Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 14 November 2025

1. Introduction

EstatePlanning.co.nz ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our website and services.

Important Notice: EstatePlanning.co.nz operates as a lead generation and referral platform. We connect individuals seeking estate planning services with qualified professionals, law firms, and trust companies in New Zealand. We do not directly provide legal, estate planning, or financial advice. Your information will be shared with licensed professionals who can assist with your needs.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Full name (first and last name)
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Age range
  • Relationship status
  • Information about your children and dependents
  • Property ownership details
  • Asset value ranges
  • Business ownership information
  • Current estate planning arrangements

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device information
  • Pages visited and time spent on pages
  • Referring website
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Collect Information

We collect information through:

  • Consultation Forms: When you complete our consultation request form
  • Contact Forms: When you submit inquiries through our contact page
  • Website Analytics: Through Google Analytics and similar services
  • Cookies: When you browse our website
  • Email Communications: When you correspond with us via email

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

  • To provide estate planning consultation services
  • To respond to your inquiries and requests
  • To schedule and conduct consultations
  • To provide personalized advice and recommendations
  • To send you relevant information about our services
  • To improve our website and services
  • To analyze website usage and trends
  • To comply with legal obligations
  • To protect our rights and prevent fraud

5. Legal Basis for Processing (Privacy Act 2020)

Under the Privacy Act 2020, we process your personal information based on:

  • Consent: You have given explicit consent for processing your personal information
  • Contractual Necessity: Processing is necessary to provide services you have requested
  • Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate business interests while respecting your rights
  • Legal Obligations: Processing is required to comply with New Zealand laws and regulations

6. Information Sharing and Disclosure

6.1 Lead Generation Service

IMPORTANT: EstatePlanning.co.nz operates as a lead generation and referral service. We do not directly provide estate planning, legal, or financial services. When you submit a consultation request through our website, your personal information will be shared with qualified estate planning professionals, lawyers, and appropriate firms who can provide the services you require.

6.2 How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information with:

  • Estate Planning Professionals: Licensed lawyers, solicitors, and estate planning specialists who will contact you to provide consultation and services. By submitting your information, you consent to us sharing your details with these professionals.
  • Law Firms and Trust Companies: Reputable firms that specialize in family trusts, wills, estate planning, and related services in New Zealand.
  • Current Partners: We currently work with the following partners who may receive your information based on your service needs:
    • JNZ Trusts (JNZ Services Limited) - Family trust specialists based in Auckland. If you request family trust setup, administration, or review services, your information will be shared with JNZ Trusts. They specialize in trust services only and do not provide will or EPA services. (Website: www.jnztrusts.co.nz)
  • Financial Advisers: When relevant to your estate planning needs, we may share your information with licensed financial advisers who can provide complementary services.
  • Service Providers: Third-party services that help us operate our website (e.g., Netlify for hosting, Google Analytics for website analytics, email service providers).
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our legal rights.
  • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

For a complete list of our current partners, please visit our Partners page.

6.3 Professional Standards

All professionals and firms we work with are required to:

  • Be licensed and regulated in New Zealand
  • Comply with the Privacy Act 2020
  • Maintain professional indemnity insurance
  • Follow relevant professional codes of conduct
  • Maintain confidentiality of your information

6.4 Your Consent

By submitting a consultation request or providing your information through our website, you explicitly consent to:

  • Your information being shared with estate planning professionals for the purpose of providing you with requested services
  • Being contacted by these professionals via email, phone, or other means you have provided
  • Receiving information about estate planning services that may be relevant to your needs

6.5 Opting Out

If you no longer wish to be contacted by professionals we have referred you to, you can:

  • Contact the professional directly and request to be removed from their contact list
  • Contact us through our website and we will note your preference for future referrals
  • Use unsubscribe links in any marketing emails you receive

We ensure all third parties comply with the Privacy Act 2020 and maintain appropriate security measures.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

  • Encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
  • Secure server infrastructure
  • Access controls and authentication
  • Regular security audits and updates
  • Staff training on data protection

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Generally:

  • Consultation Requests: Retained for up to 7 years (standard practice for legal/financial records)
  • Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
  • Website Analytics: Aggregated data retained indefinitely; personal identifiers deleted after 26 months

9. Your Rights Under the Privacy Act 2020

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

  • Right of Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
  • Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
  • Right to Object: Object to processing of your personal information for certain purposes
  • Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent at any time where processing is based on consent
  • Right to Complain: Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 13.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website traffic. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

Types of Cookies We Use:

  • Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website (Google Analytics)
  • Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

12. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

  • Email: Use the contact form on our Contact Page
  • Website: EstatePlanning.co.nz

14. Office of the Privacy Commissioner

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal information, you have the right to contact:

Office of the Privacy Commissioner
Website: www.privacy.org.nz
Phone: 0800 803 909

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on our website or sending you an email. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy indicates when it was last revised.

16. Consent

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