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Rebel Returned Services Association clubs in Auckland have filed legal action against the national body over controversial changes to its constitution. 

An Auckland District Returned Services Association (RSA) newsletter obtained by ��һ�ǿ�����talk ZB reveals several clubs have filed legal proceedings in the High Court at Wellington, seeking a judicial review. 

The clubs are seeking to reverse changes to the RSA national body made to its constitution in April, which they claim were made through an unlawful process. 

In its newsletter, the Auckland District RSA claims the changes had given the national body greater powers over individual clubs, which it said had a “draconian impact” and had been used to suspend 18 clubs over unpaid fees. 

It said members didn’t see half of the new constitution before the vote, including the new model rules and bylaws which gave the national body greater powers. 

The Auckland District RSA claimed the national body reduced the voting threshold before the vote from 75% to 51%, and larger clubs got one vote each rather than the previous three. 

Of the 167 clubs that voted on the changes, 57.5% supported them. 

Auckland RSA president Graham Gibson. Photo / Nick Reed 

Auckland District President Graham Gibson, who was axed from the RSA’s Presidents Forum following allegations of bad behaviour, claimed a bullying culture persisted within the RSA and it had got worse over the past five years. 

He said the RSA was leaving its grassroots origins and the process has been underhanded. 

“Wellington doesn’t own the RSA, and the board doesn’t own the RSA, the 180 RSAs out there own the RSA,” he said. 

Gibson said many member clubs were prepared to leave the organisation, if it came to it. 

“Will we set up another organisation? Of course we will, because our main purpose is to look after veterans.” 

RSA chief executive Evan Williams. Photo / New Zealand Defence Force 

RSA chief executive Evan Williams said he was disappointed by the legal action but couldn’t comment further while the legal process ongoing. 

Minister for Veterans Chris Penk said he has full confidence in the RSA, which receives funding from the Government to help support the wellbeing of veterans. 

He said he regularly seeks the views of its national board and is working with the RSA and other veteran groups to improve recognition for veterans.