Membership

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Member of Epilepsy New Zealand

As a Member, you can nominate and elect Board Members, vote at General Meetings, and have the opportunity to participate in Epilepsy New Zealand’s activities and support our Mission. 

Epilepsy New Zealand has reregistered under The Incorporated Societies Act 2022.  Under this Act new member requirements must be met.

Here’s some information about our membership and how to register online.

About Membership

Become a member and play an important role in supporting New Zealanders living with epilepsy to achieve a better quality of life. Your membership helps ensure Epilepsy New Zealand has a strong, credible voice when engaging with decision-makers and advocating for change. 

Our annual subscription is $12.00 (including GST) and includes regular communications such as newsletters, along with opportunities to be as involved as you choose. 

We welcome membership from individuals, groups, and organisations who support our purpose. Membership is granted upon application, approval by the Board, and payment of the applicable subscription and fees (if any).  

👉 To complete your online Membership Application please scroll to bottom of this page

For more information about membership, or to request a membership application form, please contact national@epilepsy.org.nz.

Types of Membership 

1. Individual Member
a) Open to any person who applies and pays the annual subscription. Individual Members have full voting rights and count toward meeting quorum. 

2. Corporate Member
a) Available to organisations.
b) Each Corporate Member must nominate one representative who holds the organisation’s voting rights.
c) Corporate Members have full voting rights and count toward quorum. 

3. Unincorporated Group Member
a) For unincorporated groups who nominate a representative to vote on their behalf.
b) The nominated individual becomes the official Member and can bind the group.
c) These Members also have full voting rights and count toward quorum. 

4. Life Member (by nomination only)
a) Awarded to individuals or organisations that have provided exceptional service.
b) Life Members pay no annual subscription but maintain full voting rights. Event or activity fees may still apply.  

5. Employee Member
a) For paid employees of the Association.
b) Employee Members may attend General Meetings but do not have voting or speaking rights and are not counted toward quorum.

Membership Administration  

– The Chief Executive keeps an official register of all Members and their contact details.
– Members are responsible for keeping their information up to date.
– Communications, including documents for member review, are primarily delivered via email or through the Association website.

Membership Subscription 

– Annual subscription rates are $12.00 (including GST) which are set by the Board.
– Membership Term is from 1 April – 31 March with a single annual subscription (no pro-rata). However, members joining on or after 1 January can carry their membership through to the following year.
– Voting rights are active only when the membership subscription is fully paid by 31 July.

Hardship Support 

– Members experiencing financial hardship may apply for a confidential subscription waiver or reduction.

Resignation & Termination  

Membership may end if:
– A written resignation is submitted.
– The annual subscription and fees (if any) remain unpaid after the 12month period.
– The Member passes away or an organisation dissolves.
– The Board suspends or removes a Member due to criminal charges, breach of the Constitution, or behaviour that brings the Association into disrepute.

Life Membership Nominations  

Members who have made outstanding contributions may be nominated for Life Membership.
– Nominations are due six weeks before the AGM.
– Approved nominations appear on the AGM agenda. 

To read our full constitution please click here