Taranaki Gay Society Constitution – 1978

Organisation: Taranaki Gay Society

Date: 1978

Location: New Plymouth, Taranaki, Aotearoa New Zealand

This page sets out the formal constitution of the Taranaki Gay Society, outlining the group’s name, purpose, membership rules, structure, and governance. It marks the transition from informal community organising to a recognised, structured organisation.

Key elements include:

🏷️ Name

The group formally adopts the name “Taranaki Gay Society.”

🎂 Age limit

• Membership set at 18 years and over, reflecting legal and social constraints of the era.
  

👥 Membership

• Membership open to all gay people, male and female.

• Members could vote and attend group functions, signalling a democratic structure.
  

🎯 Aims

The Society explicitly states its purpose to liberate gay people by promoting a social environment free from:

• Repressive laws

• Discrimination

• Harmful social attitudes (fear, guilt, shame, loneliness)

• Sexism

• Sexual stereotyping

This is powerful language for 1978 and shows the group positioning itself as both social support and political resistance.

🏛️ Structure & Governance

• Defined leadership roles: President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, committee members, liaison officer

• Annual elections

• Financial members required to hold official positions

• Independent auditing of accounts
  

💰 Finances

• Bank account established in the group’s name

• Three trustees with two required to sign – showing early attention to accountability and trust
  

👥 Quorum

• Six financial members required for meetings to proceed
  

⚖️ General conduct

• Clear behavioural expectations at meetings and social events, reflecting the need for careful public conduct during a time of legal and social risk for queer communities.