Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Backyard Buddies Ltd ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand) and the thirteen Information Privacy Principles (IPPs). This policy explains what personal information we collect, why we collect it, how we use it and your rights.

2. Privacy Officer

Our Privacy Officer can be contacted at:

• Email: wastesolutions@backyardbuddies.co.nz
• Post: Privacy Officer, Backyard Buddies Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand

3. What Information We Collect

We collect the following personal information:

Information you provide directly

• Full name and contact details (email, phone number)
• Residential address and property access instructions (gate codes, key locations, entry notes)
• Payment and billing information (processed by Stripe — we do not store full card numbers)
• Dog details (names, breeds, ages, temperament/behaviour notes)
• Service preferences and scheduling information
• Communications with us (emails, contact form submissions, feedback)
• Referral information (if you refer someone or are referred)
• SuperGold Card status (if you claim the discount)

Information collected automatically

• Device and browser information (type, operating system, screen size)
• IP address and approximate location
• Pages visited, time spent and interaction data
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see section 10)

4. Why We Collect Your Information

We collect personal information for the following lawful purposes connected to our business (IPP 1):

• To provide and manage our dog waste removal service
• To process payments and manage your subscription
• To communicate with you about scheduling, service updates and account matters
• To ensure the safety of our workers when accessing your property
• To administer our referral programme and promotions
• To comply with legal obligations (tax, health and safety, consumer law)
• To improve our service and website experience
• To send marketing communications (only with your consent, and you can opt out at any time)

5. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information directly from you (IPP 2) when you:

• Complete our online quote form or sign up for a subscription
• Create an account on our website
• Contact us via email, phone or our contact form
• Use our website (automatic data collection via cookies)

At the time of collection, we will tell you what information we are collecting, why and who may receive it (IPP 3).

6. Third-Party Service Providers

We share personal information with the following third-party providers who help us deliver our service (IPP 11). Each provider has their own privacy policy:

We do not sell your personal information to any third party.

7. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Some of our third-party providers process data on servers located outside New Zealand, primarily in the United States (IPP 13). We only use providers who maintain privacy and security standards comparable to New Zealand requirements. By using our service, you consent to the transfer of your personal information to these overseas providers for the purposes described in this policy.

8. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from loss, unauthorised access, use, modification or disclosure (IPP 5), including:

• Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest
• Secure authentication via Clerk with multi-factor authentication support
• PCI-compliant payment processing via Stripe
• Role-based access controls for our team
• Regular review of security practices

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected (IPP 9):

• Active customers: For the duration of your subscription and for 24 months after cancellation (to facilitate re-activation and resolve any outstanding matters).
• Payment records: For 7 years as required by New Zealand tax law (Tax Administration Act 1994).
• Quote sessions: Automatically deleted after 24 hours if not converted to a subscription.
• Marketing contacts: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion.

You may request earlier deletion of your data (see section 11).

10. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies for:

• Essential cookies: Required for authentication, security and core site functionality. These cannot be disabled.
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site so we can improve it. These are anonymised where possible.

You can manage cookie preferences in your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may prevent some features from working correctly.

11. Your Rights

Under the Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information held by us (IPP 6). We will respond to access requests within 20 working days.
• Correct any inaccurate, incomplete or misleading personal information (IPP 7).
• Request deletion of your personal information where it is no longer needed for the purpose it was collected (subject to our legal retention obligations).
• Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email or contacting us.

To exercise any of these rights, contact our Privacy Officer at wastesolutions@backyardbuddies.co.nz.

12. Privacy Breaches

In the event of a privacy breach that is likely to cause serious harm, we will:

• Notify the Office of the Privacy Commissioner as soon as practicable.
• Notify affected individuals as soon as practicable.
• Take immediate steps to contain the breach and reduce any harm.

13. Complaints

If you have a concern about how we handle your personal information, please contact our Privacy Officer first. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner at www.privacy.org.nz.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via email. The "Last updated" date at the top reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of our service after changes constitutes acceptance.