Becoming a member

There are many advantages to becoming a member. For example, it entitles you to have a say in how Wild Mountains is run, how it spends its money, and how it manages any services it offers. Members are also entitled to receive notices of general meetings and other communications from the Wild Mountains’ Board.

Who is a member?

A member is someone who after registration, agrees to become a member and their name is entered on the register of members. They are not a member until this is done.

Key rules about membership

The minimum number of members is five. There is no upper limit on the number of members for limited corporation.

Members must be at least 15 years old.

A new member must first be nominated by an existing member before being considered by the Board for membership.

If a general meeting has been called, such as an annual general meeting (AGM), new members can’t be added to the register of members until after the meeting has been held. This means that new members can’t be admitted as members on the day of a general meeting, even if all the existing members at the meeting agree.

If or when Wild Mountains is wound up, and there are any debts owing, then each member is obligated to contribute a maximum of $100.

Fees for membership

The membership fee is currently $40 per year, and becomes dues and payable in advance in every year on 31 March.

Any membership subscription that remains unpaid for three months after it is due will result in that membership being terminated. The board will send a notice of default to inform that member.

Applying to become a member

After registration a person can only be accdepted by the board of directors as a member if they agree to be a member and apply. A person cannot become a member merely because they satisfy a certain criteria. For example, all people living as as community in Wild Mountains as not automatically made members. They must apply. A person must make a conscious decision and apply to become a member.

Importantly, the directors can decide not to admit a person as a member even if the person applies in the right way and meets all the eligibility requirements. There is an appeals process (see below) but the directors have the final say.

The application process

The person applies

The application must be in writing , and accompanied with a nomination from an existing member.

Directors make a decision on the application

At the next directors’ meeting, the board will decide to accept or reject the application (after checking eligibilty requirements). In case is the board required to give any reasons for rejection of an applicant.

Add new member to the register

If the application is accepted, the person’s details must be entered in the register of members within 14 days. They are not a member until this happens. The date the entry is made is the date the person becomes a member.

Write to the applicant

The board will write to the applicant, within 14 days, to let them know the outcome of their decision. The applicant then needs to pay the annual subscription fee.

Appeal the decision

Any person who is refused membership by the board may require the secretary to call a general meeting within three months of the date of notification of being rejected for the purpose of appealing the board’s rejection for membership. The decision at the general meeting is final and no further appeals can be made.

Pay the membersip fee

The board will write to the applicant, within 14 days, to let them know the outcome of their decision. The applicant then needs to pay the annual subscription fee.

Ending membership

A person stops being a member if:

  • the member resigns by giving notice in writing to the Secretary. Any resignation is effective immediately from the date the letter is received by the Secretary. However, the member continues to be liable for any outstanding subscription fees, and any other money owed to Wild Mountains.

  • the person dies

  • the person is declared bankrupt, or if the member is a company and a liquidator has been appointed

Membership can also be cancdelled for the following reasons:

  • if the subscription of a member remains unpaid for a period of three calendar months after it becomes due

  • if the member cannot be contacted for two years, after at least two attempts over that period. This requires a special resolution to be passed from the board at a general meeting.

  • if the member misbehaves. There is no definition of misbheaviour, however this usually means the member wilfully refuses or neglects to comply with the rules of the company (Memorandum of Association) or is guilty of any conduct which in the opinion of the board is unbecoming of a member or prejudicial to he interests of Wild Mountains.The member has an opportunity to provide an explanation or a defence, either orally or in writing. This requires a special resolution to be passed from the board, at a general meeting.

(Special resolution means a resolution that has been passed by at least 75 per cent of the vots cast by members entitled to vote on the resolution).

Within 14 days of a membership being cancelled, the secretary must remove the person’s name from the current regsitry of members (moving them to the registry of former members) and add the date they stopped being a member in the register of former members.