The Uncommon Bonds annual elections typically commence in May or early June, with the entire process spanning approximately 6-8 weeks from initial nominations to final results.

Nomination Phase (2-3 weeks)

The election cycle begins with a call for nominations, where eligible members can nominate candidates for both the Steering Committee (including the Treasurer position) and Ethics Committee. During this period, members submit their nominations through designated channels, often proposing multiple candidates for each committee. This phase allows the community to identify potential leaders from within their ranks.

Candidate Confirmation (1-2 weeks)

Once nominations close, all nominated individuals are contacted to confirm whether they wish to stand for election. Nominees must verify their eligibility by confirming they meet key requirements: being at least 18 years old, having been a member for at least 12 months, residing in the greater Christchurch area, and having attended recent UB events. Those accepting nomination also provide a brief biography outlining their experience and vision for the role.

Voting Period (2-3 weeks)

The voting phase typically opens in late June and runs for approximately two weeks. Eligible members can cast their votes through the designated voting system.  Members vote to fill UP TO FIVE POSITIONS on each committee, with the Treasurer role being designated within the Steering Committee.

Results and Transition

Election results are announced shortly after voting closes, typically within 2-3 days. The announcement is made through multiple channels including the UB website, mailing list, FetLife, and at the monthly Munch gathering. Successful candidates then begin their transition into their new roles, ensuring continuity of governance for the Uncommon Bonds community.

Our 2026/2027 Elections have started

The Elections Phase will run from 9th till 26th June 2026

EverythingsMagic (Current Steering)
I'd like to acknowledge my gratitude to those who have nominated me for the UB Steering Committee again this year. I really appreciate the confidence you have in me.

I initially stood for UB Committee roles because I saw them as a form of community service, I guess a way to give back to a community that has provided me with many years of opportunities for learning, personal growth, and a sense of belonging.

Since taking on the role, I've come to realise it means so much more to me than that. It brings me a great deal of joy to be involved in my community, to contribute to what makes this experience so important for so many people, and to see people learning, growing, and connecting.

Over the past year, workshops have been an absolute highlight. I've loved coordinating with other community members to create and run some amazing workshops together.

I'd love the opportunity to continue doing these things for another year and to discover what else I can achieve with the support of both the committee members and the wider community.

I won't pretend it hasn't been hard work, or that there haven't been stressful times. However, I can wholeheartedly say that it's been well worth it, and I'm keen for another round!

Purrvie-bear
Hello

Rockett
I am committed to growing and fostering the community, and growing the network of like minded individuals in the kink scene and beyond. Collaboration is key to exploring the ways we experience the world and the pleasures we derive from it.

Norty
I have been a part of UB for 16 years, and I want to give back to this community.  I would like to be the treasurer.

LovedLioness
I am thrilled to be nominated for the UB Steering Committee! As someone who is creative, hardworking, and deeply enthusiastic about kink, I am eager to give back to the community that gives us so much. With over 8yrs in the scene, across two cities, I have a bunch of great ideas and the drive to make them come to life. My focus will be on running more events, preserving our community spirit, and bringing valuable experience back into the scene to support us. 

LittleLostAvian
Hi! Im Avain. Most of you have seen or atleast heard me across a room! What you might not know is I have  years of 10 years of Various large scale event organization, back end planning and Admin of diffrent Communities and work spaces. I bring to the table the ability to plan under pressure, pivot on a dime, and know how.

TLDR: I know with my broad skill set, can do attitude and friendliness Id be great for this role! 

MrsM1971
Thank you for the nomination to be part of the steering committee for Uncommon Bonds. I have a good understanding of what is required to participate in of the steering committee. I am stepping back into the scene after a 5 month break. I am ready to prove myself as a well respected person in the local community.

Devnz
Hey, I'm Dev!

As a relative newcomer to the scene, I believe I could make a useful Steering Committee member by contributing practical skills and, where relevant, offering a newcomer perspective to support planning and decision-making. 

I have a background in IT planning and administration and would be stoked to use my skills in this space to assist with the maintenance and improvement of UB's digital systems over the 2026-2027 term. 

DodgyBob
I have been an active member of the community for over five years now. I have served two terms on the ethics committee and after a year off I feel revitalised and ready to give back to my community. 

Beth
Hey Team, thanks for the nomination.
A bit about me - I'm long standing member of UB of some 20+ years and have served on both UB Committees for long periods of time, until I took some time out for a break 2 years ago. I'm also a DM.

It's fair to say I love UB and am keen to keep giving to it. I believe a bit of a refresh is needed for our community right now and I want to help drive that refresh with experienced and focused eyes.

My aim is to have our committees work together as collaborative teams, driven to succeed for UB with transparency and community involvement.

Tasty2358  (Current Ethics)
My previous experience has given me a strong understanding of the committee’s role and the importance of confidentiality, integrity, and balanced judgement. I work well collaboratively, communicate respectfully, and approach sensitive issues with professionalism and empathy.

Curlsncurves  (Current Ethics)

As a member of the current ethics committee I like to think I offer a mature, conscientious and impartial input into the decisions we make. Confidentiality in these issues is also important to me. I have been a member of UB for around 8 years. Initially I was a behind the scenes helper and more recently a greeter to welcome our newbies.

Sleepyred
Kia ora im sleepyred. I have been involved in the scene for nearly 18 years and have a long history with both TNG and UB. I have been directly and indirectly involved in dealing with issues and concerns such as the ethics committee is trusted to deal with, and know the responsibility that comes with the role. I am happy to stand for ethics committee, and support this ongoing team to give UB members a safe place to bring their concerns.

Purrvie-bear
Hello

42PurpleMonkeys
I am 42PurpleMonkeys. I never considered myself for the ethics committee, but I would think that I have the ability to listen to both sides of a situation with an unbiased ear. I have been known to provide solutions when needed and I feel like these are skills that might be handy on this committee. 

Norty
I feel that I can deal with any problems, and can be impartial and discreet

TrixATreatSaloon
Hi, I am Trixie. I have been part of this wonderful community for about 3 years. I really pride myself on being a safe place for friends, and since the ethics committee aligns a lot with my own values and beliefs on how people should be treated anyway, I am happy to stand and extend that safe place to the community.

MrsM1971
I come from a management role where I have had to manager a team of 23 staff. I am a fair and approachable person. Believe I can navigate conflict and listen to both side of a story to reach a fair and amicable outcome for the people involved.

Ssejrabbit
Greetings, I am bun. I have been hopping about the scene for the last 8 years. I am super grateful for the opportunity to bring my open mindedness and care to serve this community. I believe in honest dialogue and have the ability to listen without judgement. My experience in the scene has taught me many things about growth and I hope to provide some stability for those that need it

Minxnz
I've been involved in the community for a long time, run events, workshops and been a significant leader over that time. Ive been a DM, and as such have learned how to listen to both sides and deesculate situations.

Beth
Hey Team, thanks for the nomination.
A bit about me - I'm long standing member of UB of some 20+ years and have served on both UB Committees for long periods of time, until I took some time out for a break 2 years ago. I'm also a DM.

It's fair to say I love UB and am keen to keep giving to it. I believe a bit of a refresh is needed for our community right now and I want to help drive that refresh with experienced and focused eyes.

My aim is to have our committees work together as collaborative teams, driven to succeed for UB with transparency and community involvement.

Information submitted by Members Standing for the Ethics Committee