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 2024 Constitution. In areas of doubt, the Constitution takes precedence.

1. Membership

A member can be either an individual (natural) person or body corporate and either of the following:

a) Ordinary Member: a Member who has been accepted by the Board, is required to pay subscription fees, and continues to qualify in accordance with these Rules.

b) Honorary Member: An Honorary Member is a person honoured for services to Museums Aotearoa, the wider museum sector or in an associated field, elected as an Honorary Member by decision of the Board. Any Member may nominate any other Member by writing to the Board, setting out the reasons for which Honorary membership should be considered. The Board has sole discretion in deciding admittance to this class of membership. An Honorary Member has full membership rights, privileges and duties but is exempt from paying annual subscription fees.

If you work for a body corporate membership, you are classified as an affiliate.

Affiliate Benefits (worker of a member organisation):

• Access to Organisation events, workshops, and conferences.
• Individual access to member-only online platform, Mīharo.
• Subscription to the Organisation's newsletter and updates.
• Eligibility for participation and/or nomination for Organisation governance, committees and initiatives.

Membership Benefits (Individual, Honorary, Body Corporate): 

• All benefits of affiliate membership plus
• Voting rights at Annual General Meetings.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Termination of Membership

a. Membership may be terminated at the Organisation’s discretion for reasons including, but not limited to: non-payment of fees, breach of Organisation policies, or behaviour deemed detrimental to the Organisation’s interests.

b. Members may appeal a termination decision by submitting a written request to the Organisation’s Board.

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

5. 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.

6. 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 confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

Museums Aotearoa 2025