A clear and well-drafted constitution is fundamental to the effective governance of any organisation. Whether an organisation is a local club, charity or association registered as an Incorporated Society, it requires a constitution. Its constitution provides the legal framework that outlines how it operates, makes decisions and manages its affairs. This may include the core purposes of the organisation, how Te Tiriti o Waitangi is honoured by the organisation and how disputes are managed (should they arise).

I am currently doing my PhD where I am looking at the health impacts of climate change on people that work in outdoor manual labour here in Aotearoa New Zealand. For the most part, this research works alongside people in outdoor industries from farming, forestry, construction, roading, conservation, and outdoor recreation to understand the perceptions of these workers on the climate-health impacts, adaptation or coping strategies employed by these workers, and possible solutions moving forward.

A landmark opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) (‘the Court’) was delivered in late July, in relation to obligations of states in respect of climate change. The Advisory Opinion was sought by…