Fiji Indian Association Inc., Wellington, New Zealand

Who We Are

The Fiji Indian Association Incorporated (F.I.A) serves the interests of Fiji Indians, our friends and associates living in New Zealand — uniting our diaspora, celebrating our culture, and standing by our community and our Fiji homeland alike.

Our Vision

A thriving, connected Fiji Indian community across Aotearoa New Zealand — proud of where we're from, firmly planted where we now call home.

Our Mission

To serve, support and celebrate Fiji Indians and our wider community in Wellington and beyond — through culture, welfare, advocacy, and staying connected to Fiji itself.

Our Story & Purposes

F.I.A is a non-profit, non-sectarian, and non-political Society, transparent and accountable in everything we do. We work to promote and foster harmonious relationships amongst people of Fiji communities and the wider community living in Wellington and other regions of New Zealand.

We advocate for, organise and facilitate our community's needs through cultural, social, economic, educational, sporting and charitable activities — and we stand by our members, their families and extended families, and people of Fiji communities in times of distress, personal difficulty and natural disaster, offering support, advice and representation.

We liaise with New Zealand and local government agencies, NGOs and other support organisations so our members can access services and social, cultural and educational opportunities. And we help our people integrate into New Zealand life and take part in its social and national activities, while never forgetting where we come from.

In respect to Fiji, we assist Fiji people whenever appropriate — including during natural disasters and civil emergencies — and make representations to government and other organisations on Fiji's social and cultural matters, on behalf of our members and our Society.

Our Values

What holds our parivar together.

Sanskriti

Culture — Diwali, Holi, Fiji Day, kept alive, not just remembered.

Seva

Service — looking after our own, and our neighbours.

Ekta

Unity — one parivar, many stories.

Whanau

Because in Aotearoa, that's what we've become too.

Our Constitution — Summary

This is a plain-language summary of the F.I.A 2026 Constitution. Contact the committee for the full legal document.

1. Introductory Rules

The Society is named the Fiji Indian Association Incorporated, and intends to register as a charitable entity. Its registered office sits at the President's residence (or wherever the Committee agrees), and it must not operate for the financial gain of any member. The Society is non-political, non-racial and interdenominational, and cannot borrow money.

2. Members

Membership is open to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents living in New Zealand. There are four classes: Ordinary Members (pay the annual $10 subscription, due 30 June), Life Members (honoured by a two-thirds General Meeting vote, exempt from fees), Honorary Members (honoured, no voting rights), and Associated Members (support the Society without voting rights). Members who fall two months behind on fees lose their rights until paid; 30 working days overdue and the Committee may terminate membership.

3. General Meetings

An Annual General Meeting is held every year, within 6 months of balance date or 15 months of the last AGM. Members get at least 14 working days' written notice. A quorum is 33% of financial members, each with one vote (in person or written proxy). The President chairs (the Vice President if absent). A Special General Meeting can be called by the Committee, or must be called if 66% of members request it in writing.

4. Committee

The Committee has up to 7 Officers — President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Communications Coordinator, up to 2 Committee Members, and a Co-opted Member the President may bring in with the Committee's approval. Between AGMs, the Committee manages the Society's affairs and may form sub-committees for specific purposes.

5. Committee Meetings

The Committee meets at least once every 2 months, with a quorum of 4 current members. Meetings can be held in person or by audio/video call, and members get at least 5 working days' notice (shorter in urgent cases).

6. Officers

The President chairs meetings, represents F.I.A at events, and reports to the AGM. The Vice President deputises for the President. The Secretary publicises meetings, keeps minutes and the members' register, and is the Society's first point of contact. The Treasurer manages the bank accounts, tracks income, expenditure, assets and liabilities, and reports at every Committee meeting. The Communications Coordinator handles newsletters and media liaison. Two Committee Members support all Society initiatives. President, Secretary and Treasurer serve 3-year terms; all other Officers serve 1-year terms, and all are eligible for re-election.

7. Records

The Society keeps an up-to-date Register of Members, recording each member's name, join date, contact details, and financial (paid-up) status.

8. Finances

Society funds are controlled by the Committee and used solely for the Society's purposes. Money received is banked within 7 working days, and the Committee keeps proper accounting records that meet the requirements of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.

9. Dispute Resolution

Disputes or complaints between members, officers and/or the Society are handled by the Committee (or a complaints subcommittee). Where all parties agree, disputes may be resolved through mediation, facilitation, or a tikanga-based practice.

10. Liquidation

The Society may be wound up, or removed from the Register of Incorporated Societies, under Part 5 of the Act — following 30 working days' written notice to all members and a two-thirds majority vote at a General Meeting.

11. Alterations

This Constitution can be amended at a General Meeting by a 33% majority of members present and voting, after proper written notice of the proposed change and the reasons for it.

12. Other

The Society keeps a common seal in the Secretary's custody, affixed by Committee resolution and countersigned by two Officers. The Committee may also adopt bylaws and policies, provided they are consistent with this Constitution and the Act.