The AIDS Foundation board have dumped proposals for a 50% Maori quota for board members following overwhelming opposition from stakeholders. NZAF board deputy chair Simon Robb says "potentially significant constitutional issues" have been raised by the opposition, which much be looked into. "This decision demonstrates that the board is responsive to its community. When those who support us tell us we're going too far, too fast, we are prepared to listen," he said today in a press statement. The series of regional hui scheduled for later this month, and a special general meeting planned for next month have both been cancelled, but the Board still wish to receive any submissions that have been prepared already by stakeholders. "This will provide the Board with useful information that will be considered as we move forward with our stakeholders," says Robb. The board says it wishes to maintain a level of community engagement in this debate on how best to implement its constitutional commitment to the Mâori version of the Treaty, as well as other issues like membership involvement in the process for constitutional changes. "I accept that the very best of intentions might sometimes be interpreted to be otherwise, so it is important for us to work in a meaningful way with our stakeholders to reassure them that our commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS has never wavered – our communities have my assurance that this work will continue to be done," says Robb.