Association constitution.

1. Name

The name of the Society is Mantrailing Aotearoa Incorporated.

2. Purpose

The Society exists to:

• promote and develop mantrailing, tracking, and scent work in New Zealand;
• provide structured training, education, and support for handlers and their dogs;
• encourage safe, ethical, and effective training practices;
• facilitate training sessions, workshops, and events;
• support progression of dogs and handlers at all levels; and
• foster a collaborative and respectful training community.

The Society operates as a not-for-profit organisation.

3. Powers

The Society may:

• organise training sessions, events, and trials;
• collect membership and training fees;
• purchase and manage equipment;
• enter into agreements and contracts; and
• do anything necessary to carry out its purpose.

4. Membership

4.1 Types of Members

• Full Members, with voting rights.
• Associate Members, non-voting and optional.

4.2 Becoming a Member

To become a member, a person must:

• apply in a manner approved by the Committee; and
• agree to comply with this Constitution and any club rules.

4.3 Member Responsibilities

Members must:

• act safely and responsibly with their dogs;
• follow all training rules and safety requirements;
• treat other members with respect; and
• follow instructions from trainers and organisers.

5. Ending Membership

Membership ends if:

• the member resigns;
• fees remain unpaid after reasonable notice; or
• the member is removed following the dispute process.

6. Committee

6.1 Structure

The Society must have at least 3 Officers:

• Chairperson.
• Secretary.
• Treasurer.

6.2 Officer Duties

6.3 Appointment

Officers are elected at the AGM.

7. Committee Powers

The Committee is responsible for managing the Society and may:

• make day-to-day decisions;
• set training structures, standards, and schedules;
• approve expenditure; and
• enforce rules and safety standards.

8. Meetings

8.1 Annual General Meeting, AGM

An AGM must be held yearly to:

• review activities;
• approve financial reports; and
• elect officers.

8.2 Committee Meetings

Committee meetings are held as required.

8.3 Quorum

• Committee Meetings: A majority of officers must be present.
• General Meetings: A quorum is 30% of current members, but no fewer than 3 members.

If a quorum is not met, the meeting may be adjourned and reconvened at a later time. Those present at the reconvened meeting will constitute a quorum.

9. Finances

• The Society is not-for-profit.
• Funds must only be used to further the Society’s purpose.
• Members cannot receive financial gain, except reimbursement properly approved by the Committee.
• Proper financial records must be kept.

10. Bank Account

• The Society must operate a bank account.
• At least two authorised signatories are required.
• All spending must be approved.

11. Training and Safety

The Committee may set training and safety rules, including:

• approved equipment requirements, for example, harnesses and long lines;
• dog handling standards;
• track setup and safety protocols; and
• environmental and terrain considerations.

The Society reserves the right to:

• refuse participation in training for safety reasons; and
• remove any dog or handler posing a risk.

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Complaints

Complaints must be submitted in writing.

12.2 Process

The Committee will:

• consider the complaint fairly;
• give all parties an opportunity to be heard; and
• make a decision in good faith.

12.3 Outcomes

The Committee may:

• take no action;
• issue a warning; or
• suspend or terminate membership.

13. Misconduct

A member may be disciplined for:

• unsafe behaviour;
• failure to follow rules; or
• bringing the Society into disrepute.

14. Rule Changes

This Constitution may be amended by a majority vote at a General Meeting.

15. Winding Up

If the Society is wound up:

• remaining assets must be transferred to another not-for-profit with a similar purpose; and
• no member may personally benefit.

16. Contact Person

The Society must appoint a contact person for official communication.