The rules of the new body, to be known as the Queenstown & District Historical Society 2008 Inc, were distributed at the special meeting on Sunday for members to comment on.
The extraordinary move was prompted by president Brian Bayley, of Millers Flat near Arrowtown, and other members, who said the incorporated society's rules had been overtaken by legislation, including the Resource Management Act.
The retired lawyer proposed a revised set of constitutional special clauses to about 40 members at Gibbston Valley Wines.
Under the changes, the body pledged to take any action in support of, or incidental to, the retention and preservation of the Wakatipu's heritage.
It also pledged to support the New Zealand Historic Places Trust; seek plan changes from the Queenstown Lakes District Council which may offer further protection of heritage; and present submissions to any authority under the RMA or future planning legislation.
"The total support reinforces the need for this procedure to be done," Mr Bayley said.
"This will enable the society to face the future fully confident it is empowered to undertake full participation in planning issues and preservation of historic buildings, street-scapes and landscapes.
"The society will continue the recording and identification of heritage in the district for the benefit of future generations."
Chartered accountant Peter Sim, of Invercargill, was appointed as liquidator to deregister the society.
A resolution was passed to record "our sincere appreciation for the many members and office bearers of the society for their hard work in pursing the business of the society since its formation in May 1965".
Mr Bayley chaired the steering committee, which included secretary Jocelyn Roberts, past president Malcolm Boote, Geoff Bradley, Barbara Hamilton, Ray Clarkson, Bill McDonald, Danny Knudson, Ralph Hanan and Bill Dolan, who is also chairman of the Paradise Trust.
"The next step is to call another meeting in the beginning of November to approve the constitution and to have the application signed up for incorporation," Mr Bayley said.
