CITY BUILDERS ASSOCIATION TRUST
TERMS OF TRADE – MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION Effective: 10 November 2025 Governing Law: New Zealand
1. INTERPRETATION
1.1 Definitions

• “Trust” means the City Builders Association Trust.

• “Member” means any person or entity granted Temporary or Full Membership.

• “Application Fee” means the non-refundable payment required upon submission of a membership application (being the first month’s subscription).

• “Monthly Subscription” means the recurring fee payable from the second month onward.

• “Services” means access to the Trust’s collaborative platform, question submission, contribution opportunities, published explainers, and advocacy updates.

1.2 These Terms are governed by the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (CCLA), Fair Trading Act 1986 (FTA), and Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA) where applicable. Where the CGA applies, nothing in these Terms contracts out of it unless permitted by law.
2. APPLICATION & TEMPORARY MEMBERSHIP
2.1 Every membership commences with an online application accompanied by payment of the Application Fee. 2.2 Payment of the Application Fee is irrevocable and non-refundable under any circumstance, including: (a) rejection of the application; (b) withdrawal by the applicant; or (c) failure to contribute within 6 months.
2.3 Upon receipt of the Application Fee the Trust may (at its absolute discretion) grant Temporary Membership for a maximum of 6 months. 2.4 Temporary Membership confers no rights beyond access to the platform for the purpose of making a qualifying contribution.
3. FULL MEMBERSHIP
3.1 Full Membership is granted only when: (a) a Temporary Member makes a qualifying contribution (as determined solely by the Trust); and (b) the Trust confirms Full Membership in writing.
3.2 From the date of Full Membership, the Member must pay the Monthly Subscription in advance on the same day each month.
3.3 Failure to pay within 5 business days of the due date: (a) suspends all membership rights; and (b) triggers automatic termination after 30 days of non-payment, with all unpaid fees remaining due.
4. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
4.1 The Trust may terminate membership immediately and without refund for: (a) breach of the Code of Conduct; (b) conduct likely to bring the Trust into disrepute; or (c) any reason the Trustees deem sufficient (acting reasonably).
4.2 Upon termination:

• All access is revoked instantly.

• No refunds are payable for any pre-paid Monthly Subscriptions.

• The Application Fee remains non-refundable.

5. NO REFUNDS POLICY
5.1 Application Fee: Non-refundable in full, irrespective of outcome. 5.2 Monthly Subscriptions:

• Pre-paid fees are non-refundable except where required by the CGA.

• No pro-rata refunds for early termination (voluntary or otherwise).

5.3 The Trust’s costs in processing applications and providing platform access are incurred immediately upon payment and justify the non-refundable nature of the Application Fee.
6. TRUST’S RIGHTS & DISCLAIMERS
6.1 The Trust reserves the absolute right to: (a) reject any application without reason; (b) remove or edit any contribution; (c) suspend or terminate Services without notice; and (d) vary fees, terms, or processes at any time (effective upon posting on the website).
6.2 Services are provided “as is”. The Trust excludes all implied warranties to the maximum extent permitted by law.
6.3 The Trust is not liable for: (a) indirect, consequential, or economic loss; (b) loss of data, reputation, or opportunity; or (c) any amount exceeding the total fees paid by the Member in the preceding 3 months.
7. MEMBER OBLIGATIONS
7.1 Members must: (a) provide accurate information; (b) comply with the Code of Conduct; (c) pay fees when due; and (d) indemnify the Trust against any claim arising from their contribution.
7.2 Contributions become the intellectual property of the Trust upon submission. Members grant an irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide licence (including moral rights waiver where permissible).
8. PAYMENT TERMS
8.1 All payments are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and inclusive of GST. 8.2 Payments are processed via [insert payment gateway]. The Member authorises recurring billing. 8.3 Failed payments incur a $15 administration fee per attempt.
9. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
9.1 Any dispute must be notified in writing within 7 days of the event. 9.2 The parties will attempt resolution in good faith. 9.3 If unresolved after 30 days, the dispute shall be referred to mediation in Auckland under the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ) rules. 9.4 The Trust may pursue unpaid fees via the District Court without mediation.
10. GENERAL
10.1 Entire Agreement: These Terms, the Deed of Trust, and the Code of Conduct constitute the entire agreement. 10.2 Severability: Invalid provisions do not affect the remainder. 10.3 Waiver: Must be in writing. 10.4 Assignment: The Trust may assign its rights; Members may not. 10.5 Notices: Sent to the email address provided. Deemed received 24 hours after sending.
11. ACCEPTANCE
By clicking “I Accept” and paying the Application Fee, you:

• Confirm you have read and agree to these Terms;

• Acknowledge the Application Fee is non-refundable; and

• Authorise recurring Monthly Subscription payments until cancelled in writing.
   

City Builders Association Trust Email: membership@citybuilders.nz Website: www.citybuilders.nz
© 2025 City Builders Association Trust. All rights reserved.