Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how Smoothnorth uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. By using our website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy.

We are committed to transparency about our cookie practices and providing you with control over your cookie preferences. This policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners.

Cookies can be "persistent" or "session" cookies:

• Session Cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
• Persistent Cookies: Remain on your device for a set period or until manually deleted

3. Types of Cookies We Use

3.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You cannot opt out of these cookies as the website cannot function properly without them.

3.2 Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve website functionality and user experience.

3.3 Marketing Cookies

These cookies track your online activity to help provide more relevant content and advertising. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we use on our website.

3.4 Functionality Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences and settings. They may be set by us or by third-party providers.

4. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our website are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages. We do not control these third-party cookies and recommend reviewing the privacy policies of these third parties for information about their cookie practices.

Third-party services we may use include:

• Analytics providers
• Content delivery networks
• Social media platforms
• Advertising networks

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

5.1 Cookie Consent Banner

When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie consent banner allowing you to:

• Accept all cookies
• Reject non-essential cookies
• Customize your cookie preferences

5.2 Cookie Settings

You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" button in the footer of our website. This will reopen the cookie consent interface where you can modify your preferences.

5.3 Browser Settings

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically:

• View what cookies are stored and delete them individually
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies from specific websites
• Block all cookies from being set
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser

Please note that blocking or deleting cookies may impact your experience on our website and limit functionality.

5.4 Browser-Specific Instructions

For detailed information about managing cookies in your specific browser, please consult your browser's help documentation:

• Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies
• Mozilla Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies
• Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies
• Microsoft Edge: Settings > Privacy > Cookies

6. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want your online activities tracked. Currently, there is no industry standard for how websites should respond to DNT signals.

We respect your privacy choices. If you have enabled DNT in your browser, we will honor that preference to the extent technically feasible.

7. Mobile Device Identifiers

When you access our website through a mobile device, we may collect unique device identifiers and mobile network information. You can manage these identifiers through your device settings:

• iOS: Settings > Privacy > Advertising > Limit Ad Tracking
• Android: Settings > Google > Ads > Opt out of Ads Personalization

8. Cookie Retention Periods

Different cookies have different retention periods:

• Session Cookies: Deleted when you close your browser
• Analytics Cookies: Typically 1-2 years
• Marketing Cookies: Typically 30 days to 2 years
• Preference Cookies: Typically 1 year

You can delete cookies at any time through your browser settings or our cookie management interface.

9. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about our cookie practices.

10. Your Rights

Under applicable privacy laws, including New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020, you have rights regarding your personal information collected through cookies:

• Right to access information about cookies used
• Right to withdraw consent for non-essential cookies
• Right to request deletion of cookie data
• Right to object to certain types of cookies

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below or adjust your cookie preferences through our cookie management interface.

11. Impact of Disabling Cookies

While you can browse most of our website without cookies, disabling certain cookies may affect your experience:

• Some features may not function properly
• Preferences may not be saved
• You may see less relevant content
• Forms may not work correctly
• Security features may be compromised

Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are necessary for the website to function.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:

13. Additional Resources

For more information about cookies and online privacy, you may find these resources helpful:

• New Zealand Privacy Commissioner: www.privacy.org.nz
• About Cookies: www.aboutcookies.org
• All About Cookies: www.allaboutcookies.org