Effective Date: 1-January-2025
NZDating takes your privacy seriously. We have created this Privacy Statement to demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding our members’ personal information. This policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect the information you provide when you use NZDating’s websites, apps, and other services ("services").

Some services may require their own unique privacy policy. If a particular service has its own privacy policy, that policy applies and overrides anything in this policy.

1. Compliance With New Zealand Privacy Act 2020

NZDating complies with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 (the "Act"), including the Information Privacy Principles ("IPPs") and any additional obligations introduced under this Act, such as mandatory privacy breach notification and obligations relating to cross-border data transfers.

We continually review this Privacy Statement to ensure it remains up to date with evolving laws and regulations.

2. Collection of Personal Information

2.1 Data We Collect

• IP Address: We use your IP address to help diagnose server issues, administer our website, and gather broad demographic information. This information is not tied back to you personally.
• Cookies: Our site uses cookies for login functionality, storing user preferences, and facilitating a personalized experience.
• Personal Details: As a dating and friendship website, we collect various personal details to maintain your account and, where applicable, to display to other members. We strive to clarify which details are for system use and which details may appear in your public profile.
• Potentially Sensitive Personal Details: You may choose to provide information about your personality, lifestyle, interests, racial or ethnic origins, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs. By providing such information, you consent to our processing of it for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Statement.
• Photos / Videos: You may grant us access to your camera or photo album when uploading images or videos to your NZDating account. We only use this access for that specific purpose.
• Email Address: We use your email address to send you account-related notifications (e.g., messages, updates), newsletters, and to contact you directly regarding your account. We do not sell your email address to third parties.
• Demographic Data: We collect demographic and profile data to personalize your experience and display content based on your preferences. We may use services like Google Analytics for visitor statistics and demographic verification.
• Advertisers: We may provide aggregate demographic information (e.g., number of members under 30) to advertisers. This does not identify individuals.
• Third-Party Logins: You may log into our services via third-party accounts (e.g., Facebook). This can streamline account creation and share limited information from your social media profile with us.
• Phone Number Collection: We may request your phone number to verify your identity, recover your account, or satisfy legal obligations. Verification codes may be sent to confirm you have access to the phone number. We may retain this data to fulfill verification and legal requirements.

2.2 How We Use Your Information

• Providing Services: We use your information to maintain your account, publish your profile to other members, and help you interact with potential matches.
• Legitimate Interests: We may process your data to detect fraud, enhance security, or improve our services.
• Consent: Where required, we seek your consent before collecting or processing certain types of information (e.g., sensitive personal data). You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.

2.3 Mandatory Breach Notification

Under the Act, if a privacy breach occurs that has caused or is likely to cause serious harm, we will:

• Notify the Privacy Commissioner as soon as practicable.
• Notify affected individuals unless an exception applies.

We maintain procedures to identify, assess, and manage data breaches to ensure a prompt and appropriate response.

3. Disclosure of Personal Information

3.1 In Cases of Abuse or Legal Obligations

If we suspect abuse (e.g., harassment, illegal activity), we reserve the right to review and share relevant information with appropriate parties such as ISPs or law enforcement. We may also disclose necessary details if we believe a member’s legal proceedings are legitimate and require such disclosure.

3.2 Cross-Border Data Transfers

NZDating may store or process personal data outside of New Zealand. When transferring personal data overseas, we comply with Information Privacy Principle 12 of the Act, ensuring the recipient offers comparable privacy safeguards or is bound by agreements that uphold New Zealand’s privacy standards.

3.3 Advertisers and Partners

External ad networks may use cookies or similar technologies to collect data about your browsing. We only share coded or aggregated data with advertisers unless otherwise agreed with you.

Exponential Interactive, Inc: As our partner, they collect IP addresses and cookie IDs to provide targeted advertising. Please refer to their privacy policy or contact privacy@exponential.com for data requests or complaints.

3.4 Public Forums

Our chat rooms, forums, and message boards are public. Information disclosed in these areas becomes public, so exercise caution. These forums may be logged or archived for moderation and historical purposes.

3.5 Internal Email System

Messages you send via NZDating’s internal email system are private between sender and recipient. NZDating staff may review messages only for purposes of abuse prevention (spam, illegal activity). Messages remain confidential and are disclosed externally only if legally required or deemed necessary under legitimate legal proceedings.

3.6 Member Profiles, Adverts, and Photos

We employ filters to prevent unauthorized commercial use, spam, or other misconduct. Authorized staff may review content as needed. Other members may see aspects of your profile (e.g., when you were last active, reply rates) in keeping with the site’s core functionality.

3.7 Location

If you give permission, we may collect your location to provide localized services. You may withdraw permission by adjusting your device’s settings.

4. Data Retention and Security

• Retention: We retain personal data for as long as needed for legitimate business or legal purposes. Even after account closure, certain information may remain in backups or archives for a specific period.
• Security Measures: We use industry-standard protocols to protect personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. In the event of a security breach, we will promptly address it and follow mandatory notification requirements under the Act.

5. User Rights

5.1 Access and Correction

Under the Privacy Act 2020, you can request to access or correct the personal information we hold about you. Please visit https://www.nzdating.com/personalise/ or use our contact form to submit a request.

5.2 Deletion and Objection

If you wish to delete your account or object to certain processing activities, you may do so through your account settings or by contacting us. We will inform you if any legal requirements or legitimate interests prevent us from fully accommodating your request.

5.3 Choice/Opt-Out

You may opt out of certain communications from NZDating. However, some communications (e.g., critical account notices) are mandatory. If you prefer not to receive any communications, you may need to remove your membership.

5.4 Children’s Privacy

Our services are strictly for adults aged 18 or older. We remove any accounts we discover belong to individuals under 18 and may notify their ISP.

6. Additional Features

6.1 Optional Surveys and Promotions

From time to time, we may run surveys or promotions. Participation is voluntary. We use contact data collected during these events to communicate with participants about NZDating or partner promotions, and you can opt out at any time.

6.2 Banner Advertising

We may use external ad providers that display banner ads. These ads may use cookies to track performance and relevance. We may also pass coded, non-personal data to target ads effectively.

6.3 Orders and Membership Sign-Up

When you sign up or make a purchase, we may collect contact and financial information (e.g., credit card details) for billing and order fulfillment. This information is used solely for transaction processing and necessary communications related to your account or order.

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Statement or NZDating’s data practices, please contact us:

Or use our contact form: https://www.nzdating.com/contact/

You may also visit the Privacy Commissioner’s website at https://www.privacy.org.nz/ for more information about your rights or to lodge a complaint if you have concerns about how we handle your personal information.

Thank you for using NZDating. We value your trust and are committed to safeguarding your privacy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically for any updates.