Code of Conduct

Our commitment

The Factory NZ is committed to creating safe, inclusive, respectful and supportive environments for founders, startups, investors, partners, mentors, staff and the wider startup ecosystem.

We exist to champion ambitious founders and support growing startups. That work only succeeds when people feel safe to show up as themselves, share ideas, ask questions, challenge assumptions, and take risks without fear of discrimination, harassment or harm.

This Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected within the The Factory NZ ecosystem. It applies to everyone who engages with The Factory NZ, including staff, contractors, programme participants, mentors, advisors, investors, partners, event attendees and visitors.

It governs how people behave towards one another, with particular responsibility placed on those in positions of influence, including staff, contractors, mentors, advisors, investors and partners, when working with founders and startups.

Our values in action

Everyone’s wellbeing comes first.
We treat people with dignity, respect and care, regardless of background, identity or experience.

We act professionally at all times.
Power imbalances exist in startup ecosystems. We are mindful of them and never misuse positions of influence, authority or access.

We support founders, not judge them.
Startups are hard. Failure, pivots and uncertainty are part of the journey. We create space for honesty, learning and growth.

We operate with integrity and transparency.
There are no hidden agendas. Expectations, decisions and processes are communicated clearly.

What good behaviour looks like

All interactions within The Factory NZ ecosystem should be:

Respectful

  • Treat everyone with courtesy, professionalism and empathy

  • Value different viewpoints, experiences and ways of working

  • Give feedback constructively and with positive intent

Inclusive

  • Use welcoming, inclusive language

  • Respect cultural identities, lived experience and personal boundaries

  • Ensure people do not feel excluded, diminished or unsafe

Supportive

  • Actively look for potential in founders and their ideas

  • Encourage learning, experimentation and reflection

  • Be generous with knowledge, networks and support

Ethical

  • Avoid conflicts of interest or declare them early

  • Respect confidentiality and sensitive information

  • Do not seek personal gain at the expense of founders or the ecosystem

Tikanga Māori

The Factory NZ recognises Māori as tangata whenua and acknowledges tikanga Māori as a guiding framework for respectful relationships and conduct.

  • Where programmes engage with mātauranga Māori, tikanga Māori approaches are prioritised

  • Māori founders should never feel pressured to compromise tikanga or cultural integrity

  • Māori participants are not expected to educate others or carry cultural responsibility for the ecosystem

We respect the role of kaitiakitanga and whakapapa in protecting Māori knowledge, values and relationships.

Diversity and equity

We actively support a startup ecosystem that reflects the full diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand.

  • Everyone’s background, identity and perspective is acknowledged and respected

  • Engagement processes should be fair, accessible and considerate of different needs

  • Discrimination on any grounds will not be tolerated

This includes, but is not limited to, discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, family status or worldview.

Transparency and accountability

  • Startup language, processes and expectations should be explained clearly

  • Founders are encouraged to ask questions and seek clarity at any time

  • Feedback is welcomed and can be provided safely, including anonymously where appropriate

  • Founders retain autonomy over their decisions, including whether to raise capital, pivot or exit

All parties are responsible for their own due diligence, including founders, investors and partners.

Unacceptable behaviour

Unacceptable behaviour includes any action that causes harm, fear, exclusion or distress to others.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Bullying

  • Repeated or unreasonable behaviour that is intimidating, humiliating or threatening

  • Belittling comments, unjustified criticism, exclusion or spreading misinformation

Harassment

  • Sexual, racial or discriminatory harassment of any kind

  • Unwelcome comments, jokes, gestures or advances

  • Unwanted physical contact or intrusive personal questions

  • Harassment in person or online, including messages, images or content

Violence or aggression

  • Threats, intimidation or physical harm

  • Abusive or aggressive behaviour, verbal or physical

Discrimination

  • Treating someone unfairly or less favourably because of a personal characteristic

Any suspected criminal behaviour should be reported to the appropriate authorities.

Raising concerns

If you experience or witness behaviour that breaches this Code of Conduct, we encourage you to raise it as early as possible.

  • Concerns can be raised with The Factory NZ team, info@thefactorynz.co.nz

  • Reports will be handled sensitively and confidentially

  • We will support those affected and take appropriate action

Your safety and wellbeing are our priority.

Support services funded through Callaghan Innovation, including founder counselling and wellbeing support, are available if needed.

Upholding this Code

The Factory NZ is responsible for setting, maintaining and enforcing this Code of Conduct.

By engaging with The Factory NZ, all participants agree to uphold these standards of behaviour and to contribute to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.

Breaches of this Code may result in actions including warnings, removal from programmes or events, termination of engagement, or further escalation where required.

This Code of Conduct is based on Callaghan Innovation’s best practice guidance for startup ecosystem service providers and reflects how The Factory NZ works every day.