The Waikato Muslim Association Inc's 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been delayed until February 2022 due to the ongoing disruptions caused by COVID-19.
"I would like to assure all members that the only reason for this delay in holding our AGM is due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I am also keen like all of you to see our Masjid open and meet our community members," said Asad Mohsin, President of the Waikato Muslim Association Inc.
"I am personally keen to hold the AGM as soon as possible so we can hand over the operations of the Waikato Muslim Association to the new President and a new team," said Asad Mohsin.
The AGM was scheduled to be held on Sunday 31 October. The lead-up has already been disrupted by Hamilton being at Alert Level 3 since 3 October. This impacted people submitting membership forms in time and the ability to receive important information.
The Waikato Muslim Association Executive Committee discussed various options. These included trying to proceed with the AGM as scheduled, holding the meeting online or delaying it by one month.
The Executive Committee decided that it is important for all members to be included and able to participate in a physical meeting, free of restrictions.
This is not feasible sooner than February 2022 due to a number of reasons, including:
- ongoing uncertainty about Alert Levels, given the fluctuations in COVID-19 cases. This makes it difficult to give sufficient notice for a physical meeting
- holding the AGM online is not feasible given the digital disadvantage experienced by older people and other segments of the community
- members could travel outside Hamilton during the summer break and school holidays, making it difficult to hold the meeting and hand over effectively to the incoming Executive Committee.
After a lengthy debate, the Executive Committee unanimously agreed to delay the AGM until February 2022. The exact date will be confirmed in January 2022. It is expected that by then 90% of eligible New Zealanders will be fully vaccinated and the AGM can be held in accordance with the COVID-19 Protection Framework announced on 22 October.
