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Mensa New Zealand

For many Mensans the main enjoyment of their membership is in meeting others of a similar mind, the stimulation of each other's company and participating in a wide range of social and cultural activities. If you do join Mensa, we would encourage you to overcome any initial shyness you may have and to attend a few local gatherings. 

Although Mensa takes no stand on political, religious, or social issues, individual Mensa members often have widely-varying, firm opinions.

It is said that in a room with 12 Mensans you will find at least 13 differing opinions on any given subject!

There is simply no one prevailing characteristic of Mensa members other than high IQ. 

Here in New Zealand our national publication is called Menzed. It consists of contributions from Mensans in the form of letters and articles on a wide range of subjects, plus brain twisters, crosswords, cryptograms and poetry. It also informs members of upcoming events. All members receive this monthly publication and are encouraged to submit letters or other material. Included in Menzed is a selection of articles from the Mensa World Journal which is circulated to more than 100,000 Mensans around the world. 

Area Coordinators arrange regular meetups across the country for their local member communities, such as park/beach/wetland walks, brunch, lunches, dinners, deep conversation groups, and pub quiz nights. National gatherings are held 2-3 times a year in addition to the September AGM, which enable members from all over New Zealand to come together and enjoy various activities. Gatherings will usually feature guest speakers, trips to local attractions, quizzes, games, good food and good company -a chance to meet more than the local membership. 

Also as a Mensa member, you are entitled to attend Mensa meetings anywhere in the world. Large national and regional gatherings are held frequently in Europe and in the USA. Travelling Mensans enjoy attending them and host Mensans look forward to meeting visiting Mensans. Should you decide to live in another country you may apply to have your membership transferred. All national Mensa organisations throughout the world have an agreement to accept the transfer of membership with no additional subscription fee for that financial year. 

Thousands of Mensans throughout the world are registered with their local SIGHT (Service for International Guidance and Hospitality for Travellers) co-ordinator. Any Mensan can register themselves as a SIGHT host, offering accommodation or general hospitality to visiting Mensans. As a Mensan you can also expect similar hospitality when you travel. 

SIGs (Special Interest Groups) exist internationally to cater for hundreds of hobbies and interests. A list of SIGs is published periodically in Menzed. 

Mensa encourages you to use, exercise and expand your intellect. Accept the challenge, discover for yourself how stimulating the company of a group of high IQ individuals can be. It may surprise you. 

Mensa New Zealand is pleased to offer a scholarship for current members of Mensa New Zealand (and their children) who are undertaking their first year of tertiary study. One or two scholarships of $500 each are awarded at the discretion of the Board of Mensa New Zealand - Mensa New Zealand Scholarship Program.

Should you join, we're sure you will find that Mensa is more than a test passed with flying colours, but an opportunity to meet interesting and varied people, and an ongoing pleasure.

 

In addition to community and friendship we offer a range of benefits to our members

  • Local, national and international gatherings and online events
  • Monthly online seminars with an array of interesting guest speakers
  • Concurrent registration with Mensa International - mensa.org 
  • Monthly digital editions of Menzed, Mensa New Zealand's magazine for members
  • Exclusive Mensa New Zealand merchandise
  • Annual scholarship opportunities for tertiary study
  • Access to the Members Only area of the Mensa New Zealand website
  • Private Members Only Facebook Groups for discussion, debate and connection with fellow Mensans

 

When registered with Mensa International, a vast array of opportunities become available 

  • virtual International Special-Interest-Groups (I-SIGs) 
  • SIGHT Travel (Service for Information, Guidance and Hospitality to Travellers), where travelling Mensans can meet up with local Mensans abroad or stay in the homes of registered Mensan hosts
  • monthly digital editions of the Mensa World Journal
  • exclusive members only merchandise 
  • social media 
  • volunteering opportunities
  • a Mensa International member profile page and personalised Mensa International vanity email address