Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Dividends.co.nz ("we", "us", or "our") operates https://dividends.co.nz (the "Site"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.

By using our Site, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the Site.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Create an account on our Site
• Subscribe to our newsletter or dividend alerts
• Use our dividend calculator or other tools
• Contact us via email or contact forms
• Participate in surveys or promotions

Personal information we collect may include:

• Account Information: Name, email address, password (encrypted)
• Portfolio Data: Stock preferences, watchlists, saved searches (if you use account features)
• Communication Data: Email address, message content when you contact us
• Subscription Data: Email address for newsletter and alert subscriptions

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our Site, we automatically collect certain information about your device and usage:

• Log Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, date/time stamps
• Analytics Data: Page views, session duration, bounce rate, traffic sources via Google Analytics
• Cookies & Similar Technologies: Session cookies, preference cookies, analytics cookies
• Device Information: Screen size, device type (mobile/desktop), browser capabilities

2.3 Financial Information

We do NOT collect or store: Credit card numbers, bank account details, or payment information. We do not process financial transactions. Any portfolio or investment data you save is for informational purposes only and does not represent actual holdings.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

3.1 To Provide and Improve Our Services

• Display dividend data, stock information, and market analysis
• Maintain and improve Site functionality and user experience
• Personalize content and recommendations based on your preferences
• Save your watchlists, preferences, and settings

3.2 To Communicate With You

• Send dividend alerts and ex-dividend date notifications
• Deliver newsletters and educational content (with your consent)
• Respond to your inquiries and support requests
• Send important notices about service changes or updates

3.3 For Analytics and Research

• Analyze usage patterns to improve our Site and services
• Understand which content and features are most valuable to users
• Conduct research on dividend investing trends and user behavior
• Monitor Site performance and fix technical issues

3.4 For Legal and Security Purposes

• Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and security threats
• Enforce our Terms of Service and other policies
• Respond to lawful requests from authorities

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We may share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf:

• Hosting & Infrastructure: Netlify, Supabase (database hosting)
• Analytics: Google Analytics (traffic analysis)
• Email Services: Email service providers for newsletters and alerts
• Support Tools: Customer support and help desk platforms

These service providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and may only use your information to provide services to us.

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request, or to:

• Comply with a subpoena, court order, or similar legal process
• Enforce our Terms of Service or other agreements
• Protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users
• Investigate and prevent fraud or security issues

4.3 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or bankruptcy, your information may be transferred to the successor entity. We will notify you of any such change via email or prominent notice on our Site.

4.4 Aggregated Data

We may share aggregated, anonymized data that does not identify you personally (e.g., "80% of users search for high-yield dividend stocks"). This helps us understand trends and improve our services.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our Site.

5.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us recognize you and remember your preferences.

5.2 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for Site functionality (login, security)
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and choices
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics to measure Site usage
• Performance Cookies: Monitor Site speed and performance

5.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or delete existing ones. Note that disabling cookies may affect Site functionality. Visit aboutcookies.org for more information.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption: HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
• Secure Hosting: Servers hosted with reputable providers (Netlify, Supabase)
• Password Protection: Passwords are hashed and encrypted
• Access Controls: Limited employee access to personal data
• Regular Updates: Security patches and software updates

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Privacy Rights (New Zealand Privacy Act 2020)

Under New Zealand law, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

7.1 Right to Access

You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.

7.2 Right to Correction

You can request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete personal information.

7.3 Right to Deletion

You can request that we delete your personal information, subject to legal obligations.

7.4 Right to Withdraw Consent

You can unsubscribe from marketing emails or withdraw consent for data processing at any time.

7.5 Right to Complain

You can lodge a complaint with the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner if you believe we have breached your privacy.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@dividends.co.nz.

8. 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 by law. When your information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active, then deleted within 90 days of account closure
• Analytics Data: Anonymized after 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• Email Subscriptions: Retained until you unsubscribe
• Support Inquiries: Retained for 2 years for customer service purposes

9. Children's Privacy

Our Site is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

10. Third-Party Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., NZX, company investor relations pages, broker platforms). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated Privacy Policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email notification to registered users
• Displaying a prominent notice on our Site

Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: