The union is holding a special meeting tonight to vote in a new constitution for itself, as it tries to set up a framework to avoid the financial problems it has faced and acquire the skills it feels it needs to run a professional sporting organisation.
The union was on the verge of liquidation in early March but a last-minute deal by major parties managed to keep the union in business.
One of the provisos was that the current Otago board resign and the constitution be modernised.
New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said in late February the board was too big and needed more independents and business-minded people.
He appears to have got his wish.
The draft constitution, obtained by the Otago Daily Times, shows the board will be cut from 11 members to six. To read the constitution click here
Board members, who were previously up for re-election every two years, will now be appointed at annual meetings.
The votes used to be cast by club delegates, with each nominee put forward by clubs.
That process has led to accusations the board lacked independent members and too many were appointed to reward club loyalty, lacking the skills to run a professional sporting organisation.
The new board will have six members, while observers from the NZRU and the Dunedin City Council/Dunedin Venues Management Ltd will have the right to attend meetings and ask questions.
The observers will not have any voting rights, and nor would the president, who will hold a largely ceremonial position.
The council has already indicated it will appoint a staff member as its observer.
Prospective board members have until Friday to register interest.
Union change manager Jeremy Curragh said interest in board positions had been strong from within Otago and around the country.
He would prefer board members were in Otago but the most important priority was to secure the right skill set for the board.
A selection panel will be appointed to oversee and select board members. These board members will be announced at every annual general meeting and will be appointed, with no voting by club delegates.
The selection panel will be made up of a representative from the NZRU, the chairman of the ORFU, an independent chairman, and one person nominated by the DCC/DVML.
There will also be two people voted in at the annual general meeting to sit on the board selection panel. The independent chairman of the board selection panel will be decided by the NZRU, DCC and ORFU.
The council has already voted deputy mayor Chris Staynes as its representative.
Two board members will be up for reselection at every general meeting, with the longest-serving members up for reselection first.
The NZRU will have its representative chair the transitional board selection panel, which hopes to have a board in place by the middle of June.
Those on the current board can apply to be on the new board.
The union states it wants to have a board with the right mix of skills, including marketing, finance, human resources and entrepreneurial talent.
