Code of conduct

As a New Zealand conference welcoming members from diverse backgrounds, organisations, and lived experiences, we are committed to the open exchange of ideas, freedom of thought and expression, and respectful debate. These require a community and an environment that recognises the inherent worth of every person and group, that fosters inclusion, dignity, understanding, and mutual respect, and embraces diversity.

The NZMS Colloquium (2025) is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone particpating, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, political affiliation, nationality, language, or religion – and not limited to these aspects. We are dedicated to cooperation, civility, and respect, and do not tolerate harassment in any form. Sexual or discriminatory language or imagery is not appropriate and will not be tolerated at this conference. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled at the discretion of the organisers.

Harassment and hostile behaviour are not welcome at the NZMS Colloquium (2025). This includes speech or behaviour (including in public presentations and on-line discourse) that intimidates, creates discomfort, or interferes with a person’s participation or opportunity for participation in the community or event. We aim to have an environment where harassment in any form does not take place, including but not limited to harassment based on race, gender, religion, age, colour, national origin, ancestry, disability, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Harassment includes but is not limited to: inappropriate verbal comments as outlined above; sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation, stalking, or following; harassing photography or recording; sustained disruption of talks or other events; inappropriate physical contact; unwelcome sexual attention; and advocating for or encouraging any of the above behaviour.

Participants asked to stop any harassing behaviour are expected to comply immediately.

Implementation

It is the responsibility of the NZMS Colloquium (2025) community as a whole to promote an inclusive and positive environment for our scholarly activities. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed (active bystander principle), or have any other concerns, please contact a member of the Organising Committee. Your support will help keep our community and our events a safe, welcoming, and friendly space for all fellow participants!

Protocol for conflict resolution

Report

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed (active bystander principle), or have any other concerns, please immediately contact a member of the Organising Committee.

Escalate

Find a member of the Organising Committee. They will assist you. These parties will help participants contact hotel/venue security or local law enforcement, provide escorts, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment and will help them to feel safe for the duration of the event.

If you have been harassed via email or social media, you may send emails or screenshots to a member of the Organising Committee. 

Resolve

The Organising Committee will require anyone engaging in harassing behaviour to cease immediately or face expulsion or other sanctions.

Those sanctions can include reporting to the individual’s organisation, and supporting the victim in making informal or formal complaints via that organisation’s processes.

If an incident results in corrective action, then the Organising Committee will support those harmed by the incident, both publicly (where appropriate) and privately.