Royal New Zealand Naval Association Inc.

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD AT NEW PLYMOUTH RSA

ON SATURDAY 15^th APRIL 2006 AT 1.10pm

BETWEEN THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE OF THE
EX ROYAL NAVAL MEN’s ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND (INC) &
THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND NAVAL ASSOCIATION

The meeting was opened by the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral David Ledson RNZN who agreed to chair the meeting.

Shipmate Trevor Wylde introduced the idea of amalgamation of the two Associations. Shipmate Graham Roll supported the name change to The Royal New Zealand Naval Association as people do not know what the Ex Royal Naval Men’s Association is. We need to move to a name that everyone knows what it means.

Lew Woods stated that talking with Barry Tarr he mentioned that we are not getting the numbers joining because of the word “Ex” at the beginning of our name. Bill Lochrie felt that current serving personnel are not joining because of our name. Frank Jefferies stated that everything is negotiable apart from the name Royal New Zealand Naval Association. Rear Admiral Ledson felt that we need to be careful of the terminology that is being used and that the name being put on the table is the Royal New Zealand Naval Association so therefore “not Negotiable” does not come into it. Shipmate Trevor Wylde stated that whatever the outcome is today is not gospel as we need to go back to the Ex Royal Naval Men members for their approval to proceed with amalgamation.

Rear Admiral Ledson asked if anyone has anything to say, say it now so we are all fully committed to the amalgamation.

Badge & Insignia:
It was agreed by those present that the Badge and Insignia of the new Association be the Crown above the New Zealand White Ensign, with the wording “Royal New Zealand Naval Association” underneath.

Shipmate Gordon Chambers asked if members would have a chance to retire the old badge out. All agreed that the Gold Badge and time served in both Associations would still count as service in the new Association.

Rear Admiral Ledson asked for clarification on the Ex Royal Naval Mens Badge and it was stated that it is agreed the badge be the Crown above the New Zealand White Ensign with the wording “Royal New Zealand Naval Association” underneath.

Bill Lochrie requested that the Motto of the new Association be “Unity  Loyalty Comradeship”.

Bill Lochrie also suggested that a sub committee be formed to look at combining the rules of both Associations and come up with a draft set.

Shipmate Trevor Wylde suggested that Shipmate Brian Gill and Bill Lochrie get together to look at combining the rules.

Frank Jefferies stated that he had already looked at both sets of rules and had compared them. He found that both are similar with the only difference being the “Objects” of each Association.

Bill Lochrie suggested that both National Secretaries get together and E Mail each other the rules in order to come up with a draft set of rules for the new Association.

Rear Admiral Ledson asked on the time frame for clarification of the rule changes. Shipmate Brian Gill advised that we need to go back to the Ex Royal Naval Men members first before we go too far. Rear Admiral Ledson suggested that the Ex Royal Naval Mens Association to inform the Royal New Zealand Naval Association and himself of the outcome of their members vote on the name change and amalgamation by 6^th June 2006. In the meantime both National Secretaries to carry on looking at the rules. It was agreed that this advice be given by 30^th June 2006.

Bill Lochrie read a letter from Ron Mayall, National President of the Royal New Zealand Naval Association to the meeting.

Rear Admiral Ledson stated that there might not need to a change to the rules if it is felt all is in place already. However this is an opportunity to consider what rules would be appropriate for a new Association

Rear Admiral Ledson also felt that both National Presidents should come together to set up a process for the new rules once both National Secretaries have looked into combining them.

Shipmate Trevor Wylde stated that it is good that the name, badge and motto have been agreed upon and once the rules are done everything will be in place.

Rear Admiral Ledson felt that because it is the Year of the Veteran what better time to amalgamate the two Associations. It would be his aspiration that if the feedback from the Ex Royal Naval Men members is positive that as it is the Navy’s anniversary in October we could hold a meeting at the Naval Base of the National Executives of the existing organisations with a view to proceeding towards the amalgamation.

Shipmate Gordon Chambers asked what majority percentage was required for the vote to be carried. It was stated that this only pertains to the Ex Royal Naval Men Association members.

Shipmate Dave Bremner stated that some Branches will resoundingly be against, as he knows of 5 Branches that will be. He also stated that with persuasion they could come around.

Rear Admiral Ledson thanked both Associations for their commitment into looking at the chance for both Associations to amalgamate. He asked the National Secretary to confirm what had been agreed and what matters needed to be attended to

• Both parties agreed that the name of the new Association be “The Royal New Zealand Naval Association”, the motto be “Unity  Loyalty Comradeship” and badge be Crown above the New Zealand White Ensign with the wording “Royal New Zealand Naval Association” underneath.

• The members of the Ex Royal Naval Men’s Association to vote on amalgamation and change of name. This information to be provided by 30^th June 2006.

• That both National Secretaries exchange their existing rules and work towards a draft set of rules for the new Association.

• Subject to the Ex Royal Naval Men Association members voting for the change that the two organisations, aim in a form to be agreed between them, to meet at the Naval Base in October 2006 to mark the establishment of the RNZN Association.

Minutes of this meeting to be distributed to the National Secretary of the Royal New Zealand Naval Association and the Chief of Naval Staff by 28^th April 2006.

Rear Admiral Ledson then presented both National Presidents with a gift each from the Royal New Zealand Navy.