Privacy Policy

1. Who We Are

Sidequest Digital is a web development and digital solutions business based in Christchurch, New Zealand. We build custom websites, web applications, client portals, and management systems for communities, schools, and small businesses.

For the purposes of New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020, Sidequest Digital is the "agency" responsible for the personal information we collect and hold.

2. Information We Collect

We collect personal information in several ways:

Information you provide directly

• Name and contact details (email address, phone number)
• Business or organisation name
• Project requirements and preferences
• Payment and billing information
• Communications you send to us

Information collected automatically

• IP address and browser type
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referring website or source
• Device and operating system information

Information from third parties

We may receive information from third-party services you use to contact us, such as email providers or social media platforms.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• To provide our services and deliver your project
• To communicate with you about your project or enquiry
• To process payments and manage billing
• To send project updates and important notices
• To improve our website and services
• To comply with legal obligations
• To protect our rights and prevent misuse of our services

We will only use your information for the purposes for which it was collected, unless you give us permission to use it for another purpose, or we are required or permitted by law to do so.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information with:

• Service providers: Third parties who help us deliver our services (e.g., hosting providers, payment processors, email services). These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information.
• Professional advisers: Lawyers, accountants, or other professionals when necessary.
• Legal requirements: When required by law, court order, or government authority.
• Business transfers: If our business is sold or merged, your information may be transferred to the new owner.

5. Data Storage and Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, use, modification, or disclosure. Our security measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS)
• Secure hosting with reputable providers
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Secure password practices and authentication

Some of our service providers may store data outside New Zealand. Where this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including:

• For the duration of our business relationship
• As required by law (e.g., tax records for 7 years)
• To resolve disputes or enforce our agreements

When your information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymise it.

7. Your Rights

Under New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: Ask us to correct any inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information where we no longer need it.
• Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner if you believe we have breached your privacy.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below. We will respond to your request within 20 working days as required by the Privacy Act.

8. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience. These include:

• Essential cookies: Required for the website to function properly.
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
• Preference cookies: Remember your settings and preferences.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these websites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any website you visit.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post any changes on this page with an updated revision date. For significant changes, we may also notify you directly.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us:

Sidequest Digital
Christchurch, New Zealand
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0204 023 9009

If you are not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner:

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