Responding to unease about board membership quota proposals, deputy chair Simon Robb says the NZAF will continue to provide high quality services. I appreciated Jonathan Smith taking the time to comment on the NZAF Board's proposal to amend its constitution. It is heartening to know that individuals such as Jonathan continue to have the best interests of NZAF at heart. I would like to take the opportunity to respond to Jonathan's concerns and discuss other related matters. The Board's proposal to amend the constitution to at least 50% of the Board identifying as Maori won't “turn the clock back” to the days when representation was required irrespective of whether or not representatives had the necessary skill set to carry out board responsibilities. This is because the current constitution requires (and will continue to require) the board to take into account a range of specified skills and experience, including, accountancy, legal, and clinical/medical expertise when it is making new appointments. It is important to note that the current four Board members who identify as Maori were appointed under the experience and skill set requirements set out in the current constitution – not because of the proposed amendment. The reason why the Board is proposing an amendment to the constitution requiring at least 50% of the board identifying as Maori is to better meet a legal requirement explicitly referred to in the current constitution. I am somewhat confused when I hear the concern that our proposal is seen as a backward step when all we are doing as a Board is attempting to implement a requirement of the current constitution – a constitution that was developed with the input of our stakeholders three years ago. Our proposal to have two individuals who have the “knowledge and experience of the communities most affected by HIV/AIDS in New Zealand” is intended to support our belief in social justice and reassure our stakeholders that as a Board we will always have input from those who have this background. My experience to date with Board recruitment is there are a number of individuals who not only have this background, but who also have the other skills needed to be a competent NZAF Board member. NZAF will continue to be an evidence/research-based organisation and will continue to provide high quality and innovative services. The resources of the NZAF will be focused upon combating the changing nature of the epidemic and doing our best to support those living with HIV/AIDS. The proposed constitutional amendments will not alter this, as after all that is why NZAF exists. Our process for consultation is on the NZAF website as is relevant background documentation. The Board encourages feedback, including feedback from its staff, and looks forward to considering the different points of view submitted. It may be that its members (including staff) and other stakeholders submit alternative proposals they believe will meet the Board's current constitutional obligations under the Maori version of the Treaty. We would welcome such proposals. Simon Robb - 17th June 2005