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.

Fluids in New Zealand (FiNZ) is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone engaging with FiNZ 2023, 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 FiNZ. 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. FiNZ 2023 aims to be 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 FiNZ 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 FiNZ 2023 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 FiNZ 2023 Organising Committee.

Escalate

  • Find a member of the FiNZ 2023 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 brendan.harding@vuw.ac.nz

Resolve

  • The FiNZ 2023 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 FiNZ will support those harmed by the incident, both publicly (where appropriate) and privately.
  • If any individual encounters problems or issues attempting to help a victim of harassment while following our anti-harassment policy and protocol, they are encouraged to engage with the FiNZ community and FiNZ 2023 Organising Committee for clarifications and/or to seek revisions. We are very open to revising any part of our policy or protocol if needed to ensure a safe and welcoming community in which harassment is not tolerated.

This code of conduct was adapted from that of the 2022 FiNZ workshop, which was itself adapted from Te Pūnaha Matatini.
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