Privacy Policy

1. What Information We Collect

We collect the following types of personal information:

a. Information you provide to us directly:

• Name, email address, job title, organisation

• Contact details (e.g. phone number, address)

• Payment and invoicing information (e.g. PO numbers, invoice addresses)

• Information submitted through award entries or conference registrations

• Dietary requirements or accessibility needs (where provided)
   

b. Information we collect automatically:

• IP address, browser type, device type

• Cookies and tracking data (see section 6)

• Website usage analytics via Google Analytics or similar tools
   

c. Sensitive information:
We do not knowingly collect sensitive personal information (e.g. health, racial or ethnic origin) unless required for accessibility or dietary accommodation — and only with your explicit consent.
 

2. How We Use Your Information

We collect and use your information to:

• Register and manage your participation in The Worthies Conference and Awards

• Process payments and issue invoices

• Communicate updates about the event, entries, judging and winners

• Respond to enquiries or requests

• Ensure venue, catering and accessibility requirements are met

• Improve our website, services, and user experience

• Comply with legal obligation
   

We will only use your personal information for the purposes for which it was collected or directly related purposes, unless you consent otherwise or we are required to do so by law.

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3. How We Store and Protect Your Information

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. These include:

• Secure storage on password-protected systems and cloud platforms

• Limited access to authorised personnel only

• Secure payment portals and encrypted data transmission

 

All data is hosted in secure data centres with service providers that comply with NZ and international data protection standards.

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4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your personal information:

• With third-party service providers (e.g. ticketing platforms, email services, payment processors) to support event delivery

• With judges of the awards programme (only where necessary for entry evaluation)

• With government regulators or law enforcement, where legally required

• With your prior consent, to publicly credit individuals or organisations in award entries and results

 

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties.

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5. Your Rights

Under the NZ Privacy Act 2020, and, where applicable, GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information we hold

• Correct any inaccurate or outdated information

• Request deletion of your data (unless required for legal reasons)

• Withdraw consent (where consent is the basis for processing)

• Lodge a complaint with the NZ Office of the Privacy Commissioner or your local data protection authority

To make a request, contact us at paul@theworthiesawards.com.

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6. Cookies and Website Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Analyse traffic and performance (e.g. Google Analytics)

• Remember your preferences (e.g. language, accessibility settings)

• Enhance your browsing experience

 

You may control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some functionality of the site.

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7. International Users

While our primary audience is based in New Zealand, The Worthies also engages international speakers, judges, and entrants. If you are located outside New Zealand, your information may be transferred to and stored in New Zealand or other jurisdictions that may not offer the same level of protection as your home country.

We take appropriate safeguards (e.g. contractual terms) to ensure that international data transfers comply with applicable privacy laws such as the GDPR.

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8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected or to comply with legal obligations. This may include:

• Entry records for up to 24 months post-awards

• Financial records for up to 7 years (as required by NZ tax law)

• Email correspondence for up to 12 months unless deleted earlier

 

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may include links to third-party sites (e.g. awards platforms, media sponsors, partner sites). We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those websites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

 

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our operations or legal obligations. Any changes will be posted to this page with a revised "Last Updated" date.

 

11. Contact Us

For any questions, concerns or to exercise your rights under this policy, please contact:

Privacy Officer
The Worthies Limited
Email: paul@theworthiesawards.com

 

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the New Zealand Office of the Privacy Commissioner at www.privacy.org.nz.