Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Smoothnorth ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.

This policy complies with the Privacy Act 2020 of New Zealand and other applicable data protection regulations. By using our website, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Name and contact details (email address, phone number)
• Communication preferences
• Information you provide through forms and surveys
• Correspondence and feedback you send to us

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information:

• IP address and device information
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• Date and time of visits

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

• Responding to your inquiries and providing customer support
• Improving our website functionality and user experience
• Analyzing website usage patterns and trends
• Sending informational communications (with your consent)
• Complying with legal obligations
• Protecting against fraudulent or illegal activity
• Conducting research and analysis to improve our services

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. For detailed information about our cookie practices, please refer to our Cookie Policy.

You can control cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner and your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 Third-Party Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and conducting our business. These providers are contractually obligated to maintain confidentiality and use your information only for specified purposes.

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or in response to valid legal processes, including:

• Compliance with legal obligations
• Protection of our rights and property
• Prevention of fraud or illegal activities
• Response to government requests

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data transmission using SSL/TLS protocols
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Employee training on data protection practices
• Secure data storage and backup systems

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Under New Zealand privacy law, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Objection: Object to certain processing of your information
• Portability: Request transfer of your information to another service provider
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw previously given consent for data processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 11.

8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Retention periods vary depending on:

• The nature of the information collected
• Legal and regulatory requirements
• Legitimate business purposes
• Dispute resolution needs

When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than New Zealand. When we transfer information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our website after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

We will respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 30 days.

13. Complaints

If you believe we have breached your privacy rights, you may lodge a complaint with us using the contact information above. If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner in New Zealand.