The controversial proposed changes to Otago Natural History Trust's deed have been released to members before a special general meeting later this month.
At the agreement of the trust's board, which runs Orokonui Ecosanctuary, changes have been proposed to allow for up to three appointed members to join the six elected members on the board.
The suggestion was opposed by former board chairman and ecosanctuary founder Ralph Allen, who saw it as a "poorly disguised" effort to give Karitane iwi a permanent seat on the board.
Formal documents released to trust members to consider before the meeting included a new mechanism for appointed members and one for advisers.
The proposed deed allows the board to invite an organisation with special expertise, interest or legislative role in conservation or a significant role in the trust's activities to nominate a representative who could hold office for three years.
Any appointment would be accompanied by a memorandum of understanding and the representative would have voting rights, although a quorum of three elected members would be needed.
Board chairman Neville Peat said that if the changes were approved, it would be up to the board in the future to consider which stakeholder organisations, if any, to invite.
"There is a process for any appointment, as well as checks and balances to ensure elected members remain in control of the organisation."
Advisers were not mentioned at all in the existing trust deed, despite the fact they had had an important role throughout the trust's existence, so the changes gave them a formal role but no voting rights, he said.
The general meeting will be held on July 28.
