The Uncommon Bonds annual elections typically commence in late 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 receive access codes and can cast their votes through the designated voting system. The 2024 election, for example, ran from June 24th to July 7th, closing at 11:59 PM. Members vote to fill five positions on each committee, with the Treasurer role being specifically 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 2025/2026 Elections have started

We are currently in the voting phase

Information submitted by the Members Standing for the Steering Committee

Hayseed_NZ
Being in the community for just over two years now, I've enjoyed helping out where I can and would love the opportunity to do more and give back to the community. I am still learning but if people decide they want me on the steering committee, you can be assured that I'll give it my all.

Mr Meaner
As a long-standing member of Uncommon Bonds, I'm stepping forward to serve on the Ethics Committee with a desire to give back to our community. My years of observation have given me insight into our diverse membership while maintaining a respectful presence throughout. I bring a level-headed approach, combining compassion with strong values. I'm committed to fairness—considering multiple perspectives while upholding community standards. I care deeply about Uncommon Bonds and am ready to help maintain the safe, consensual environment we've all worked to create.

Oh-Eurydice
I've been part of the local scene since 2018 and recently started running the UB Women's Group. I've helped run events and managed teams in both kink and professional work settings, and I'm comfortable with the kind of behind-the-scenes organising this role involves. I'm practical, a good communicator, and care about helping the community run in a way that feels equitable and inclusive.

ChameleonPrince - has withdrawn
Hey all! As a pretty keen kinkster, and vocal community member, I decided to accept my nomination onto steering. Thank you to whoever put me forward. 

I believe the community has been sitting in limbo for some time, with backwards and forwards struggle for direction. I also believe, in order to move forward, we need to reevaluate and strengthen the core of the community as that is vital to its survival. And as we grow as a community, and as individuals, allowing our methods to grow and be reevaluated seems a positive step in the right direction. 

We are all here for the same reasons, to enjoy and learn about kink, meet wonderful people, and be protected whilst doing so. 

I am incredibly dedicated to our community, and want nothing more than to see it thrive and be a positive, safe and consensual space. We have enough dedicated individuals, to make that a reality. 

Time for teamwork!

EverythingsMagic

I am excited to have been nominated for Steering Committee by the UB Community.

Over the past year I have learned a lot about the role of standing on this committee. I would be thrilled to be able to continue to contribute with the skills and experience I have gained so far.

I would love the opportunity to continue to be actively involved in planning and hosting events with the intention of fostering connection within the community and the sharing of knowledge and skills.

This year I would like to be able to commit considerable time and energy into the maintainance, management, and upgrade of the UB equipment.

At this point, it is important to me to extend my gratitude to those who have stood on Steering alongside me over the previous year, you have all been truly amazing and I have enjoyed this experience with each and every one of you. Additionally, those who have been in this role before me, thank you for everything you've done. To the wider community, your support and participation is so valuable and I look forward to all the possibilities in future.

_WaxBunny_
Stepping into this role for the first time a year ago was a big learning curve for me, and I'm glad to see there are people in this community that still trust me to run again for another year.

I feel throughout this year I have gained more confidence in my ability to serve my community and I would like the opportunity to once again help UB steer into the direction that we as a committee and a community believe would be the most beneficial for everyone.

Personally I have had a wonderful time working with the current steering committee and seeing their passion for their community as well. I want to take that inspiration and make sure it carries on into the next year of Uncommon Bonds, so we can continue creating an inclusive, safe and fun environment for everyone involved.

SirofKitten

Ah shit, here we go again...

Hi, I'm SirOfKitten, I have been on the Steering Committee for a few years now, and am accepting my nomination for 2025/2026.

Choosing to stand again has been a difficult decision for me because I know how much energy goes into it and I have the utmost respect for those that make this decision honestly, be that to accept or decline. As UB has grown, so has the time required to keep things moving, which is why if I am elected I will be focusing on improving shared knowledge, making some processes easier for group leaders, committee members and the wider community, and aiming for a smooth handover in 2026/2027 with the expectation that I will step away at that time to prioritise other equally important aspects of my life.

