Privacy Policy

Southern Projects (referred to as "we", "us", or "our") is a Wellington-based marketing agency committed to protecting your privacy. This policy sets out how we collect, handle, store, and share your personal information in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 and the 13 Information Privacy Principles (IPPs).

By using our website, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this policy.

Date of Policy: November 6, 2025

1. Introduction & Scope

We only collect personal information that is necessary for a lawful purpose connected with our functions as a marketing agency (IPP 1).

2. Information We Collect

We collect and process the following categories of information:

Direct Contact Data (Personally Identifiable Information - PII)
Name, email address, phone number, and company name.

Source: Voluntarily provided by you via website forms (e.g., Contact Form, Free Audit Request).

Usage Data (Non-PII)
IP address, browser type, device information, pages viewed, time spent on site, and referring URL.

Source: Automatically collected via cookies, Google Analytics 4 (GA4), and Google Tag Manager (GTM).

Marketing Data
Your preferences for receiving marketing communications and newsletters.

Source: Voluntarily provided via subscription opt-ins.

3. Purpose of Collection (Why We Collect Data)

We collect and use your personal information for the following specific and legitimate purposes (IPP 1 and 10):

To Respond to Enquiries: To communicate with you and respond to your requests for information or services (e.g., a free audit or service quote).
To Provide Services: To deliver our agreed-upon marketing services to you or your business.
Website Improvement: To understand how visitors use our website and services, helping us improve user experience and troubleshoot technical issues (via GA4).
Marketing Communication: To send you promotional materials, newsletters, and updates, only where you have explicitly consented to receive them.
Legal Compliance: To comply with any applicable laws or regulatory obligations.

4. How We Collect Information (Manner and Notice)

We collect information directly from you unless otherwise specified (IPP 2).

Direct Collection: Information provided when you fill out forms, subscribe to our newsletter, or correspond with us via email or phone.
Automated Collection (Cookies & Tracking): We use cookies and similar tracking technologies managed by Google Tag Manager (GTM) to collect Usage Data. This data is processed by Google Analytics 4 (GA4).
- GA4: We use GA4 to analyse website traffic and user behaviour. GA4 collects data such as location (city, country), device information, and anonymous identifiers. While GA4 anonymizes IP addresses by default, this data is processed by Google on servers located outside of New Zealand.

5. Storage and Security (IPP 5)

We take reasonable steps to protect the personal information we hold from loss, misuse, and unauthorized access, disclosure, or modification. Personal information is stored electronically on secure servers provided by our hosting company (Wix) and third-party tools (like Google Analytics, email platform) which have their own security measures in place.

6. Sharing and Disclosure (IPP 11 & 12)

We will not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. We will only share your information in the following limited circumstances:

With Service Providers: We use third-party tools (e.g., Google Analytics, CRM software) to help us run our business. These providers are restricted from using your personal information for any purpose other than providing services to us.
Overseas Disclosure (IPP 12): Our use of Google Analytics 4 means that data is transferred to and processed by Google on servers outside of New Zealand (primarily the USA). We take reasonable steps to ensure that Google and any other overseas recipients are subject to similar safeguards to the NZ Privacy Act 2020.
Legal Obligation: If required to do so by law or court order.

7. Your Rights (Access and Correction) (IPP 6 & 7)

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

Access: Request confirmation of whether we hold personal information about you and request a copy of that information.
Correction: Request that we correct any personal information we hold about you that you believe is inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading.

To make a request, please contact us using the details in Section 9. We will respond to your request within 20 working days.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies for functionality, performance, and marketing. You have the right to accept or decline cookies. Our website uses a Cookie Consent Banner to allow you to manage your preferences regarding non-essential tracking cookies.

9. How to Contact Us and Make a Complaint

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or our handling of your personal information, please contact us first.

Privacy Officer: Lockie Dalton Email: lockie@southernprojects.agency Phone: 027 586 3000

If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to make a complaint to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) in New Zealand:

Office of the Privacy Commissioner Website: https://www.privacy.org.nz/

To Lodge a Complaint: You can use their online assessment tool to lodge a complaint directly on their website.