Redcoast Privacy Policy 

At Redcoast, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information when you use our lifestyle hub/community platform (Redcoast) in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. By accessing or using the platform, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Who We Are

Redcoast is a North Canterbury-based online community platform designed to connect individuals with lifestyle resources, businesses, local events, and community activities.

2. What Personal Information We Collect

We collect personal information to provide and improve our services. The types of information we may collect include:

• Identity Information: Your name, date of birth, gender, and profile picture (if provided).
• Contact Information: Email address, phone number, and physical address.
• Account Information: Username, password, and security questions (if applicable).
• Usage Data: Information about how you interact with the Platform, including IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and time spent on the Platform.
• Community Contributions: Posts, comments, messages, photos, or other content you share on the Platform.
• Transaction Data: Payment details (e.g., credit card information) when you purchase services or subscriptions (processed securely by third-party providers).
• Survey and Feedback Data: Responses to surveys or feedback forms you voluntarily submit.

We may also collect information indirectly through cookies, tracking technologies, or third-party integrations (e.g., social media login). You can manage cookie preferences via your browser settings, though some features may not function fully if cookies are disabled.

3. How We Collect Your Information

We collect personal information in the following ways:

• Directly from you: When you register an account, submit a form, participate in discussions, or contact us.
• Automatically: Through cookies and analytics tools to monitor Platform usage.
• From Third Parties: If you connect your account via a social media platform (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) or if we receive aggregated data from partners (e.g., event organizers), we will only use this information with your consent.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• To provide, maintain, and improve the Platform’s functionality and user experience.
• To communicate with you about your account, updates, or community events.
• To personalize content, recommendations, or advertisements based on your interests.
• To process transactions and manage subscriptions or payments.
• To ensure the security of the Platform and prevent fraud or misuse.
• To comply with legal obligations, including those under the Privacy Act 2020.

We will only use your information for these purposes or as otherwise notified to you at the time of collection, unless you provide additional consent.

5. Disclosure of Your Information

We may share your personal information with:

• Service Providers: Third-party companies (e.g., payment processors, cloud storage providers) that assist us in operating the Platform. These providers are bound by contractual obligations to protect your data under the Privacy Act 2020.
• Community Partners: Event organizers or local businesses featured on the Platform, but only with your explicit consent.
• Legal Authorities: If required by law, court order, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of [Your Platform Name] or others.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity, subject to this Privacy Policy or a compatible policy.

We do not sell your personal information to third parties or share it with overseas entities unless you consent or it is necessary to fulfill a service (e.g., cloud storage in a secure, compliant jurisdiction).

6. Storage and Security

We store your personal information on secure servers and use industry-standard encryption and security measures to protect it from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. Our third-party providers adhere to New Zealand privacy requirements.

We retain your information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law (e.g., tax or audit purposes). You can request deletion of your data (see Section 9), subject to legal retention periods.

7. Your Rights Under the Privacy Act 2020

As a user in New Zealand, you have the following rights:

• Access: You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: You can ask us to correct any inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: You can request the removal of your data, unless we are required to retain it by law.
• Restriction: You can object to certain uses of your information (e.g., marketing) or request we limit processing.
• Complaint: If you believe we’ve mishandled your information, you can lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (privacy.org.nz).

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and analyze usage. You can opt out of non-essential cookies by adjusting your browser settings or notifying us directly.

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any updates will be posted on the Platform with the revised date, and significant changes will be communicated to you via email or a prominent notice. Your continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us Here.