Annual General Meeting in Levin, Sunday 28th April

The Rainbow Club will hold it's Annual General Meeting at Thompson House, Levin

12.30 pm, Sunday, 28th April 2019
The meeting will be followed by our traditional BYO pot luck lunch

May function at Waikanae

Lunch at Waikanae, hosted by Chris and Liam 

When: From noon, Sunday, 26th May 2019
Where: Waikanae
Format: A pot luck sausage sizzle!  Liam and Chris will provide the meat. Members should bring sides/salads & desserts as well as something to drink.

Raffle draw time at our February lunch

Sixteen members gathered on a glorious day at Kerry Moore's in Wanganui. There was swimming in the pool and plenty to eat!  Thanks, Kerry, for giving us such a good time and for generously donating your host's expenses allowance back to the club.

Retirement and Resignations

Thoughts from Michael Unverricht, Rainbow Club president

Well, I did it! Last month I said I would retire and Wednesday 13 February was my last day of work. I took Eugene and my two sisters to my farewell on the following Friday. Guests were invited to come dressed as an historical figure; fictional or non fictional. The most ancient person represented was a beautifully dressed Cleopatra. King Richard and Queen Victoria were also present along with other well known figures associated with recent times. I went as Ali Baba from Arabian Knights. I was accompanied by Imustav Aleek, one of my thirty-nine thieves. The next task on my 2019 “to do list” is to retire from Otaki. Eugene has been offered a position in Whanganui Hospital which he takes up on 8 April 2019. In the meantime we are in the process of selling our home in Otaki and looking for a place to buy in Whanganui. From retirement we go to resignations. I mentioned at the last Rainbow Club AGM that it is my intention to resign as Club President this year. I have always maintained that such positions should be for a fixed term and I think that after three years in the role it is certainly time to step down for someone else to steer the Club over the next few years. Committee member Craig Smaill and secretary Ron Walton will also be standing down. This means that at the forthcoming AGM In April, 50% of the committee are standing down and need to be replaced. Where will these replacements come from? The continued camaraderie of the club is sustained by the president and the committee. In order for this to continue, members must think seriously about putting themselves, or other club members, forward for election. With the Notice Of Meeting the secretary will email nomination forms for your consideration. Each nomination will require a seconder.  What is the commitment of being a committee member?  None of the committee roles is arduous or time consuming. We have found that three meetings each year is enough as there is always the option for communication via email or phone. Committee meetings centre around arranging venues for monthly socials, discussion around finances and membership plus any issues brought up by club members. The role of the secretary centres around keeping the mailing lists up to date, dealing with enquires from guys interested in joining the club and organising the committee meetings. The compilation and distribution of the monthly newsletter is currently under control. As club president I have been able to get to know many members at a more personal level rather than just knowing them by name. I have felt honoured when club members have confidentially shared aspects of their personal lives with me and privileged when I have been able to assist them in any way. The committee asks all club members to make a special effort to attend the AGM which is seen as the catalyst for the following year’s activities

Rainbow Club committee 2018-2019

Front:  Michael Moore, Michael Unverricht (president), Craig Garner (treasurer),
Back: Ron Walton (secretary), Les Church, Craig Smaill

The Rainbow Club - constitution

1. The name of the Club is the Rainbow Club

2. The purpose of the Club

Our Club was formed in 1992 to bring together gay and bi-sexual men in order to support each other and to socialise.
We respect member’s confidentiality.

In order to ensure that the Club remains true to its foundations it is important that all members take ownership by involving themselves in all facets of our activities. 

3. Who is eligible to join? Gay and bi-sexual men over the age of sixteen. 

4. Joining the Club

4.1 Before making a commitment to join a prospective member may attend two Club events as a guest.

4.2 A prospective member will complete in full and sign an application form prescribed by the Committee from time to time. By signing the application form the prospective member agrees to abide by the Constitution.


4.3 The name of a prospective member will be published in the Club’s newsletter together with a note asking members to notify the President regarding any good and valid reasons they may have as to why the prospective member’s application should be declined.

4.4 After one month from publication of the prospective member’s name in the Club’s newsletter and on recommendation of the President, the Committee may accept the application for membership. 


5. Annual Subscription The annual subscription payable in respect of the ensuing year commencing 1 May shall be decided at the Annual General Meeting on initiation of the Treasurer.

6. Management of the Club

6.1 At each Annual General Meeting the Club shall elect a Committee which shall comprise a President, Secretary, Treasurer and not less than two or more than four committee members.

6.2 The Committee may co-opt additional members as required.

6.3 The Treasurer shall operate a Club bank account under the guidance of the Committee.

6.4 The committee as a whole has the responsibility of managing the affairs of the Club. 

7. The behaviours of members

7.1 Members are expected to follow the Constitution of the Club. 

7.2 Many Club socials are held at the homes of Club members. These homes and their contents are to be treated with respect.

7.3 Members who wish to bring guests to Club socials are obliged to ask the host of the day for permission to bring a named guest.

8. Misconduct

8.1 The Committee has the power to reprimand or expel any member who contravenes this Constitution or whose conduct is not within the spirit of the Club. 

8.2 Any member who is expelled may appeal the decision in writing to the President. The appeal will be considered by a former president of the Club engaged by the Committee for the purpose. That former president will report his finding to the Committee who will reconsider their decision and notify the appellant of the outcome within 20 working days.

8.3 Any Member who is expelled can reapply for membership after 12 months, using the same process as for new members .

9. Winding Up 
Should an Extraordinary General Meeting resolve that the Rainbow Club winds up; any funds will be distributed by the Committee to the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research

- 6 April 2017