Membership

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP OF THE NZIFST

Our members are:

Informed
Members receive 6 digital issues per year of the Institute's official journal, Food New Zealand, as well as a fortnightly e-zine, NIBBLES. They have access to the member-only section of this website where they can maintain their own contact records or search for another member. 

Networked
Most branches organise monthly meetings. Members receive significant discounts at NZIFST organised events including the annual conference, professional development courses and branch activities. 

Recognised
Professional Members are eligible to use the post-nominal MNZIFST after their name - giving them instant recognition that they meet professional leadership and competence criteria. Professional Members may be nominated for promotion to Fellowship (FNZIFST) to further recognise their substantial contribution or outstanding service to the profession of food science and technology. 
The Institute also has a portfolio of awards and scholarships for which members can apply or be nominated.

Professional
NZIFST offers professional development through its annual conference. Sponsorships for registration and travel are available. 
Each year the NZIFST nominates and funds a potential industry leader to attend the IFT Emerging Leaders Network in the USA.

NZIFST is governed by our Constitution and all members must adhere to our Code of Ethics.
Please  CLICK HERE  to see copies of these.

Do you need to convince your manager to support your NZIFST membership - here are some points to start the conversation. 

Why Employers Should Support NZIFST Membership for Their Employees 2024.pdf

CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP

STUDENT Member

Any person is entitled to "Student" Membership who is a full time student at a New Zealand tertiary institution as approved by the Board, with privileges and subscription rates as the Board may decide. Membership is on a calendar-year basis. The membership subscription must be paid at time of application and Student members must re-apply for membership each year.
EXCEPTION: Any Under/Post-graduate student undertaking their study as part of an employment contract or industry graduate programme is not eligible for this membership and should apply for “Standard” membership. However, if this student was a previous Student member then they may be eligible for Graduate membership so please enquire.

Student Members have no voting rights.

    ONLINE APPLICATION FORM here: NZIFST Student Membership Application

GRADUATE Member 

Student members who have completed their studies are entitled to TWO years Standard membership at reduced GRADUATE subscription rates. (Graduate members should use the Standard Member application form below)

STANDARD Member

A Standard Member is any person who is:

    Active in any aspect of food science, food technology, food engineering or in any related discipline,
    Managing operations where food science, food technology or food engineering is conducted,
    Disseminating knowledge of food science, food technology or food engineering as it is applied to his / her products, processes or equipment, OR IS
    Scientifically trained and working in food science, food technology, food engineering or any related discipline.

Standard Members have restricted voting rights, but may be office bearers of the Institute. They are not permitted to use the Institute letters as a post-nominal after their name.

    ONLINE APPLICATION FORM here: NZIFST Standard Membership

PROFESSIONAL Member

Professional Member status may be awarded to members who are recognised as competent in their profession through a combination of academic study, continuing professional development and work experience in the food industry. 
A Professional Member is any person who:

EITHER: Holds a tertiary level certificate or degree in food science, food technology, or a related discipline from a recognised tertiary institute and has professional food industry experience - With the total of this education and experience being at least 7 years.

OR: Has acquired knowledge and developed competencies in food science and technology to the level expected of a Professional Member and a minimum of 10 years professional food industry experience.

IN ADDITION: The applicant must provide evidence of continuing professional development and any contributions to the Institute or relevant organisations and the business of the organisation.
Referee reports from current NZIFST Fellow or Professional members are required.

    ONLINE APPLICATION here: NZIFST Professional Membership


MEMBERSHIP FEES

The NZIFST membership subscription is now renewed on the anniversary of your joining.