Membership Terms and Conditions

These terms and conditions govern the membership of Museums Aotearoa, hereinafter referred to as "the Organisation," and outline the rights, responsibilities, and benefits associated with each membership tier. Payment of fees and agreeing to the terms and conditions indicates consent to becoming a member of the Organisation. By applying for and maintaining membership with the Organisation, you agree to abide by these terms and conditions. All membership applications are required to be approved by the Organisations governing board.

These Terms and Conditions should be read alongside the Constitution. In areas of doubt, the Constitution takes precedence.

1. Membership Tiers:

a. Individual Membership: Individual membership is open to all individuals who satisfy membership criteria, are approved by the Organisation’s Board to join as members, and who pay the required fee. Individual members are entitled to the relevant benefits as outlined by the Organisation.

b. Institutional Membership: Institutional membership is open to institutions that qualify under our definition of a museum or gallery and pay the appropriate fee relative to their employee numbers. Institutional membership offers enhanced benefits and privileges for staff members compared to Individual membership and enjoy exclusive access to additional services and events as determined by the Organisation.

The institutional membership consent to join is given by an authorised person of the organisation, and only that person or proxy has voting privileges at Museums Aotearoa meetings. Affiliates are the staff working at member institutions. They are not members, and do not have individual voting privileges. Affiliates have access to the Organisation community platform and other privileges as affiliated sectors workers.

2. Membership Benefits:

a. Individual Membership Benefits: 

i. Access to Organisation events, workshops, and conferences.

ii. Individual access to member-only online platform, Mīharo

iii. Subscription to the Organisation's newsletter and updates.

iv. Voting rights at Annual General Meetings.

v. Eligibility for participation and/or nomination for Organisation governance, committees and initiatives.

b. Institutional Membership Benefits: 

i. All benefits of Individual membership.

ii. Staff of institutional members will have access to member-only online platform, Mīharo.

iii. Priority access for staff to exclusive events, professional development and networking opportunities.

iv. Favourable rates for premium workshops and training sessions.

v. Personalised support and advocacy services.

vi. Special recognition in Organisation publications and materials, where available and appropriate

3. Membership Fees:

a. Membership fees shall be determined by the Board and reviewed periodically.

b. Members are required to pay the applicable membership fee upon joining and annually thereafter to maintain active membership status.

c. The Organisation reserves the right to adjust membership fees with prior notice to members.

d. Payment of invoice can be inferred as consent to be a member of the Organisation.

4. Membership Renewal:

a. Memberships are valid for one year from the date of enrolment.

b. Members are responsible for renewing their membership annually to maintain active status and continue receiving benefits.

c. The Organisation may send reminders to members regarding membership renewal deadlines.

5. Termination of Membership:

a. Membership may be terminated at the discretion of the Organisation for reasons including but not limited to non-payment of dues, violation of Organisation policies, or conduct deemed detrimental to the Organisation's interests.

b. Members have the right to appeal a decision to terminate their membership by submitting a written request to the Board of Directors.

c. Resignation of membership part way through the year will not results in a pro rata refund of fees.

6. Amendments to Terms and Conditions:

a. The Organisation reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time with prior notice to members.

b. Amendments shall be communicated to members via email, newsletter, or other official channels.

7. Governing Law:

These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand, and any disputes arising out of or relating to membership shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New Zealand.

By becoming a member of the Organisation, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by these terms and conditions.

Museums Aotearoa 2024