Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Dividends.co.nz ("we", "us", "our", or the "Site"). By accessing or using our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Site.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Dividends.co.nz. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

2. Service Description

Dividends.co.nz provides information about dividend-paying stocks listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX). Our services include:

• Stock dividend data, yields, and historical payment information
• Dividend calendar showing upcoming ex-dividend and payment dates
• Dividend calculator tools
• Educational guides and articles about dividend investing
• Company financial metrics and sector comparisons
• Portfolio tracking and analysis tools

All information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. We aggregate data from public sources and present it in an accessible format for New Zealand investors.

3. Investment Disclaimer - Not Financial Advice

3.1 Educational Purpose Only

All content on this Site, including stock data, analysis, comparisons, guides, and tools, is provided for educational and informational purposes only. This information should not be considered:

• Financial advice or investment recommendations
• An offer to buy or sell securities
• An endorsement of any particular stock, investment strategy, or broker
• Personalized guidance tailored to your financial situation

3.2 Seek Professional Advice

Before making any investment decisions, you should:

• Consult with a licensed financial adviser who understands your personal circumstances
• Read company disclosure documents and financial statements
• Consider your risk tolerance, investment objectives, and time horizon
• Understand that past performance does not guarantee future results

3.3 Investment Risks

All investments carry risk. Dividend-paying stocks can lose value, reduce or eliminate dividends, and may not be suitable for all investors. You may lose some or all of your invested capital. We are not responsible for any investment losses you may incur.

4. Accuracy of Information and Data Disclaimers

4.1 Data Sources

We source data from public sources including NZX announcements, company reports, and third-party data providers. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information provided.

4.2 No Warranty

Information on this Site is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. We do not warrant that:

• The information is accurate, complete, or current
• The Site will be available without interruption or errors
• Defects will be corrected
• The Site is free from viruses or harmful components

4.3 Verify Information

You should independently verify any information before relying on it. Check company announcements on the NZX website, review official financial statements, and consult multiple sources before making investment decisions.

5. User Accounts and Responsibilities

5.1 Account Registration

Some features may require you to create an account. When registering, you must:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and update your information to keep it accurate
• Keep your password secure and confidential
• Be at least 18 years old
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account

5.2 Account Security

You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your account credentials.

5.3 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, for violations of these Terms or for any other reason.

6. Intellectual Property Rights

6.1 Our Content

All content on this Site, including text, graphics, logos, designs, software, and data compilations, is owned by Dividends.co.nz or our licensors and is protected by New Zealand and international copyright laws.

6.2 Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the Site for personal, non-commercial purposes. You may:

• View and print pages for personal reference
• Use our calculators and tools for personal investment research
• Share links to our content on social media

6.3 Restrictions

You may not:

• Reproduce, distribute, or republish our content without permission
• Use automated tools to scrape or download data
• Remove copyright notices or attributions
• Use our content for commercial purposes without a license

7. Prohibited Uses

You agree not to use the Site for any unlawful purpose or in any way that could harm us or other users. Prohibited activities include:

• Violating any applicable laws or regulations
• Impersonating any person or entity
• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Uploading viruses or malicious code
• Interfering with the proper functioning of the Site
• Harvesting or collecting user information
• Engaging in any automated use of the system
• Using the Site to transmit spam or unsolicited messages
• Market manipulation or spreading false information about securities
• Front-running or insider trading based on information from the Site

8. Third-Party Links and Services

8.1 External Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites including:

• NZX company pages and announcements
• Company investor relations websites
• Online brokerage platforms
• Financial news sources
• Government resources (FMA, IRD)

8.2 No Endorsement

We do not endorse, control, or assume responsibility for third-party websites or services. Your use of external sites is at your own risk and subject to their terms and privacy policies.

8.3 Broker Relationships

We may receive affiliate commissions from brokers or financial service providers if you sign up through our links. This does not affect the information we provide or constitute an endorsement. Always compare multiple providers and choose based on your needs.

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 Investment Losses

We are not liable for any investment losses, missed opportunities, or financial damages arising from your use of this Site or reliance on information provided. This includes losses from:

• Inaccurate or outdated data
• Missed dividend payments due to incorrect dates
• Stock price declines
• Dividend cuts or suspensions
• Technical errors or Site downtime

9.2 Maximum Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by New Zealand law, our total liability to you for any claim arising from your use of the Site shall not exceed NZD $100 or the amount you paid us in the past 12 months, whichever is greater.

9.3 Exclusions

We are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including lost profits, lost data, or business interruption, even if we've been advised of the possibility of such damages.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Dividends.co.nz, its owners, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Site
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another person or entity
• Your investment decisions based on information from the Site

11. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

11.1 New Zealand Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand. The New Zealand courts have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Site.

11.2 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal legal action, you agree to contact us at contact@dividends.co.nz to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. We will work in good faith to resolve disputes amicably.

11.3 Arbitration

If informal resolution fails, disputes may be resolved through binding arbitration in Auckland, New Zealand, in accordance with the Arbitration Act 1996, unless both parties agree otherwise.

12. Account and Service Termination

12.1 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Site at any time, with or without notice, for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Extended inactivity
• Requests by law enforcement or regulatory authorities
• Technical or security reasons

12.2 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us or using account settings. Upon termination:

• Your access to the Site will cease
• Your portfolio and saved data may be deleted
• These Terms will continue to apply to past usage

12.3 Survival

Sections regarding intellectual property, disclaimers, limitation of liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution will survive termination of these Terms.

13. Changes to Terms and Services

13.1 Modification of Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated through:

• Prominent notice on the Site
• Email notification to registered users
• Updated "Last Updated" date at the top of this page

13.2 Service Changes

We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Site at any time without notice. We are not liable for any modification, suspension, or discontinuation of services.

13.3 Continued Use

Your continued use of the Site after changes to these Terms constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree to the changes, you must stop using the Site.

14. FMA Compliance and Regulatory Matters

14.1 Financial Markets Conduct

We comply with the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 by ensuring that:

• We do not provide personalized financial advice
• All content is clearly educational in nature
• We do not make specific buy/sell recommendations
• Disclaimers are prominently displayed
• We encourage users to seek professional advice

14.2 Fair Dealing

We are committed to fair dealing and do not:

• Make misleading or deceptive statements about investments
• Guarantee investment returns or performance
• Engage in market manipulation
• Provide insider information

14.3 Reporting Concerns

If you have concerns about market conduct or believe you've received financial advice from unauthorized sources, contact the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) at www.fma.govt.nz.

15. Privacy and Data Protection

Your use of the Site is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.

By using the Site, you consent to the collection and use of information as described in our Privacy Policy.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Dividends.co.nz regarding your use of the Site, superseding any prior agreements or understandings.

18. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: