Companies Act 2014 section 176A

Participation in general meetings by use of electronic communications technology

Section 176A sets out the rules for how companies may hold general meetings using electronic communications technology, including virtual-only and hybrid formats, and the obligations placed on companies to ensure effective and secure participation by attendees.

• Companies may hold general meetings wholly virtually or in a hybrid format, unless the constitution provides otherwise, provided all attendees have a reasonable opportunity to participate
• The company must provide secure electronic communications technology that allows attendees to hear the chairperson, speak, submit questions, and cast votes without being physically present
• Temporary technical failures do not invalidate the meeting, but the chairperson may adjourn if a disruption substantially interferes with proceedings and cannot be remedied during the meeting
• Anyone participating electronically is treated as being present at the meeting for all purposes under the Act, including references to attendance in person or by proxy