What is the role of the Region?

Under the new NZPCA Constitution, Regions replace Areas and operate as the local leadership and support layer between Clubs and NZPCA.

The Constitution provides the governance framework for Regions, while each Region determines the operational structure and positions it needs to support its Clubs and members.

What a Region Does​​​​​​​

• Lead and govern Pony Club activities locally
• Support and guide Clubs
• Coordinate communication between Clubs and NZPCA
• Support coaching, education, and capability development
• Manage finances, compliance, and reporting
• Coordinate Regional opportunities, events, and pathways
• Support consistency, wellbeing, and good processes across Clubs

What the Constitution Requires

The Constitution outlines that:

• The Region Committee is the governing body of the Region
• The Committee is made up of delegates from member Clubs
• The Committee manages and supervises the affairs of the Region
• Regions must operate in line with NZPCA Constitutions, Bylaws, Regulations, Policies, and Codes of Conduct

The Constitution does not prescribe a fixed list of operational roles such as:
• Head Coach
• Coaching Coordinator
• Exam Coordinator
• Eventing Coordinator
• Games Coordinator
• Health and Safety Officer

These positions may still exist, but Regions choose whether they are needed and how they operate.

How Regions May Structure Themselves

Every Region may look slightly different depending on:
• Number of Clubs
• Geography
• Volunteers available
• Activities delivered
• Local needs

A Region may choose to include operational positions such as:

Governance Roles

Usually focused on leadership, governance, compliance, and decision-making. 

These are normally the committee members made up of the Club Delegates.

Club Delegates must be NZPCA Members over the age of 18 years.

Possible examples:
• Chairperson or President
• Secretary
• Treasurer

Operational and Support Roles

Focused on delivering Pony Club activities and supporting members.

These may be non-voting committee members if the committee is small.

Possible examples:
• Head Coach
• Coaching Coordinator
• Exam Coordinator
• Event Coordinators
• Discipline Coordinators
• Youth Representative
• Communications Coordinator
• Volunteer Coordinator

These roles are generally established through:
• Regional bylaws
• Terms of reference
• Operational procedures
• Committee decisions

rather than through the Constitution itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Region have to have a Head Coach?

No. The Constitution does not require specific operational roles. Regions decide what positions they need.

Can Regions still have coaching and discipline coordinators?

Yes. Regions can create operational roles that support Clubs and members.

Are Regions basically the same as Areas?

Yes. NZPCA’s position is that Regions are effectively the same level as Areas and continue to provide local leadership and support.

Can each Region structure itself differently?

Yes. Regions may structure themselves differently depending on local needs, volunteers, and activities.