Membership
What is the annual cost of NZSIA/SBINZ membership?
$75 annually due on first January each year and valid through to 31st December each year.
Why should I become a member and what do I get for paying my membership?
Becoming a member of the NZSIA/SBINZ means you can attend any of the courses or qualifications on offer. This is a mandatory fee, that will keep your qualification valid and entitles you to an array of member benefits.
What happens if I miss a year of membership fees?
You can be three years in arrears and still back-pay to retain membership. After three years of non-payment you may be required to apply in writing for reinstatement. The Divisional Committee will decide, based on you teaching experience, if reinstatement is permitted.
What is an associate member and what does it cost?
Associate membership is $75 and is for non-members who wish to attend NZSIA/SBINZ courses. Successful Level One candidates receive full membership.
Can I pay for my membership online?
Yes you can. Non-members must complete this registration form. Current members looking to renew their membership can do so here.
Is life membership available?
Life membership can be purchased at 20 times the annual membership – currently $1500. Members who have paid 20 years of subs may apply in writing to become Life Members.
Qualifications
Are NZSIA and SBINZ qualifications recognised internationally?
Yes, the NZSIA and SBINZ qualifications are well-recognised, particularly throughout the English-speaking world. Traditionally, the NZ Stage One, now called Level Two, is the lowest level of certification needed to work overseas.
What qualifications do I need to obtain my ISIA stamp?
To gain your ISIA stamp you must have obtained your Level Three in any discipline (previously Stage Two); a second discipline (typically the Cross-over Course); an approved First Aid Course; and an approved Avalanche Course. Once these are completed you may apply to NZSIA administration to receive the stamp – no extra fee is payable as NZSIA covers this for our ISIA members. ISIA membership must be re-validated each year by attending at least one day of instruction run by an ISIA recognised national organisation.
What is the minimum standard required to sit the Level One?
For Ski Level One you must be of class ability level five. For Snowboard you must be able to ride blue runs in control.
What are the SBINZ class levels?
| Class Levels | Snowboarding Description |
|---|---|
| Level One | Beginner – never snowboarded before. |
| Level Two | Beginner – able to turn and stop on green terrain. |
| Level Three | Intermediate – Linking basic skidded ‘S’ turns on green and easy blue terrain. |
| Level Four | Intermediate – Moving towards edged turns and basic freestyle. Comfortable on all blue terrain. |
| Level Five | Advanced – Dynamic turns on and off-trail. Comfortable on black terrain and gaining freestyle confidence. |
| Level Six | Advanced – Ability to ride the whole mountain in any snow condition. Strong freestyle riding including grabs, spins and rails. |
Can I sit Level One and Level Two in the same season?
Yes, this is certainly possible and very attainable for many people. Typically Level Ones are held mid-season and Level Twos are scheduled for late-season.
Can I sit the Level Three or Trainers Cert with a foreign pre-requisite qualification?
Yes, this is possible. Proof of certification must be provided. Please contact the administration for details on which international qualifications are valid.
Can NZQA units standards be awarded for any of the qualifications?
No. NZQA unit standards are not directly related to our qualifications. We are aligned to international standards.
What age do I have to be before sitting these qualifications?
You can sit the Level One at aged 16 and the Level Two aged 17.
Do I need a manual?
It is strongly recommended that you purchase the most recent Ski, Snowboard or Telemark Instructors Manual/Guide. These can be purchased here.
Can I get a student allowance for this course?
No, student loans are not available however if you register for a Polytechnic course which also includes our exams you will be able to apply for a student loan which will cover everything.
Bookings
How do I book for my first course as a current non-member?
You must first register as an Associate Member and pay the associate membership fee. Once this is paid you will be able to access the course booking page. Alternatively Associate Membership can be paid for when booking your first course via mail or fax.
I am a member/associate-member, how do I book for a course?
If you have already registered as a member, you must enter new membership number at the login page. If you do not know your new membership number please email admin@nzsia.net with your details and a membership number will be emailed to you.
I don’t have a member log in (or have forgotten it) but I’m a paid member, what do I do?
If you have previously entered a username and password follow the prompts on the user login page for forgotten password and these will be emailed to your email address (must be same address as that on record). If you have changed email addresses or if you have not entered a username or password previously, contact admin[at]nzsia[dot]net for a temporary login code.
Will I receive something that tells me if I am booked on a course?
Once registered to a new course, you will receive an email with your booking details sent to the email address listed on you membership record.
Can I reserve a place without paying?
No, we cannot reserve places without full payment.
What is included in the course fee?
Your course fees cover the administration and delivery of that course only. This does not include any transport to the resort, accommodation or food – this is your own responsibility. It also does not include the prices of lift passes however some candidates may be eligible for a discount. This varies between locations so contact the course manager a few days prior to the start of the course to see if this applies to you.
What is your refund policy?
If, on the first day of the course, the candidates skiing/riding ability is determined to be below the level required for participation, the candidate will be asked to leave the course and may be granted a partial refund. Candidates are strongly advised to seek confirmation of their ability at their local snowsports school by requesting a lesson with an NZSIA/SBINZ certified Instructor or Examiner.
Course numbers may be limited and registrations will only be accepted on receipt of completed registration form (or online registration) accompanied by full payment. Full refund (less 5% administration fee) will be given if notice of withdrawal is received in writing five days or more prior to start of a course. If you are sick or injured within five days of the start of the course you must contact admin@nzsia.net as soon as possible to be considered for a refund. A medical certificate will be required. All other refunds are at the discretion of the course manager.
Registrations must be received less than 10 days prior to course start date. NZSIA/SBINZ reserves the right to limit, cancel or postpone courses if circumstances warrant. Full refunds will be given in the event of a course cancellation.
