The aim of the Amotai Member Code of Conduct (the “Code”) is to establish a common understanding of the responsibilities of our Members and Registered Suppliers. It presents a broad framework that encourages Members to uphold professional standards of conduct.

Amotai Vision and Values

Our vision and values guide the way we work with our Members/ Registered Suppliers and customers, within our communities and with each other, to transform the Māori and Pasifika business sector.

Our vision is to build sustainable wealth for Māori and Pasifika.

• Whanaungatanga Relationships
  We build impactful relationships based on trust, integrity and inclusion.
• Mana motuhake Self-determination
  We build impactful relationships based on trust, integrity and inclusion.
• Kairangatira Excellence
  We challenge the status quo in the pursuit of excellence.
• Manaakitanga Caring for others
  We uphold the mana of all people in the way we care, respect and support each other.

Member and Registered Supplier Compliance

Amotai Members and Registered Suppliers agree to comply at all times to standards that constitute professional behaviour, and with the following standards of conduct:

1. Uphold Amotai’s vision and values, including supplier diversity;
2. Support the integrity and reputation of Amotai, and not engage in conduct that may negatively impact Amotai’s Members or Registered Suppliers including their reputations;
3. Conduct business in an ethical, honest and responsible manner, and with integrity;
4. Promote a business culture of courtesy, respect, fair and ethical behaviour, equality and cultural diversity, without harassment or discrimination;
5. Respect traditional knowledge and cultural expression belonging to Māori and/or Pasifika people;
6. Abide by all relevant Amotai Terms and Conditions, policies and procedures, including the Code, and any applicable New Zealand laws;
7. Not provide false or misleading information to Amotai or its customers;
8. Not make improper use of information acquired as a Member or Registered Supplier or take improper advantage of the position of being a Member or Registered Supplier;
9. Take reasonable steps to avoid any conflict of interest (real or apparent) in connection with membership and promptly notify Amotai of any such conflicts;
10. Not disclose the Confidential Information of Amotai or its customers without written consent or as required by law; and
11. Only use Amotai resources in a proper manner and for a proper purpose, including without limitation the Amotai Member logos and the online directory service.

Complaints of non-compliance in line with our standard complaints handling process

1. Responding to complaints

Members and Registered Suppliers must comply with the Code. Amotai is committed to seeking and receiving feedback and complaints about non-compliance with the Code. Complaints of buyer and supplier non-compliance with the Code can be emailed to Amotai on kiaora@amotai.nz.

Amotai recognises that complaints are generally made in good faith. All complaints are taken seriously and given careful and respectful consideration, however, Amotai will not respond to complaints that are frivolous or vexatious.

2. Assessing and investigating complaints

Complaints will be assessed with common sense, respect and fairness, efficiency, confidentiality and in a manner which affords procedural fairness to all parties.

Once a complaint is received in the approved form, and unless Amotai considers in its absolute discretion that the complaint is frivolous or vexatious, Amotai will:

• acknowledge receipt of the complaint promptly and advise the person who submitted the complaint (the “Complainant”) of the complaints process;
• use the information submitted to assess the complaint and determine whether to investigate the complaint further;
• as soon as possible, notify the Complainant whether it will investigate the complaint.

Amotai is under no obligation to investigate a complaint.

If, in its absolute discretion, Amotai chooses to investigate the complaint, it will:

• notify the Member of the complaint and the complaints investigation process so that the Member may reasonably respond to the complaint;
• Such details of the complaint as it considers, in its sole discretion, that is reasonably able to divulge; and
• The complaints investigation process so that the Member and/or associated individual may reasonably respond to the complaint;
• Provide the Member or Registered Supplier and/or associated individual with at least 10 business days to respond (“Information Requests”);
• Investigate the complaint within a reasonable time frame. Part of that investigation may involve Amotai requesting further information and documentation. Where such requests are made, the Member, Registered Supplier and/or associated individual will be provided with at least 10 business days to respond to the Information Requests;
• (If 10 business days have elapsed since an Information Request was made and the Member, Registered Supplier and any associated individual have not adequately addressed the Information Request), make a determination that there has been a failure to engage with the investigation process (a “Failure to Engage Determination”);
• (Assuming a Failure to Engage Determination has not been made), determine whether the Member, Registered Supplier and/or associated individual has or has not complied with the Code;
• Prepare a record of the Failure to Engage Determination or Determination (as relevant) and any resolution/action proposed to be taken;
• Inform the Member, Registered Supplier and/or Associated Individual of the outcome of the investigation, providing reasons for the Failure to Engage Determination or Determination and any resolution/action proposed to be taken;
• Inform the complainant of the outcome of the investigation.

Personal information will only be disclosed or used by Amotai in accordance with the Amotai Privacy Policy or as permitted by law. Where Amotai investigates a complaint, it will provide a copy of the complaint (excluding contact details) to: (i) the Member, Registered Supplier and/or associated individual; and (ii) if necessary, other parties with relevant information about the complaint, in each case if, in its sole discretion, it considers it appropriate to do so.

3. Action that may be taken

Non-compliance with the Code constitutes a breach of the Amotai Terms and Conditions agreed to by Members and Registered Suppliers and as amended by Amotai from time to time. Without limiting any other right Amotai may have at law and/or pursuant to the Terms and Conditions, and in accordance with the Terms and Conditions, Amotai may:

• Restrict, suspend or terminate membership of a Member or Registered Supplier for a breach of the Code;
• Restrict or suspend membership of a Member or Registered Supplier for a suspected breach of the Code whilst it is carrying out an investigation in accordance with this Code into such suspected breach; and
• Restrict, suspend or terminate membership of a Member or Registered Supplier for a suspected breach of the Code if it has carried out an investigation in accordance with this Code and a Failure to Engage Determination has been made.

Amotai may propose, and the Member or Registered Supplier agrees to comply with, any reasonable resolution/action for rectification of the breach of the Code.