South Canterbury Member Update October 2025
Since 1 July 2025 a Head Trust, a Foundation and a Service Entity have been governing CCS Disability Action.
South Canterbury is the only branch to vote against this governance structure.
We’re writing to ask South Canterbury members to vote on a remit – a formal decision – that will allow the branch to join the new national structure of CCS Disability Action.
We’re holding another Special General Meeting (SGM) to give South Canterbury members the chance to vote again.
We heard your concerns
During the local consultation in South Canterbury, we heard the following concerns:
Concern: “We’ll lose the Tekapo holiday house.”
Fact: The holiday house is protected. If it’s ever sold, a new one will be bought in Tekapo.
Concern: “Support for disabled people will change.”
Fact: Our disability support services moved to the Service Entity on 1 July 2025. Our services, staff and values remain the same.
Concern: “Staff will lose their jobs.”
Fact: All staff are already employed by the Service Entity. Nothing has changed.
Concern: “Our assets will be used elsewhere.”
Fact: South Canterbury assets can only be used in South Canterbury.
We have updated the supporting information to reflect member’s feedback.
What happens next: SGM
We are holding a Special General Meeting (SGM) to ask South Canterbury members to vote in favour of an updated remit.
This invitation to the Special General Meeting was sent to members by email and post.
This remit was sent to members by email and post.
The remit means:
Transferring the branch’s assets (like buildings and money) to two new groups:
CCS Disability Action Foundation – holds and protects assets
CCS Disability Action Services Limited – runs services and employs staff
Winding up the South Canterbury branch as a separate legal entity.
This will:
Bring South Canterbury into the same structure as the other 17 branches.
Reduce administration and audit costs.
Keep services running smoothly.
Protect your assets and your voice.
What’s changed: Sale and Purchase Agreement
We’ve updated the Sale and Purchase Agreement to protect South Canterbury’s assets and address your concerns.
This Sale and Purchase Agreement was sent to members by email or post.
This is what the new agreement guarantees:
Your Timaru Office
Will continue to be used for disability services in South Canterbury.
If it ever becomes unfit for purpose, the Foundation will buy a better building – still in South Canterbury.
Your Tekapo Holiday Home
Will continue to be used by disabled people in South Canterbury.
If it ever becomes unfit for purpose, the Foundation will buy a new holiday home – still in Lake Tekapo.
Your Local Assets
Will only be used to support disabled people in South Canterbury.
If the Foundation ever stops operating in the region, the money will go to a local charity with similar values.
Who makes decisions now?
All staff (including South Canterbury) have been employed by the Service Entity since 1 July 2025.
Decisions about buildings and assets must involve local consultation – including staff, Voice and Action groups, and disabled people we support.
The Service Manager, General Manager, and Accountant still make local decisions – just like they always have.
Why vote yes?
You’re being asked to vote in favour of the remit, which will:
Transfer South Canterbury’s assets to the Foundation and Service Entity
Wind up the branch as a separate legal entity
Bring South Canterbury into the same structure as the rest of CCS Disability Action
Your assets are protected and will stay in South Canterbury
Services will continue as usual
You’ll be part of a stronger, more efficient national organisation
You’ll still have a local voice in decisions
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you are a member of the South Canterbury branch and have a question, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Mel Smith.
Mel Smith (she/her)
Chief Executive
CCS Disability Action
(03) 479 6882 or 0272 309 932
Melissa.Smith@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz