.

Present
Bruce, Jason, Luke Chandler, Peter Ajamian, Michel, Tommy Fergusson, Destiny, Cairo (late)

Minutes
Location; irc://irc.piratpartiet.se/ppnz

After some discussion about quorum the meeting was declared open at 7:23. Since we have not yet passed the constitution it was decided that there is no defined quorum or voting rules, that the number attending was sufficient for a meaningful meeting and that voting be open to all present. That we run the meeting under these rules was moved by Bruce, Seconded Luke. Accepted unanimously.

President's report: Pirate party still sucks. Membership is 6. Bank will not allow us to open party account until we elect a committee.

Treasurers report; income is $60 ($40 memberships, $20 donations, two members have promised to pay 'soon' which I accept because I see them regularly anyhow) .. expenses $40 for transfer of pirateparty.org.nz domain, so current balance is $20

Some discussion that donations could be put into a pool to cover those who wish to be a member but cannot afford the membership. We concluded that this is probably not allowed under Election Commission rules and may get us into trouble.

Discussion about registering as an NPO. Our lawyer has advised that this is not necessary although it brings some advantages. We do not yet have sufficient membership though, requires at least 15 members.

Brief discussion of 'sponsorship'; considered unrealistic at this point.

Peter moved that fees be payable within a month of the pirate party opening a bank account. Members will be considered 'financial' on sending membership form and a promise to pay when electronic banking is available. Will not be a problem with the Electoral Commission since we will sort out a bank account long before we reach 500 members. Seconded Bruce. Passed unanimously

Meeting paused 8:00 – 8:45 for noms and various other afks

Bruce moved that Bruce be officially elected “benign dictator” for a further three months, by which time we may have enough members to elect a proper committee. Seconded Cairo+ Michel. Passed unanimous.

Deferred voting on the charter, it needs more work and we do not have enough members to fill the charter-mandated number of committee positions, quorum, etc.

Bruce moved that the elected dictator have single-signature banking authority, but if necessary may be held responsible for inappropriate use of PPNZ funds by majority vote. Seconded Luke, Passed Unanimous.

Some discussion about Teen Pirates. General consensus that Cairo will discuss any legal requirements for keeping personal details of younger members with Alex (our lawyer) and that Cairo and Luke together will run the under-18 wing of Pirate Party NZ.

Meeting closed 9:48