Greetings. Welcome to the New Year of 2025 and to another step forward in our campaign for the right to die with dignity.

Forty-Six Years Of History

The End-of-Life Choice Society NZ Inc was incorporated in May 1979, originally as the Voluntary Euthanasia Society of NZ Inc. May 2025 therefore marks 46 years of struggle for the right to die with dignity. We can be proud to say that Aotearoa New Zealand would not have assisted dying law at all without us – we have been the catalyst. We must stay strong for two reasons: to expand our existing assisted dying rights and to vigourously defend our law against any attempt to repeal or diminish it.

Expressions Of Interest

By the end of 2025, some changes must occur within the current national committee which is the engine room of our Society’s machinery; this is where the decisions are made and the tasks are executed. To be well-prepared to meet the Society’s future requirements, we warmly invite expressions of interest from members who feel they have something to contribute to the operation of a future national committee.

Our business has grown in complexity and breadth. Therefore, a period of mentorship would be helpful to any member who sees himself/herself as a future national committee member. We can provide that mentorship: we have plenty of time provided we start early in the year. Below is some information about the role of committee member.

Essential

• Commitment to expanding our current assisted dying law.
• Time and willingness to read, learn and stay abreast of the fast-moving world of assisted dying law and practice.
• Ability to attend monthly national committee meetings by Zoom, one hour for attendance plus time to read reports in advance.
• Willingness to take on occasional tasks or projects that fit with your expertise.
• Computer literacy, near-daily email habits and a willingness to respond promptly to issues that arise in between our monthly meetings.

Desirable

So many different work histories and backgrounds would be advantageous to the functioning of the national committee that it is impossible to list them all. Here are a few ideas: knowledge of law, health or medicine, research or academia, national or local government, education or training, business or project management, management or organisational consultancy, leadership, journalism or writing, public speaking, public relations, advocacy or volunteerism, social media, marketing or advertising.

What Can We Offer?

We are an inclusive, collegial team that makes decisions democratically and collectively. An early expression of interest would enable you to sit in on several national committee meetings, initially as an observer, and then to play a progressively more active role as you learn about the Society’s challenges and opportunities. Our Rules spell out the office bearer roles, but we can also accommodate one or two people in an ex-officio capacity. The Society does not offer renumeration for national committee roles.

To Explore This Further

Please contact Ann David for a confidential, no-obligation conversation on 027 573 8085 or email ann.david@outlook.co.nz

Thank you for considering.