Under the current structure, the two regions are governed by a southern regional board, one of six boards nationwide. It is based in Dunedin and covers the area from Otago's northern boundary south.
The new constitution, adopted at an annual national council meeting in Wellington, disestablished the regional boards and created 16 area councils.
National president Penny Mason said the area councils would have a closer link to their communities, greater understanding of community needs and a better understanding of how Red Cross could "make a real local difference".
"I am confident that the changes we have proposed will make a real difference for Red Cross as we progress towards the future," she said.
Communications adviser Kelly Mitchell said under the new structure, an Otago council and a Southland council would be formed.
The new structure was not too dissimilar to the old one, she said. The southern regional board had 10 members, while the new area councils would have four to eight members each.
Members of the Red Cross, as well as members of its branches or groups, would nominate and elect the area councils, each of which would select a representative to sit on the national council.
The election process was due to start no later than May 2010, with the election of the councils no later than August 1. The regional boards would remain until then.
