Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 16/07/2024

At Guarded.co.nz, your privacy is of utmost importance to us. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information when you interact with our website and services. We operate in compliance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 and any other applicable laws.  This policy does not limit or exclude any of your rights under the Act. If you wish to seek further information on the Act, see www.privacy.org.nz.

1. Information We Collect

When you submit an enquiry or form through Guarded.co.nz, we may collect your personal details such as your name, email address, phone number, location, and any relevant information regarding your financial needs. This data enables us to connect you with appropriate financial advisers who can provide the services you’re seeking.

In addition, we automatically gather certain information about your device and browsing behaviour, such as your IP address, browser type, and the pages you visit on our website. This information helps us optimise your experience and improve our services.

We also use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience and analyse site performance. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser, though some features of our site may be affected if cookies are disabled.

2. How We Use Your Information

The personal information you provide allows us to facilitate your connection with licensed financial advisers or service providers. We also use this data to communicate with you regarding your enquiry, answer any follow-up questions, and ensure that the services we offer are meeting your needs.

Automatically collected information helps us improve the usability and effectiveness of our website, as well as analyse trends and user behaviours to enhance the overall experience.

Additionally, we may use your data to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

3. Sharing Your Information

Your personal information is shared with financial advisers and service providers who may contact you directly regarding your enquiry. All advisers we work with are registered on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) and operate under New Zealand’s regulatory framework.

We also work with third-party service providers who assist in the operation of our website, data processing, and customer service. These providers are required to safeguard your data and only use it according to our instructions.

In some cases, we may be required by law to disclose your personal information to government authorities or in response to legal processes. Should there be any business transfers, such as mergers or acquisitions, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction, and we will notify you accordingly.

4. Data Security and Retention

We take the security of your data seriously and implement reasonable measures to protect it from unauthorised access or misuse. These include encryption technologies and secure storage practices. However, please note that no online data transmission or storage method is 100% secure.

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. Once it is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymise the data.

5. Your Rights

You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you and request corrections if the information is inaccurate or incomplete. If you have given consent for the use of your personal information, you can withdraw it at any time, though this may affect our ability to provide certain services to you.

If you believe your privacy rights have been breached, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the New Zealand Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

6. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations. Any updates will be posted on this page. We encourage you to review this policy regularly. Continued use of our services following any updates constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.