Clause 9. of the DQ constitution outlines DQ membership as:

9. MEMBERSHIP

9.1  For the purposes of these rules a member shall include:

(a) An individual, company or partnership which has paid or contributed to the current tourism development rate by way of Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Special Order 1992 AND satisfies sufficient of the criteria set out in clause 9.2 so that in the opinion of DO that individual company or partnership meets the objects of Destination Queenstown Incorporated so as to merit membership.

(i) The words 'paid or contributed' shall mean rates paid directly to QLDC or rates paid by a tenant to a Landlord who pays commercial rates to QLDC.

(b) Any non-commercial QLDC ratepayer or individual, company or partnership trading in the QLDC region who has paid the appropriate membership fee determined by DQ from time to time AND satisfies sufficient of the criteria set out in clause 9.2 so that in the opinion of DQ that non-commercial rate payer, individual company or partnership meets the objects of Destination Queenstown Incorporated so as to merit membership.

9.2  The criteria to be considered by DQ in determining eligibility for membership is as follows: Does the prospective member:

(a) have a significant operating base in the Whakatipu area;

(b) provide substantial local employment or local economic activity in the Whakatipu area for employees resident in the QLDC region;

(c) have individuals, principals, officers or partners resident and/or paying rates in the QLDC region;

(d) contribute to the wider tourism product or infrastructure of the Whakatipu area;

(e) have a substantial and consistent presence in the Whakatipu area.

9.3  The decision of DQ as to whether a prospective member satisfies sufficient of the criteria set out in clause 9.2 so as to merit membership shall be made by the Board of Directors by resolution, and should the prospective member disagree with such resolution, the prospective member shall have the right of appeal against such resolution as set out in clauses 9.7 and 9.8.

9.4  Any member may resign at any time by giving notice in writing to DQ.

9.5  If any member does not abide by the Rules of Destination Queenstown Incorporated, or shall not comply with any resolution, agreement or contract that may be passed, adopted or entered into by Destination Queenstown Incorporated, or in the opinion of the Board of Directors no longer satisfies sufficient of the criteria set out in clause 9.2 so as to merit membership, the Board of Directors may by resolution request in writing such member to resign.

9.6  In the event of such member refusing or neglecting to resign within ten (10) days of the delivery of such notice, such member may be expelled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

9.7  Such member (or prospective member refused membership pursuant to clause 9.3) shall have the right to appeal against such expulsion {or refusal of membership) to a meeting of the Strategic Review Board at one of that Board's scheduled annual meetings. A decision of a bare majority of the members then present and voting will be binding on such member (or prospective member) and on the Board of Directors.

9.8  The member (or prospective member) shall give notice of any appeal to the Strategic Review Board within fourteen (14) days from the date of posting a copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors to the address of the member (or prospective member) as held by Destination Queenstown Incorporated.

9.9  In the event that Clause 9.5 applies or a members’ subscription has been requested and which remains unpaid after the expiration of ninety (90) days from the date of the invoice shall cease to be a member and shall be struck off the membership register by the Board of Directors, providing that:

(a) in the absolute discretion of the Board of Directors, such member’s name may be restored to the register any time upon the payment of all arrears due at the date of striking off.

(b) all arrears due at the date of striking off shall be recoverable by DQ notwithstanding such a striking off.

9.10  If any invoice issued by DQ to a member remains unpaid at the expiry of 90 days from the date of the invoice, then the Board of Directors (at its entire discretion) may withhold, suspend or remove benefits that the member would otherwise receive, including (but not limited to) the following:

(a) website listing of the member;

(b) conference and incentive leads;

(c) email updates (Fortnightly Remarks, Trade Remarks, Press Releases);

(d) 90 day forward outlook;

(e) invitations to attend trade and consumer shows;

(f) the opportunity to host media and trade;

(g) other benefits which may arise from time to time.

9.11  The Board shall from time to time have the power to determine the appropriate membership fee to be paid by any entity joining the membership of DQ pursuant to clause 9.1 (b) herein.