This Code of Conduct applies to all attendees at FurcoNZ or those involved in our spaces. For avoidance of doubt, this includes:
- Attendees
- Volunteers
- Staff
- Members of online FurcoNZ chat groups
- Anyone interacting with / commenting on / replying to FurcoNZ social media
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the FurcoNZ team. We are always happy to provide clarifications or address any concerns, and are happy to do so confidentially.
1 Guiding Principle
“Be nice to others, don’t be a jerk, and realise that the staff are never merely suggesting that you knock it off.”
Safety and security is of utmost concern to FurcoNZ staff, and the following Code of Conduct has been written with that in mind.
Matters concerning the Code of Conduct listed below will be dealt with by FurcoNZ Staff in the first instance. We reserve the right to revoke your registration, with no refund, and ask you to leave the site if it is deemed an appropriate action against violations. For serious violations we also reserve the right to exclude you from future FurcoNZ events. Please see https://furry.nz/furconz-exclusion-policy for more information.
Where an issue cannot be resolved, or the violation is criminal in nature, we reserve the right to call in local authorities.
2 All Events
2.1 General
2.1.1 FurcoNZ aims to give all its participants a safe and fun environment to enjoy themselves throughout the event.
2.1.2 FurcoNZ is an event for all Furries (and Furry-adjacent attendees), regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. Discrimination and hate speech has no place in our community and will not be tolerated.
2.1.3 The wearing of symbols and uniforms of hate groups, or wearing of deliberately offensive clothing, is prohibited.
2.1.4 FurcoNZ reserves the right to refuse registration to individuals who have demonstrated unacceptable behaviour at past community events. This will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Please see http://furry.nz/furconz-exclusion-policy for more information.
2.1.5 You must not represent yourself as an agent, officer, representative, or otherwise of FurcoNZ, or offer to speak on our behalf, to any member of the public, organisation, authority, company, media agency, or other parties without the express written permission of the FurcoNZ Director.
2.1.6 You must not contact FurcoNZ venues, suppliers, partners, or other organisations to discuss FurcoNZ events (such as making venue requests) unless you have express written permission from the FurcoNZ Director, or this is part of normal business unrelated to the event (such as booking a hotel room).
2.2 Harassment and Assault
2.2.1 “No” and “Stop” mean exactly that.
2.2.2 Harassment of any kind is not tolerated by FurCoNZ. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Behaviour that intentionally annoys, alarms or harms another person (physical or verbal);
- Inappropriate behaviour or unwanted advances;
- Uninvited physical contact.
Contact a FurcoNZ staff member immediately if you feel harassed or threatened.
2.2.3 We have ZERO TOLERANCE toward such behaviours and we reserve the right to evict any offenders immediately, if deemed appropriate.
2.2.4 Any form of assault will be referred directly to local authorities (i.e. NZ Police).
2.3 Smoking & Vaping
2.3.1 FurcoNZ does allow smoking, but in designated areas only. There is to be no smoking, or vaping indoors anywhere on-site (including in rooms or cabins), or in any outdoor areas not specifically signposted. You must follow all venue signs, documents, and instructions around smoking and vaping.
2.3.2 Smokers are expected to be considerate of any non-smokers present. For avoidance of doubt, this includes the use of e-cigarettes or vaping.
2.3.3 Smokers must fully extinguish and dispose of their cigarette/cigar butts in the proper manner.
2.3.4 You must not share cigarettes, tobacco products, or nicotine containing products with anyone under the age of 18. For the avoidance of doubt, this includes anyone that you are not 100% personally certain is over the age of 18.
2.4 Illegal Substances
2.4.1 FurcoNZ has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy towards the possession, use, sale and/or distribution of illegal drugs (this also includes prescription medication used by, or in the possession of, those whom it is not prescribed to) in all convention spaces.
2.4.2 This includes, but is not limited to, all drugs classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1975) and substances classified under the Psychoactive Substances Act (2013).
2.4.3 For avoidance of doubt, this covers all drugs previously classified as ‘legal highs’.
2.4.4 Anyone who has a valid prescription for any medication or substance that may meet the above criteria (including but not limited to opioids, amphetamines, etc) should disclose this ahead of time on their medical requirements form and this may be checked confidentially by our medical staff.
2.4.5 Offenders will be escorted off-site immediately, and the matter will be referred to local authorities (ie. NZ Police).
2.4.6 For the avoidance of doubt: This covers all convention spaces, and also discussion of the above activity in convention chat spaces.
2.5 Weapons
Weapons are not allowed at FurcoNZ. This includes, but is not limited to, edged weapons, projectile weapons, melee weapons, siege weapons, or firearms of any sort (including slug, BB, paintball and airsoft guns). If you are caught with any weapon, the offending item will be confiscated and stored away in a secure location and will only be returned at the end of the event.
In general, weapons that are part of a costume will not normally be allowed, however those attendees affected are encouraged to contact FurcoNZ Staff in advance to discuss a possible solution (such as peace-bonding). Due to the nature of this year’s theme, it is likely that a number of attendees may wish to use weapons as part of a costume. If notified before the event, FurcoNZ may approve these to be stored with our security team and released only for designated photoshoot and parade sessions.
Safe projectile-based toys, such as NERF guns and soft arrows, are permitted as long as any use is kept outdoors, away from buildings, and between consenting parties only. Users of these toys must tidy up any darts/arrows after use.
Where possession of the weapon is illegal under New Zealand Law, we reserve the right to contact the local authorities.
2.6 Pets
Dogs are not allowed anywhere on the convention sites, the exception being guide dogs and other registered disability assistance animals (as per the Human Rights Act 1993 and Dog Control Act 1996). Please advise FurcoNZ staff upon registration if this applies to you.
In general FurcoNZ does not allow other animals to be brought on-site, however requests for permission may be made in exceptional circumstances (eg. Exotic animals for special interest panels). Please contact FurcoNZ staff for further information.
2.7 Photography and Video
Photography and video recording by attendees are generally allowed, however this is subject to common sense, courtesy, and consent of those being photographed or recorded. We strongly recommend verifying with anyone who is identifiable in your photos before posting them in a public forum or outside the fandom.
Where consent is denied, photography or video recording must cease immediately.
As part of ongoing promotion FurcoNZ reserves the right to gather photographs or video recordings for use in official photo and/or video releases (such as on the FurcoNZ website, or for wider promotion of FurcoNZ and the Trust). FurcoNZ staff will endeavour to seek consent from those featured (and will always do so if faces are identifiable), but attendees who specifically do not wish to appear on these must advise FurcoNZ staff. Those in fursuit and not otherwise identifiable will be considered to have given permission for promotional photos unless requested otherwise.
2.8 Media / Press Policy
FurcoNZ does not allow any media/press presence at any events, except by very special prior authorisation.
Please contact us if you are representing a Media organisation (or are an independent journalist), however understand we have very rarely granted permission to come onsite.
FurcoNZ is a private event taking place on a closed site. All attendees have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Any consent to the gathering of information, photographs, video / audio recordings, or other materials for the purposes publication, broadcast or other mass media use is explicitly denied.
Attendees who are the members, employees, agents or associates of media/press organisations must declare this at the time of registration, even if they may be attending in a personal capacity. This should be done via the Contact Us form.
Individuals and/or organisations in violation will be asked to leave the site, and FurcoNZ reserves the right to follow up with further legal action.
We ask all other attendees to please respect the privacy of all our participants when making public posts or comments.
3 Event-Specific: Camp (All-Ages)
3.1 FurcoNZ will be operating as a closed site, and is considered to be a private event. The site will only be open to registered attendees.
3.2 Attendees must wear their badges at all times in open areas of the site (this is any communal area that is open for access to all registered attendees – exceptions include cabins, ablution blocks, Staff-only areas, and out-of-bound areas).
