Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Rate Wise ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mortgage rate comparison service. This policy complies with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number)
• Financial information (income, mortgage details, property value)
• Account credentials (username, encrypted password)
• Preference settings and notification preferences

Technical Information

We automatically collect certain technical information:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Usage data and interaction patterns
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and maintain our mortgage comparison service
• Process your account registration and manage your account
• Personalise your experience and provide tailored recommendations
• Send notifications about rate changes and service updates
• Improve our service and develop new features
• Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
• Comply with legal obligations and prevent fraudulent activity

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties except in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our service
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• Consent: When you have given explicit consent to the sharing

5. Data Security

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

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure server infrastructure and access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on data protection practices

6. Data Retention

We retain your 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. When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

7. Your Rights Under New Zealand Privacy Law

Under the Privacy Act 2020, you have the following rights:

• Access: Request access to your personal information we hold
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information in certain circumstances
• Portability: Request transfer of your information to another provider
• Object: Object to certain processing of your information
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for processing where consent is the legal basis

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our service.

9. Third-Party Links

Our service may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

11. International Data Transfers

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

12. Privacy Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights, or have concerns about how we handle your personal information, please contact us through the support section of our application.

If you are not satisfied with our response to your privacy concern, you may also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner at privacy.org.nz.