Membership Terms and Conditions

1.1 These Terms and Conditions set out the membership framework of the New Zealand Stoic Society (‘the Society’), including the key benefits, responsibilities, and obligations of membership.

1.2 Please note:

1. Membership is paid and ongoing until cancelled.
2. The Society may vary these Terms and Conditions, including the benefits of membership, from time to time.
3. Membership may be cancelled in certain circumstances.
4. The Society will send you email communications and requires your current email address for that purpose.
5. The email address provided with your application will be used for all communication from the Society.
6. The Society may collect, use, and share your personal information in line with our Privacy Statement.
7. The Society limits its liability in respect of membership as set out in these Terms.

2.1 Membership of the Society is open to anyone who has an interest in Stoicism.

2.2 Applications are made by completing the online membership form published by the Society.

2.3 Membership becomes active once your application has been accepted, payment of applicable fees has been received, and you receive confirmation by email.

3.1 A person ceases to be a Member if:

1. They resign their membership in writing or by unsubscribing from membership emails; or
2. Their membership is cancelled under clause 9.4; or
3. They delete their membership account.

3.2 Resignation is effective from the date it is received by the Society unless another date is specified.

4.1 By becoming a Member of the Society, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

4.2 These Terms and Conditions:

1. May be updated by the Society from time to time; and
2. Are subject to the Society’s Constitution, which prevails in the case of inconsistency.

4.3 Updated Terms will be published on the Society’s website and, where relevant, notified by email.

4.4 Material changes to these Terms (including Member Benefits) take effect only after at least 14 days’ notice via email and the website, and you may cancel your membership before the effective date.

5.1 To cover administrative and operating expenses, the Society levies a joining fee and an annual membership fee.

5.2 These contributions help support the Society’s activities, events, and community initiatives.

5.3 Membership fees are due at the time of joining and upon each annual renewal unless otherwise notified by the Society. Membership is not considered active until payment has been received in full.

5.4 The Society reserves the right to adjust membership fees from time to time. Any changes will be communicated to Members at least one month before renewal.

5.5 The Society also gratefully accepts donations from members and supporters who wish to contribute further to its mission of promoting Stoic philosophy and practice in New Zealand.

Effective Date: 1 January

6.1 Membership is based on the calendar year. All memberships are valid from 1 January to 31 December, regardless of the date of joining.

6.2 Members are invited to renew their membership at the beginning of each calendar year. Renewal notices will be sent in December, and members are encouraged to renew by 31 January to maintain uninterrupted access to Society events, resources, and communications.

6.3 Members who join after 1 October will have their membership automatically extended through the following calendar year.

6.4 Members who join at any other time during the year are charged the full annual membership fee, which covers membership until 31 December of that year.

6.5 Members who have not renewed by 31 March will be considered lapsed and may need to reapply for membership.

6.6 Membership will continue automatically until cancelled by the Member or the Society in accordance with these Terms.

7.1 The Society provides Members with access to various benefits, which may include events, online content, study groups, and community initiatives.

7.2 Membership benefits may change over time. The Society reserves the right to add, amend, or remove any benefit at its discretion.

7.3 Some benefits may be subject to additional conditions or limited availability.

8.1 Members may be required to confirm their membership before accessing Members-only events or content.

8.2 Benefits are for personal use only and must not be shared, copied, or distributed without the Society’s permission.

8.3 Members agree to use Society resources in accordance with applicable laws and these Terms.

9.1 Members are expected to engage with each other and the Society respectfully, honestly, and in good faith.

9.2 The Society reserves the right to suspend or cancel membership where a Member:

1. Repeatedly breaches these Terms;
2. Engages in conduct that is harmful, abusive, or inconsistent with the aims of the Society; or
3. Misuses Society resources or membership privileges.
4. Before suspension or cancellation, the Society will provide written notice of concerns, a fair opportunity to respond, a written decision, and an internal right of appeal.

9.3 Before cancelling a membership, the Society will provide written notice outlining the reasons for the proposed cancellation and allow the Member a reasonable opportunity to respond.

9.4 Member concerns or disputes should first be raised directly with the Society.

9.5 In the event of a dispute, the Society may seek informal resolution or, if required, mediation under New Zealand law.

9.6 Members must comply with the Society’s Code of Conduct at all times; breaches will be addressed under these Terms and the Constitution.

10.1 Membership fees and donations are non-refundable.

10.2 Refunds will not be provided for early resignation, non-use of benefits, or partial membership periods.

10.3 Membership is personal and non-transferable and cannot be shared or assigned to another individual.

11.1 Members may describe themselves as a ‘Member of the New Zealand Stoic Society.’

11.2 Members may not suggest that they represent, speak for, or act on behalf of the Society without prior written consent.

12.1 Members must provide a valid email address for communications and notify the Society of any changes.

12.2 The Society collects and uses Member information only for the purpose of delivering membership benefits, in accordance with its Privacy Policy and Privacy Act 2020.

12.3 The Society complies with the Privacy Act 2020 and will not disclose personal information to third parties without consent, except as required by law.

13.1 To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Society will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss arising out of or in connection with membership, including cancellation of membership or changes to benefits.

13.2 Nothing in these Terms limits any rights that Members may have under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or other applicable New Zealand law.

14.1 All membership enquiries should be directed to the Society via the official website or through our contact page.

14.2 These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand.