Astronomical sciences in New Zealand

Terms of reference

Requirements

1. The creation, terms of reference, and duration of the committee shall be approved by the Society Council.
2. The chair of the committee shall be appointed by the Society Council. The chair’s term of office shall normally be for two years (renewable) or for the duration of the committee, if less.
3. The membership of the committee shall be appointed by the CEO in consultation with the chair and other interested parties. The term of office shall normally be for two years or for the duration of the committee, if less. If the committee’s term is longer than two years then half of the members shall stand down at the completion of each two years and will be eligible for renewal or replacement.
4. The committee shall adhere to the Society’s Code of Ethics.
5. The committee will provide a “watching brief” only.
6. The committee will propose an annual budget to the CEO prior to the Royal Society’s annual budget finalisation.
7. The committee will provide an annual report to the Society Council.
8. The Society officer assigned to the committee is responsible for all minutes and administrative matters of the committee.
9. The committee shall advise the CEO and Society Council on all matters of concern and respond to any request.

Terms of Reference

1. The committee shall establish and maintain links with societies, groups and agencies with an involvement in issues connected with astronomical sciences.
2. The committee shall act as an advocate for astronomical sciences in appropriate forums.
3. The committee shall promote education in and public awareness of astronomical sciences.
4. The committee shall act to enhance international contacts for New Zealand astronomical scientists.
5. The committee shall identify areas where astronomical sciences should be strengthened with a view to New Zealand's future needs.
6. The committee shall be the channel of communication with international agencies, in particular with the International Astronomical Union (IAU) of the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) and the International Union of Radio Science (URSI) and shall co-ordinate New Zealand activities in relation to it.
7. The committee may communicate directly with the IAU and URSI, and other organisations, except on matters involving a major commitment for New Zealand or the Society, and shall inform the Society Council about such communications in their annual report.
8. The chief matters on which international communication should be made through the Executive Officer (International) of the Society are:
   1. appointments of delegates to meetings of, or convened by, international organisations; and
   2. matters of policy or commitment including any financial commitment.
9. Any New Zealand member of the IAU or URSI executive body shall be ex-officio an additional member of the Committee.