NZMS™ Membership Terms

These terms apply when New Zealand Motel Standards Limited (NZMS™) issues an approved membership plan to an applicant and the applicant accepts that plan through the controlled membership pathway.

An application, approval in principle or payment does not by itself create membership. Membership begins only when NZMS™ records final activation and issues the member number.

NZMS™ Membership is discretionary and subject to individual review of suitability, professional standing, sector relevance and alignment with the purpose and values of NZMS™.

NZMS™ may request further information, approve an application in principle, decline an application or withdraw approval before activation where material information changes or activation requirements are not completed.

The Founder-approved New Zealand Founding Member plan effective 8 August 2026 has a NZ$295 fee plus GST for one 12-month membership term, with no joining fee. GST is NZ$44.25 and the total payable is NZ$339.25.

The exact plan, base fee, GST amount, total payable, benefits, terms version and Charter version issued to the applicant are controlled. No staff member may improvise or alter those commercial terms outside the approved process.

NZMS™ Professional and NZMS™ Industry Partner applications may be reviewed separately and may be subject to a different approved plan or individual commercial proposal.

No payment is required with the initial application. After approval in principle, NZMS™ issues the final terms, Charter version, fee schedule and a time-limited acceptance link.

Once acceptance is recorded, the applicant may request a private NZMS™ invoice or use another payment route expressly approved for that plan. The authorised Founding Member invoice must show the NZ$295.00 base membership fee, GST of NZ$44.25 and a total payable of NZ$339.25. The existing NZMS™ motel-certification application payment link must not be used for membership.

Payment is verified against the genuine NZMS™ bank, Stripe or accounting record. Final activation remains subject to Susie Barber’s recorded approval. If NZMS™ receives payment but does not activate membership, the membership payment will be refunded unless the applicant directs otherwise or the law permits a different outcome.

Membership runs for 12 months from the recorded issue date and expires on the date shown in the member record unless renewed, suspended or ended earlier under these terms.

Renewal is not automatic unless a separate recurring-payment authority has been expressly established. NZMS™ may review eligibility, conduct, current information, payment and programme requirements before offering renewal. Any new renewal fee will be disclosed before acceptance.

An applicant may withdraw before activation. After activation, a member may cancel by written notice, but the annual fee is not ordinarily refundable or transferable for the unused portion of the term, except where required by law or approved by NZMS™ in exceptional circumstances.

A refund, credit, fee waiver or payment dispute must be recorded and authorised through the Founder Office. Nothing in these terms excludes rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

Benefits are those listed in the approved plan and may include a member number and digital credential, public verification, an optional directory profile, selected resources, priority support, briefings, professional-development invitations, sector connection and approved partner opportunities.

Benefits are subject to availability, appropriate use, continuing eligibility and operational change. NZMS™ may refine the way a benefit is delivered, provided the essential character of the paid plan is not materially reduced without fair notice or an appropriate remedy.

Where the applicant has given verification consent, NZMS™ may publish the limited information needed to confirm the member’s current status, category, number, issue date and expiry date.

Member Directory inclusion is optional, requires separate consent and remains subject to administrative approval. Directory consent may be withdrawn without automatically cancelling membership.

A member may use only the official designation and controlled credential issued for the current approved category. Membership does not authorise use of the motel-certification seal, the description “NZMS™ Certified,” “NZMS™ Accredited,” or any wording suggesting that a person, organisation or property has passed motel certification.

NZMS™ names, seals, credentials, designs and brand assets remain the intellectual property or controlled marks of New Zealand Motel Standards Limited. They may not be altered, transferred, sublicensed or used after expiry, suspension or revocation.

Members must act honestly, lawfully and professionally; keep their information accurate; comply with the Membership Charter; avoid misleading public statements; and refrain from conduct that materially damages NZMS™, its certification integrity or confidence in the motel and accommodation sector.

NZMS™ may suspend, revoke or decline to renew membership for non-payment, loss of eligibility, material misrepresentation, misuse of the member designation or NZMS™ brand, serious misconduct, failure to respond to a material review, or conduct inconsistent with the Charter.

Where appropriate, NZMS™ will give notice of the concern and a reasonable opportunity to provide relevant information before a final decision. Immediate temporary restriction may be used where necessary to protect the public, the organisation or the integrity of NZMS™ credentials.

Personal information is handled under the NZMS™ Privacy Policy and applicable New Zealand law. Transactional messages may be sent to administer the application, payment, activation, verification, support and renewal relationship.

Members may request access to or correction of their information and may withdraw optional directory or promotional consent by contacting NZMS™.

Questions, complaints or requests for review should be sent to nzms@consultant.com. NZMS™ will record the matter, consider relevant information and communicate the outcome or next step.

Membership review is separate from any motel-certification complaint or appeal process.

Membership does not guarantee motel certification, business referrals, bookings, revenue, media coverage, directory prominence, investor interest or any particular commercial result. Information and resources are general professional support and do not replace legal, financial, tax, safety or regulatory advice.

NZMS™ may issue a new version of these terms for future applications or renewals. A material change affecting an active paid term will be notified through the recorded contact details and applied fairly.

These terms are governed by New Zealand law. Notices to NZMS™ should be sent to nzms@consultant.com.