Our Current Board

Democracy Reform NZ is currently in Phase 1 — the establishment phase defined in our constitution. During this phase, the society is governed by an interim Establishment Board whose members were appointed under the Transitional Provisions (Part 22) of the constitution.

The current Establishment Board comprises:

Godfrey Bridger — Founder and Secretary
Mark Sayes — Treasurer
Paul Bridger — Board Member
Wayne Cartwright — Board Member

Read our full biographies →

How the Board Works

Under the constitution, the Board provides governance and strategic oversight for the society. Key provisions include:

The full Board will have between 5 and 9 elected members, serving staggered three-year terms, with a maximum of three consecutive terms. Board members are elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting by secret ballot.

The Board meets at least four times per year. Meetings may be held in person or by any electronic means that allows all participants to communicate simultaneously — so you can participate from anywhere in the world. A quorum is a majority of sitting members.

The Board operates by consensus where possible. Formal votes require a simple majority on operational matters and a two-thirds supermajority on constitutional matters. All Board votes and the reasoning behind them are published within 48 hours.

What Happens Next

Phase 1 continues until the Board resolves, by unanimous vote, that the conditions for Phase 2 have been met. Phase 2 is triggered when verified financial membership reaches 550 members and the Board formally resolves the society is organisationally ready. At that point, the first Annual General Meeting must be held within 120 days, at which a full Board will be elected by the membership.

We’re Looking for New Board Members

We welcome people with diverse skills and perspectives. You don’t need political experience — just a commitment to better democratic processes. We particularly value governance experience, strategic thinking, community connections, and professional expertise across a range of fields. Both New Zealand residents and international members are eligible to serve on the Board.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in joining the Board, please email contact@democracyreform.nz with a brief outline of your background and why you’d like to contribute. We’ll be in touch to discuss the opportunity.

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