Privacy Policy

1. Our Commitment to Privacy

We recognise that trust is the foundation of our relationship with users. Protecting your personal information is central to this trust. Owlery.nz adheres to the principles of openness, fairness, and accountability when handling personal data. We collect only what is reasonably necessary to provide our services, and we ensure that your data is managed responsibly and securely.

2. What Personal Information We Collect

When you interact with Owlery.nz, the type of information we collect depends on how you use our services. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Identity information: name, date of birth, and contact details.
• Business information: company name, business registration numbers, and associated records.
• Contact information: postal address, business address, email address, and phone numbers.
• Financial information: bank account details and payment records where necessary for transactions.
• Account information: login credentials, profile information, and user preferences.
• Transaction history: details of jobs (Hoots) posted or completed, communications, and payment activity.

While you are not legally required to provide personal information, choosing not to share certain details may limit our ability to deliver services to you.

3. How We Collect Information

We may collect personal information in the following ways:

• Directly from you when you register, post a task, apply for a task, or communicate with us.
• Automatically through your use of our website, such as IP address, browser type, and usage patterns.
• From third parties that you authorise to share information with us (e.g., payment processors).
• Through records required for compliance with legal or regulatory obligations.

4. How We Use Your Information

The information we collect is used for purposes including:

• Creating and managing your Owlery.nz account.
• Connecting job posters (Hoots) with freelancers (Owls).
• Processing payments and maintaining accurate financial records.
• Providing customer support and responding to enquiries.
• Improving the functionality and security of our platform.
• Complying with legal, tax, or regulatory requirements.
• Communicating with you about updates, new features, or policy changes.

We will not use your information for unrelated purposes without your consent.

5. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

Owlery.nz does not sell or rent your personal information. However, we may disclose information in limited situations:

• To service providers and contractors engaged to support our operations (such as payment processors, IT providers, and customer support services).
• Where required or permitted by law, including in response to legal processes or regulatory obligations.
• Where necessary to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users and the public.
• With your explicit consent, for purposes you authorise.

All third parties who handle personal data on our behalf are required to maintain confidentiality and use the information only for agreed purposes.

6. Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. While we strive to maintain secure systems, no online platform can guarantee absolute protection. We encourage you to take steps such as keeping login details secure and notifying us immediately if you suspect misuse of your account.

7. International Transfers

Our services may involve hosting or processing data outside of New Zealand. Where this occurs, we ensure that adequate safeguards are in place so that your personal information is protected to standards consistent with New Zealand law.

8. Access and Correction

You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you, subject to lawful exceptions. If any details are inaccurate or incomplete, you may request corrections. Requests for access or correction should be made in writing to the contact details below. For security reasons, we may require you to verify your identity. Owlery.nz reserves the right to charge a reasonable fee for providing copies of information.

9. Retention of Information

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law. When information is no longer needed, we will take reasonable steps to securely destroy or de-identify it.

10. Cookies and Online Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience, analyse usage, and deliver personalised content. You can choose to disable cookies in your browser, but some features of our site may not function properly as a result.

11. Third-Party Links

Owlery.nz may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites, and we encourage you to review their policies before sharing any personal information.

12. Updates to This Policy

Owlery.nz may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, legal requirements, or our business operations. Any updates will be posted on our website, and your continued use of our services after changes are published indicates acceptance of the revised policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, please contact us:

Email: owlerynz@gmail.com