3.3 While FurcoNZ will be operating as a closed site, and there will be age limits for attendees, we ask all attendees to be mindful of their behaviour in open areas of the site.
3.4 During the event, as there may be younger attendees present, we require that behaviour in open areas of the site remain PG in nature.
3.5 From 9pm (the end of Day Pass admissions, front gate closure, and beginning of supervised hours for youth attendees) the site will be considered a more mature environment and greater leniency will be given to behaviour, however excessive strong language or indecent behaviour in open areas will not be tolerated.
3.6 Specific violations can include, but are not limited to: wearing unacceptably revealing clothing, openly displaying adult artwork, or indecent acts.
3.7 Age Restrictions
3.7.1 Specific restrictions that apply to younger attendees (under the age of 18) are detailed separately in our Youth Information page.
For attendees aged 16 or over, the following specific rules apply:
- 3.8.1 Access to the Youth cabin block (signposted and identified on your maps) is prohibited at all times except to those who have an allocated Youth, Parent, or Staff pass.
- 3.8.2 Encouraging or allowing any Youth attendee to enter any non-youth cabin area is also prohibited.
- 3.8.3 Inappropriate behaviour, including inappropriate language, around any Youth attendees is strictly prohibited.
3.8 Alcohol
Due to the Forest Lakes venue policy, alcohol is not permitted anywhere on site. For avoidance of doubt, this includes the possession of any alcohol that is intended to be consumed off-site, as well as in any con-provided accommodation such as shuttles or coaches. If you need to carry alcohol in your personal vehicle (or similar) for other purposes before or after FurcoNZ, you must notify security, and this will be secured away and returned to you after the event. It will not be accessible during the event, even if you are going off-site.
Consumption of alcohol whilst on site, including in cabins and private rooms, will not be tolerated.
Penalty for violations will range from a formal warning and confiscation of alcohol, up to cancellation of registration and eviction from site, depending on severity of violation.
FurcoNZ recognises that it has no control of the actions of attendees whilst they are off-site, but will be monitoring returning attendees for signs of intoxication. Attendees who are visibly intoxicated will be required to either stay in a designated waiting area or be refused re-entry until they are sober. Repeated violation may result in the cancellation of registration and eviction from site.
Attendees who exhibit excessive or problematic levels of intoxication may face immediate cancellation of registration and eviction from site.
FurcoNZ reserves the right to breathalyse any attendee who is suspected of being intoxicated. This will be performed by a member of our Medical or Security teams.
Anyone under the age of 18 found to be intoxicated, either at the site itself or upon return, will face cancellation of registration.
3.9 Bunkrooms and Lodges
Bunkrooms and Lodge bedrooms are considered private space.
FurcoNZ reserves the right for Staff to enter bunkrooms or lodges for purposes such as, but not limited to, inspection, cleaning or maintenance. We will endeavour to ensure at least one resident is present when this occurs.
Attendees are not permitted to enter bunkrooms or lodges they are not assigned to without being accompanied by at least one resident. Day Pass attendees are not permitted in bunkrooms or lodge bedrooms.
All the residents in each bunkroom or lodge will be collectively responsible for the tidiness of their bunkroom or lodge, and they will be collectively responsible for any damage that occurs.
As bunkrooms and lodges are shared, residents of each bunkroom or lodge are expected to be mindful of their fellow residents. Behaviours that attract the objections of any other resident must cease immediately.
Lodges are assigned, and we will endeavour to meet the accommodation requests of attendees. However, if you are unsatisfied with your placement please advise FurcoNZ staff and we will try to reassign you (subject to availability).
Bunkrooms are allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis only. Due to the size and availability of bunkrooms, we are not able to accommodate specific cabin assignment requests.
In accordance with the Forest Lakes Fire and Evacuation Procedures, attendees are allocated to rooms in advance, and room lists will be used to ensure safe and complete evacuation in case of emergency. Due to this, swapping bunkrooms or lodge bedrooms during the event is not permitted without the express consent of FurcoNZ staff.
Attendees who have paid for bunkroom accommodation are not permitted to shift to lodge accommodation without the express consent of FurcoNZ staff.
4 Event-Specific: Hotel
4.1 General Behavior
4.1.1 No obscene behavior is permitted in general Hotel or Convention spaces. Other guests, including minors, may be present at all times.
4.1.2 A reasonable state of dress should be maintained in general Hotel or Convention spaces at all times. FurcoNZ or Hotel staff may require you to change or cover up at their sole discretion. This excludes the pool area, however normal swimwear is required.
4.1.3 While on site, you represent FurcoNZ as a whole both to our Venue and to the wider public. Please respect this responsibility and act as a good steward of the community.
4.1.4 Nothing may be adhered to, written on, or otherwise attached to hotel property including rooms, signposts, ceilings, floors, doors, or fixtures. This includes stickers, posters, or signs. If in doubt, this policy should be interpreted as broadly as possible.
4.2 Alcohol
4.2.1 Only alcohol purchased at the Hotel bar or restaurant can be consumed around the Hotel space, and this must be in accordance with any signposted or verbal restrictions or policies from the hotel.
4.2.2 We place no restrictions on any private consumption in rooms, although it is expected that attendees behave safely and in a socially-conscious manner.
4.2.3 All attendees are responsible for ensuring they comply with all policies of the Hotel and Auckland Council, including reasonable limits on drunknness or behavior.
4.2.4 Hotel staff have the full authority to remove anyone from any space on property, including the entire venue, and no refund will be due if this occurs.
4.3 Accommodation Rooms
4.3.1 Attendees are responsible for following all Hotel rules and policies, including verbal instructions.
4.3.2 Respect must be given to Hotel cleaning and maintenance staff, and rooms not left in an unsanitary or unsafe way. All attendees affect the reputation of FurcoNZ as a whole and our ability to return in future years.
4.3.3 Care must be taken to avoid affecting other adjacent rooms, including minimising late night noise or offensive behavior.
4.3.4 Rubbish should be kept only in the receptacles provided in your room. If you need a larger trash bin, or have rubbish not suitable for these bins, please contact con ops and we will assist.
5 Chat Spaces and Groups
This applies to our Telegram groups & channels, as well as our comment sections & replies on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
5.1 Kindness first. Assume good in people, and guide rather than chastise.
5.2 No backseat moderation - please advise a staff member or moderator rather than telling people off directly. You may not be aware of previous discussions or agreements.
5.3 No advertising of other chat groups or social media pages. Exceptions will be agreed to by FurcoNZ staff. If someone is looking for local groups, the regional New Zealand SFW groups are all considered permitted, along with the national NZ Furs SFW group.
5.4 No advertising commissions, merch, art, or any other products or services except if you are a Dealer at a FurcoNZ event in the current year, or you were a dealer in the previous year and we have not yet opened for dealer registrations in the current year.
5.4.1 Any advertised commissions, merch, art, or other products or services must meet both this Code Of Conduct and our Dealer Policy.
5.4.2 Exceptions to this must be approved by FurcoNZ staff, but will likely be denied unless we believe the seller is genuine and also intends to sell at FurcoNZ events that have not yet opened.
5.5 No advertising other conventions without permission from FurcoNZ staff. For avoidance of doubt, mentioning of conventions or discussing where you’re going is NOT considered advertising.
5.6 Access to the 18+ Chat requires either previous attendance at FurcoNZ (and therefore ID vetting), a vouch from a trusted member of the community who has validated your age, or sighting of your ID by a FurcoNZ staff member.
5.7 FurcoNZ staff reserve the right to require proof of ID or vouching for any person at any time. This is intended to be used primarily for cases where we receive complaints of suspicious behaviour.
5.7 Access to the chat groups and social media pages is a privilege not a right. We have a much lower bar for removal from these groups than exclusion from our full events.
5.8 No discussion of politics, religion, or other topics likely to create strongly emotional and divisive opinions in FurcoNZ chat groups or spaces. There are dedicated groups for this discussion if required.