I care deeply for this community and have a lot of love for the amazing people that put in hard work to host amazing events, informative workshops, and spaces where we can be our true selves. I want us to continue to grow and thrive, and part of that vision is the honest acceptance that by next election I need to be prepared to decline a nomation and put my energy elsewhere.

I hope you vote for me so that I can put a bow on the things I said I would complete, and if you choose not to then know I'll probably be relieved anyway.

Much love,

SirOfKitten 

DannyKane
I’ve been a member of UB since 2016 and active in the kink and other alt scenes nearly 20 years.  I enjoy facilitating spaces, events and educational activities for all manner of lovely people, kinksters, ENMs, LGBT, swingers and the curious.

Information submitted by Members Standing for the Ethics Committee

Ar0ha Kia ora, I am Aroha. I've been in the scene since 2019. I understand how our community runs, and it's ever evolving nature. I do my best to approach difficult situations with compassion, care, and understanding. I think I have skills which could aide the ethics committee and our community :)

Blondkittygood I support people who have experienced SA, as well as mental health issues. I am a prolific writer who writes on everything from the importance of consent to keeping yourself safe in the kink community. I run a well attended monthly vanilla event for kinky people called Drinks at The Brewery, which consistently gets good feedback from attendees. I regularly support both UB and non UB members, when they reach out to me.

The Ethics Committee needs to serve our community. I have recently put forward a proposal to UB that modernises the current EC document, while keeping its core values. If I was on the committee I would encourage people to come forward when their consent has been breeched, and then make sure they feel heard and supported. I think the Ethics Committee is an incredibly important part of Uncommon Bonds, and we need to make sure it functions well for all our members. I would do my very best to make sure it does.

Curlsncurves I have been a member of UB for 8 years. A bit of a behind the scenes type person, I regularly attend events and have helped with party setups and pack downs. I am also a UB greeter.  I feel I would be able to assess issues that arise and help form solutions that benefit our community in an honest and fair manner.

Fuck_Off_Cunt I'm an autistic cunt

mr meaner As a long-standing member of Uncommon Bonds, I'm stepping forward to serve on the Ethics Committee with a desire to give back to our community. My years of observation have given me insight into our diverse membership while maintaining a respectful presence throughout. I bring a level-headed approach, combining compassion with strong values. I'm committed to fairness—considering multiple perspectives while upholding community standards. I care deeply about Uncommon Bonds and am ready to help maintain the safe, consensual environment we've all worked to create.

MyLittleBitch I have worked in the field of health both mentally and physically and managed a lot of conflict over the years within these roles. Often misunderstandings are the reasons for issues that arise; not always, and having someone to discuss issues with confidentiality wrapped around these discussions can resolve them - the proviso with confidentiality is that what is discussed must not threaten any danger whatsoever. This is a skill I currently perform with colleagues so I would love to offer it to the kink world if you would like.

Norty I have been in the scene for 17 years, having seen and heard many things and also have life experience too. I feel that I can be impartial in resolving conflicts.

NZLongNeck Dom male 56 that has a lovely sub. Interested in helping with a safer community.

Oh-Eurydice and/or Rose I'm standing for the Ethics Committee because I care deeply about making our community a safer and more supportive place for everyone. I value truth, kindness, fairness, and equity, and I believe these principles are vital to ethical decision-making. I've been active in the local scene since 2018 and have recently taken on the role of running the UB Women's Group.

My background includes experience in general counselling and working with people in rehabilitation programs, as well as running events in both kink and professional settings. I've managed teams in hospitality, which has sharpened my ability to stay calm under pressure and resolve conflict with care. I'm a good listener, and I take a methodical, thoughtful approach to understanding and synthesising information. I believe I can bring both empathy and clarity to the committee's work.

Tasty Hi I might not come across the most ethical person in the world, but I actually am. I believe in UB and its place in the kink community. I think I'm in a good fit for this position as I see things quite clearly I'm open to listening to what other people are saying and helping them come to a better understanding of what the other person could be thinking. I have been involved with the Canterbury community for almost 9yrs now and it that time I have grown to appreciate how UB works and I feel like I have the time and resources to step up and support the local community Thanks Tasty