New Zealand Iaido Renmei Charter
This charter defines the role, intent and limitations of the New Zealand Iaido Renmei (NZIR). The NZIR is not a legal entity, but instead is an informal organization made by its members for its members.
1. The NZIR exists to promote friendship and community between all members of legitimate Japanese sword art's dojos and individuals.
2. The NZIR has no power to interfere, enforce any change, give out any punishment, publicly criticize or bring shame in any way to any member dojo or individual. Any dojo or individual who is deemed to have been in breach of the spirit of the NZIR and fails to rectify their behaviour may be expelled from the Renmei by majority vote of the members.
3. New members will be admitted after canvassing the opinion of all members. If there is no objection to a dojo or an individual joining, then they will be admitted without question. If there is an objection, then membership will be decided by majority vote.
4. The decision to move to vote to expel any member must be made only when a serious deviation from accepted Budo etiquette and practice has occurred which threatens to harm the reputation of the NZIR and its members. The move to vote must be supported by a majority and carried by a majority vote.
5. All members must treat one another with respect and courtesy at all times. Failure to do this will be seen as a breach of the spirit of the Renmei.
6. There will be no formal meetings, no hierarchy, no fees to be levied and no structure to be put in place at any time which may give one member or one dojo any significant power over another.
7. This charter may be added to in the future as deemed necessary with additions or subtractions requiring the majority vote of the members.