UtilityWatch.NZ is a community project that is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how your data is handled.
What is collected
Only what's necessary to generate statistics & comparisons:
- Uploaded bills: Files you choose to upload and the data within them (charges, usage amounts, dates).
- Technical data: Standard web logs (IP address, browser type) used for site security and identifying your region.
- Email address: Only if you choose to subscribe to updates or get in touch.
How information is used
This data is used to:
- Provide you with a comparison against community averages
- Generate aggregate, anonymised statistics
- Send updates if you've subscribed (you can unsubscribe anytime)
This is a non-commercial project. Your data is not used for targeted advertising or marketing.
Public interest
Anonymised, aggregated data may be shared for public interest purposes, including consumer advocacy, submissions to regulatory bodies, academic research, journalism, or assisting law enforcement investigations.
No individual bills or personally identifiable information will be shared in this way without your explicit consent.
Sharing information
Your personal information is not sold, rented, or traded. Data is only shared in these limited circumstances:
- Hosting providers: Standard cloud infrastructure is used to host the website. These providers store data but do not have rights to use it for their own purposes.
- Legal requirements: If required by New Zealand law or a valid court order.
- With your consent: If you explicitly ask for information to be shared.
Data security
Industry-standard encryption (HTTPS/TLS) is used to protect data in transit, and secure storage for data at rest. While no system is completely secure, appropriate safeguards are maintained.
How long information is kept
Personal information is retained only as long as needed to provide the service. When information is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymised.
Your rights
You have the right to:
- Request access to the personal information held about you
- Ask for inaccurate information to be corrected
- Request deletion of your information
- Unsubscribe from emails at any time
- Ask questions about how your information is handled
Changes to this policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. When changes are made, the effective date at the top of this page will be updated.
Contact
Questions? Contact privacy@utilitywatch.nz