Membership Policy

This is our Membership Policy, with effect from September 1, 2022.

This policy is referenced in our Constitution and should be available for members.

Objectives

The aims of this policy are to set out the rights and obligations of members as referenced in sections 5-7 of the NZSA Constitution.

Policy Statement

1. This policy applies from September 2022.

Membership Definition and Rights

1. A member of NZSA is an individual or entity that has paid the relevant subscription fee to NZSA or where the Board has determined that their contribution to NZSA has been so great as to confer the rights and obligations of membership.
   
   
2. Each member is also an ‘account holder’ with NZSA.
   1. An individual membership account holder is able to add additional household contacts to the account, allowing them to receive the benefits of NZSA membership.
   2. Similarly, a corporate or supporter membership account holder is able to add additional contacts within the same organisation.
   3. However, only the ‘account holder’ is able to participate in in NZSA governance processes as set out in the NZSA Constitution.
      
      
3. There may be different types of membership, as the Board may from time to time determine. This includes, but is not limited to:
   1. Full Membership
   2. Digital-only Membership
   3. Monthly Membership
   4. Student Membership
   5. Supporter Membership
   6. Corporate Membership
   7. Life Membership
      
      
4. The account holder and contacts associated with full membership can attend any NZSA Branch event (not just those associated with their own Branch).
   
   
5. Each type of membership may confer different benefits and obligations on the member in relation to level of service offered by NZSA and subscription fees payable.
   1. For Individuals, different membership types are clearly set out on the Join Us page of the NZSA website.
   2. For Supporter and Corporate Membership, membership obligations are set out in a Terms Sheet, available on request from NZSA.
   3. A Corporate or Supporter Member is not able to vote at the NZSA AGM.
      
      
6. Non-payment of subscription fees by the renewal date is deemed as resignation from NZSA.
   
   
7. NZSA may (but is not obligated) to offer a ‘grace period’ following membership expiry.

Membership Obligations

1. Refunds: Members (nor designated contacts) are not entitled to a refund of their subscription fee once paid.
   
   
2. Communication: Members (nor designated contacts) must not communicate on behalf of NZSA unless delegated by the CEO.
   
   
3. Conduct:
   1. Members (nor their designated contacts) must not bring the NZSA into disrepute.
   2. Members (and their designated contacts) are to maintain a positive standard of behaviour at NZSA meetings or events.
   3. Members (nor their designated contacts) should not interfere with the reasonable enjoyment experienced by other members at NZSA meetings or events.
      
      
4. Members acknowledge that NZSA provides a welcoming space to explore an interest in investment, no matter age, race, gender or experience as a condition of their membership.

Dispute Resolution

1. Dispute resolution should take the contents of this Policy into account.
   
   
2. Disputes between members should be managed within the relevant Branch Committee in the first instance.
   
   
3. If resolution cannot be achieved, the dispute should be escalated to the NZSA CEO in the first instance (or Chair if not appropriate) and then to the Board.
   
   
4. A member complaint should be acknowledged within 7 days. Resolution may take longer.
   
   
5. The NZSA Whistleblowing Policy sets out the process by which a dispute may be addressed.
   
   
6. The NZSA Board has discretion as to whether it allows a member to remain a member (s 5.2 of Constitution).