Important documents
Rules Review Information Pack 2026 Form SGM 2026 Membership Voting Proxy Form Proposed Rules of UniMed 2026UniMed Rules Review
We’re in the process of reviewing the Rules of UniMed, which was highlighted at the AGM last year, and through our HealthChat e-newsletters.
It is important to note that the proposed changes will not affect Members’ health insurance benefits or cover.
What are the Rules?
The Rules of UniMed are an important document – they guide how we operate and are governed.
Why are we reviewing the rules?
The last major review of our Rules was in 2012. Since then, the market and regulatory environment for health insurers have changed significantly, which was further highlighted in a thematic review of governance by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) and the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in 2022.
As a result, our Board and our solicitors, Simpson Grierson, have completed a comprehensive review of the Rules to ensure that they:
- Are compliant with all relevant legal and regulatory obligations – both existing and coming in the near term.
- Are reflective of best practice governance guidance and practice outlined in the RBNZ’s and FMA’s governance thematic review.
- Balance the historic kaupapa of UniMed as a membership organisation with the need to implement UniMed’s current and long-term strategy, and act in accordance with all its financial services licensing requirements.
- Are fit for purpose, and suitable in the context of the present-day operating and regulatory environment.
- Are easily understandable and use plain English.
What's changing?
We’ve put together an information pack to help you understand what’s proposed. This document includes:
- A summary of the key proposed changes and what this means for you.
- Information about the Special General Meeting (SGM) to vote on the proposed Rules.
- A comparison document showing the differences between the current Rules and the proposed Rules.
Read full copy of proposed Rules
What's next?
Share your feedback
We value your input as we progress this important work. Please read the information and submit any questions, comments or feedback by emailing secretary@unimed.co.nz.
Attend our webinar
A webinar will be held to provide you with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss feedback. The webinar will be hosted by our Board.
Date: Wednesday 22 April 2026
Time: 6pm
Register for the SGM
UniMed will hold an SGM, where we will ask Members to vote on approving and adopting the proposed Rules.
Any UniMed Member aged 16 or older may vote by attending the SGM (either in person or online) or by proxy. The proxy form can be filled in online and emailed back to us or printed out and posted back to us.
Under our current Rules, the resolution must be passed by a two thirds majority of Members who vote at the SGM.
Date: Thursday 28 May 2026
Time: 6pm
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams or in person at the UniMed office, Level 3, 165 Gloucester St, Christchurch
Please let us know if you are attending in-person or online by confirming your attendance preference and Membership/Policy Number via email to secretary@unimed.co.nz.