Privacy Policy
The Waikato River Authority (“we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect information when you visit our website.
Information we collect
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including when you:
- Contact us using our online forms
- Subscribe to our newsletter
- Apply for funding or access funding information
- Register for events or consultations
- Communicate with us by email or telephone
Depending on the service, this information may include:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Organisation
- Postal address
- Any other information you choose to provide
Information collected automatically
When you visit our website, certain information may be collected automatically, including:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device type
- Operating system
- Pages visited
- Time and date of your visit
- Referring website
- General website usage information
This information helps us understand how visitors use our website and improve its performance.
Cookies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience.
Cookies may be used to:
- Remember your preferences
- Improve website functionality
- Analyse website traffic
- Measure website performance
Most web browsers allow you to manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that some website features may not function correctly if cookies are disabled.
Analytics
We may use website analytics services, including Google Analytics or similar tools, to collect anonymous information about website usage.
These services help us understand:
- Which pages are most popular
- How visitors navigate our website
- How we can improve our website and online services
Analytics providers may process information in accordance with their own privacy policies.
Email newsletters
If you subscribe to our newsletter, we will collect your name and email address for the purpose of sending updates about the Waikato River Authority, funding opportunities, projects and news.
We use Campaign Monitor to manage and deliver our email newsletters.
Campaign Monitor may record information such as:
- Email opens
- Link clicks
- Delivery status
- Unsubscribe requests
This information helps us improve our communications and is processed in accordance with Campaign Monitor’s Privacy Policy. Campaign Monitor may store or process information outside New Zealand.
You can unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time using the unsubscribe link included in every email.
Funding applications
Funding applications are managed through SmartyGrants, an online grants management platform.
If you apply for funding, your information will be collected and managed in accordance with both this Privacy Policy and SmartyGrants’ privacy practices.
Social media
Our website includes links to and embedded content from third-party social media platforms such as:
- YouTube
When interacting with these services, your information is governed by the privacy policies of the relevant platform.
Embedded content
Some pages may include embedded videos, maps or social media content provided by third-party websites.
These providers may collect information about your interaction with the embedded content, including through cookies or similar technologies.
How we use your information
We use personal information to:
- Respond to enquiries
- Provide information you have requested
- Manage funding enquiries and applications
- Send newsletters where you have subscribed
- Improve our website and services
- Meet our legal and statutory obligations
We will only use your personal information for the purposes for which it was collected unless otherwise permitted by law.
Sharing your information
We do not sell your personal information.
We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our website or delivering our services, including:
- Website hosting providers
- Website developers
- Campaign Monitor
- SmartyGrants
- Analytics providers
These providers are required to handle your information securely.
We may also disclose information where required or authorised by New Zealand law.
Data security
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from:
- Unauthorised access
- Loss
- Misuse
- Disclosure
- Alteration
- Destruction
While we implement appropriate security measures, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure.
Third-Party websites
Our website contains links to external websites.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those websites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing personal information.
Accessing and correcting your information
You may request access to, or correction of, the personal information we hold about you in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand).
To make a request, please contact us using the details below.
Changes to this privacy policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
Any changes will be published on this page with an updated effective date.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we manage your personal information, please contact:
Waikato River Authority
Address:
PO Box 9338
Hamilton 3240
New Zealand
Phone: (07) 839 7966