Code of Conduct
Our Kaupapa (Purpose and Values)
1 General Guidelines
1.1 The purpose of our rules is to deter, prevent, and minimise harm caused to individuals via digital communications.
1.2 Use respectful language and avoid personal attacks. Disagreement is fine; abuse and hate are not.
1.3 No discussion or sharing of restricted content.
1.4 Don’t bring outside or interpersonal drama into the chat.
1.5 No discrimination or cruelty towards other members of the chat. See section 4 for further details.
1.6 No sharing of personal information or private messages (doxxing).
1.7 No mis/disinformation.
1.8 Hate speech is strictly prohibited.
1.9 No threatening, intimidating, menacing, grossly offensive, indecent, or obscene content or discussion.
1.10 No spam, false or malicious adverts, or scams.
1.11 Members must be based in or actively visiting the Waitaha-Canterbury region.
1.12 The admin and mod teams reserve the right to remove messages that breach these rules.
1.13 Breaches of these rules will result in admin and mod actions, including but not limited to mutes and bans.
1.14 Concerns about other members or moderation decisions must be raised privately with a member of the admin team, not publicly in the chat. All reports will be kept confidential.
1.15 Conversations in chat should primarily be in te reo Māori and English.
2 Restricted Content
The following are not allowed:
2.1 NSFW content or discussion.
2.2 Suicidal ideation or self-harm discussion. If you are struggling, please reach out to people equipped to support you:
- Christchurch Mental Health Crisis Team: 0800 920 092.
- 1737: free call or text 1737 for support from a trained counsellor (24/7).
- Lifeline: free call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) for confidential support (7am - midnight).
- Youthline: free call 0800 376 633 or text 234 for support for young people, their whānau and friends (24/7).
2.3 Discussion of illegal material, substances, or actions.
- Including “objectionable” content as defined in the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993.
2.4 AI-generated images or content.
3 Post within Limits
The following should be posted in moderation and within reasonable limits:
3.1 Sharing of videos, art, commission work, or other content you have created - avoid excessive self-promotion.
3.2 Keep low-effort/meme posting to a reasonable level - don’t let it overwhelm or derail normal conversation.
3.3 No spamming of animated Telegram emojis (casino, darts, etc.). A few are okay, but when the whole chat joins in it gets over the line.
4 Discrimination
Discrimination, cruelty, and content that demeans or degrades other members are not permitted. The following is a non-exhaustive list of personal characteristics and topics that must be treated with care and respect:
4.1 Sex and gender identity - any gender identity or sexual presentation. This also includes discrimination on the basis of pregnancy or childbirth.
4.2 Race, ethnicity, nation of origin, or skin colour - your race, ethnicity, skin colour, nationality, place of birth, or citizenship.
4.3 Disability - having a physical, sensory, mental, intellectual or learning impairment or long-term illness, or being reliant on a disability assist dog.
4.4 Sexual orientation - including being straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or any sexual orientation.
4.5 Marital status - being single, married, in a civil union, in a de facto relationship, separated, divorced or widowed.
4.6 Religious and ethical beliefs - being a member of a religion, holding a particular religious belief, being an atheist, or not holding a particular religious belief.
4.7 Age - any age or age range.
4.8 Political opinion - having a political opinion, or not having a political opinion.
4.9 Employment status - being unemployed, on a benefit or on ACC.
4.10 Family status - who you are related to, or whether you are responsible for children or other dependents.
These apply to present, past, or assumed circumstances.
5 Moderation
5.1 Moderation is done by human beings volunteering their time. The use of bots is for the purposes of ensuring correct moderation can take place and allowing harmful messages to be dealt with in a timely manner.
5.2 Membership of and participation in this chat are a privilege, not a right. Failure to follow our rules or kaupapa will result in warnings and bans where needed.
5.3 Breaches of these rules may result in an immediate ban where harmful content or discussion has occurred. This is not to silence discussion, but to keep discussion safe, factual, and respectful.
- Banned members will be notified via a DM.
- The ban and any further duration or actions needed will be discussed with the admin team.
- Once reviewed by the team, the affected members will be informed via DM.
5.4 To ensure moderation decisions can be reviewed, moderation actions will be recorded. This will include, but not be limited to, forwarding and screenshotting relevant actions or messages. This is in line with best practices from Netsafe’s guide to online moderation.
6 Events
6.1 Events that are age-limited to 18+ must be posted only in 18+ chats and spaces.
6.2 Events organised within this group are intended only for current members of the group. Do not forward event locations or details outside the chat in which they are posted.
- If you are bringing +1s, the use of the “Guest Name” feature is required.
6.3 To attend an event, the “I’m going!” option must be selected prior to arriving at the event.
6.4 Behaviour and actions at meets are to follow these rules and our kaupapa at all times. Failure to do so will be taken very seriously, and may result in warnings and/or bans.
7 Further Details
7.1 “Personal information” may include a person’s full legal name, address, place of work, phone number, email address, private messages, contact details of family members, or other identifiable information.
7.2 We are proud to support the integration of te reo Māori into our chats. This approach aligns with our goal of building a more inclusive and representative community that reflects the wider furry fandom across Aotearoa New Zealand.
7.3 NSFW content and restricted content also include current profile pictures, Telegram stories, and bio links, as these are easily accessible to every member in the chat.
7.4 Access to 18+ chats will require proof of age, either confirmation from an existing member or membership of an 18+ NZAEA or equivalent chat.
8 Policy Updates
8.1 These rules may be changed and updated at any time. New rules will be notified via the chat. Changes will apply immediately, and it is your responsibility to read the rules as a member of the chats.
8.2 Last updated: 24 September 2026.
9 References
- Approaches to Online Community Moderation.
- Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015.
- Defamation Act 1992.
- Privacy Act 2020.
- Coroners Act 2006: Section 71.
- Human Rights Act 1993.
- Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993.