Code of Conduct
Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Scope
This policy applies to all members of the New Zealand Arboricultural Association (NZ Arb), including individual, student, corporate, and life members, as well as anyone professionally engaged in arboriculture under the Association’s name.
Members are expected to act in ways that enhance public confidence in arboricultural services and ensure that neither the member, the Association, nor the profession is brought into disrepute.
1. Purpose
NZ Arb exists to encourage, foster, and improve arboricultural knowledge and practice throughout New Zealand. Membership in NZ Arb is a privilege, not a right.
Members represent the arboricultural profession and are expected to demonstrate integrity, competence, and respect in all aspects of their work.
This policy sets out the professional, ethical, and behavioural standards required to protect the reputation of NZ Arb, support public trust, and strengthen the arboricultural industry.
2. Ethics – Principles and Values
Members must act honestly, professionally, and within their competence. They are expected to:
a. Uphold the dignity and reputation of the arboricultural profession.
b. Comply with relevant laws, standards, and the NZ Arb Constitution.
c. Promote safety, environmental responsibility, and the wellbeing of others.
d. Respect colleagues, clients, and the community.
e. Maintain confidentiality and trust.
f. Share knowledge and acknowledge the contributions of others.
g. Foster collaboration, mentorship, and goodwill within the industry.
h. Support continuous learning and the advancement of arboricultural practice.
3. Professional Conduct – Enforceable behaviour
Members are required to:
a. Undertake only work for which they are qualified and competent.
b. Base professional opinions on sound knowledge, verified facts, and honest conviction.
c. Conduct all arboricultural and business activities with fairness, impartiality, and transparency.
d. Provide and maintain safe working environments for themselves and others.
e. Represent NZ Arb and the arboricultural profession positively in all interactions.
f. Avoid behaviour or actions that could damage NZ Arb’s reputation or public confidence.
g. Promote responsible tree care that benefits current and future generations.
4. Confidentiality and Privacy
a. Members must protect confidential information relating to NZ Arb, clients, or other members.
b. Information may only be shared with proper authority or when required by law.
c. Breaches of confidentiality or misuse of private information may result in disciplinary action.
5. Reporting and Complaints
a. Any member who becomes aware of a breach of this Code must report it to NZ Arb.
Reports should be made in writing, marked “confidential”, and directed to the Administration Officer.
b. If the concern involves the Administration Officer, the report may be sent to the Executive Officer.
All reports will be handled impartially and in line with NZ Arb’s disciplinary process.
6. Investigations and Outcomes
Upon receiving a report, NZ Arb will initiate an impartial investigation and provide the member concerned an opportunity to respond.
Outcomes may include:
• Education or coaching
• Formal warning or reprimand
• Suspension or termination of membership
• Removal from positions held within NZ Arb
Decisions will be based on the seriousness of the breach and its impact on NZ Arb and the profession.
7. Protection from Retaliation
a. No member will face retaliation for reporting a suspected breach in good faith.
b. Acts of retaliation will themselves be treated as serious breaches and may result in disciplinary action.
8. Training and Awareness
NZ Arb will provide members with ongoing communication and training to:
• Reinforce the importance of professional and ethical conduct
• Outline the reporting and disciplinary processes
• Promote continuous learning, safety, and industry excellence
9. Repeated or Serious Breaches
Ongoing or serious non-compliance with this Code will not be tolerated.
Persistent misconduct may result in cancellation of NZ Arb membership and removal of privileges such as participation in events, committees, or international representation.
10. Statement of Principle
NZ Arb’s strength lies in professionalism, collaboration, and care. Members are expected to uphold these values in every interaction, fostering respect, safety, and trust within the arboricultural community and the wider public.
11. Review and Amendments
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that it remains consistent with the values and standards of NZARB. Any amendments will follow the procedures for bylaw changes outlined in the Constitution.
12. Approval and Adoption
This policy is approved and adopted by the Board of the New Zealand Arboricultural Association Incorporated as of 23/02/2026
Please contact administrator@nzarb.org.nz for general enquiries regarding the policy.
Investigation Procedure
New Zealand Arboricultural Association
1.0 Purpose
1.1 This procedure describes how the Association will receive, assess, and investigate alleged breaches of the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
1.2 It is intended to ensure complaints are handled fairly, consistently, and impartially.
2.0 Receiving Complaints
2.1 Complaints must be submitted in writing to the Chair or Secretary of the Association.
2.2 Complaints should include sufficient detail to allow the matter to be understood and assessed.
2.3 Anonymous complaints may be considered where sufficient supporting information is provided.
3.0 Initial Assessment
3.1 The Executive Committee will determine whether the matter:
• falls within the scope of the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, and
• warrants investigation.
3.2 The Committee may seek clarification or additional information before making this decision.
3.3 Matters that are minor or administrative in nature may be resolved informally.
4.0 Investigation
4.1 Where an investigation is initiated, the member concerned will be notified in writing.
4.2 The member will be provided with reasonable detail of the concern and an opportunity to respond.
4.3 The Executive Committee may appoint one or more members, or an independent person, to undertake the investigation.
4.4 Any person with a conflict of interest must not participate in the investigation or decision-making process.
4.5 Investigations will be conducted in a timely, fair, and impartial manner.
5.0 Decisions and Outcomes
5.1 Following investigation, the Executive Committee will determine whether a breach of the Code has occurred.
5.2 Decisions will be based on the seriousness of the breach and its impact on the Association and the profession.
5.3 Outcomes may include:
• education or coaching
• formal warning or reprimand
• suspension or termination of membership
• removal from positions held within the Association
6.0 Records and Confidentiality
6.1 Records of complaints, investigations, and decisions will be retained by the Association.
6.2 Information will be treated confidentially, subject to natural justice and legal obligations.
7.0 Review
7.1 A member may request the Executive Committee reconsider a decision where new information becomes available or a procedural concern is identified.