Governance
How decisions are made
Homeowner.org.nz is community-owned. Decisions that affect members, content, policy, or the direction of the organisation go through documented governance processes. This page describes those processes, publishes the decisions as they are made, and lists the current status of organisational bodies.
Current status: in formation
Homeowner.org.nz is currently operating in formation phase. Formal structures — the Incorporated Society Registration (under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022) and Charitable Trust Board status — are pending. Expected completion: Q2 2026.
In the interim, the founding principles (see Founding principles) operate as the governing document. Decisions are made by the founder, documented publicly, and subject to community comment. Once incorporation is complete, decision-making transitions to the governance structures described below.
Planned governance structure
The constitution (pending) will establish:
- Board of Directors — 5 members, 3-year terms staggered, elected by members. At least 3 must be non-employees of any real estate agency, inspector firm, or related industry entity.
- Chair — elected by board from among its members. 2-year renewable term.
- Executive Director — hired by the board, accountable to the board. Role to be filled post-incorporation.
- Members — active subscribers. Rights include voting in annual general meetings, nominating board members, proposing amendments to operational policy.
- Policy Committees — standing committees for content, research, and advocacy. Composed of members with relevant expertise; advisory to the board.
Decision types and who decides what
| Decision type | Current (in formation) | Post-incorporation |
|---|---|---|
| Day-to-day operational | Founder | Executive Director |
| Content and editorial policy | Founder, documented | Content Committee → Board |
| Fee changes (subscription) | Founder, 30-day notice | Board vote, 30-day notice |
| Major infrastructure change | Founder, documented | Board vote |
| Constitutional amendment | Not applicable (pre-constitution) | Members, 75% supermajority |
| Dissolution | Not applicable | Members, 90% supermajority; assets to compatible non-profit |
How to participate
Pre-incorporation, participation is by direct feedback to the founder. Post-incorporation, member participation includes:
- Voting in Annual General Meetings (AGMs) on all matters put to members.
- Nominating and electing board members.
- Joining policy committees (content, research, advocacy).
- Proposing amendments to operational policy.
- Contributing to research (anonymised case submissions — see Research Hub when launched).
Related transparency pages
- Founding principles — the non-negotiable foundation.
- Conflict of interest register — declared conflicts.
- Transparency ledger — every financial transaction.
- Changelog — site, prompt, and policy changes.