At HelpMeBuild, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and manage your data in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and its 13 Information Privacy Principles (IPPs). As an independent advisory service operating, we handle information transparently to provide you with clarity and confidence in your building journey.

This policy applies to all users of our website (helpmebuild.nz), including those who book consultations, submit inquiries, or interact with our services. By using our site or providing information, you consent to the practices described here.

Last Updated: January 18, 2026  

We review and update this policy as needed. Changes will be posted here with the updated date.

1. What Information We Collect
We collect personal information only when necessary to provide our services. This may include:

- Directly from You: Name, email address, phone number, property/site details (e.g., location, size), budget information, and project goals provided via forms (e.g., "Tell Us About Your Project"), booking requests, emails, or phone consultations.
- Automatically:Non-personal data like IP address, browser type, device information, and usage patterns (e.g., pages visited) through cookies or analytics tools for site improvement.
- From Third Parties: In limited cases, we may receive information indirectly (e.g., if a partner refers you). From May 1, 2026, under the new IPP 3A introduced by the Privacy Amendment Act 2025, we will notify you if we collect personal information about you from someone else (indirect collection), unless an exception applies.

We do not collect sensitive information (e.g., health data) unless directly relevant and with your explicit consent.

2. How We Use Your Information
Your data helps us deliver neutral, expert guidance. Uses include:
- Responding to inquiries and scheduling free consultations.
- Providing site-specific advice on feasibility, budgets, and supply options.
- Improving our services through analytics (anonymized where possible).
- Communicating updates or follow-ups related to your project.

We adhere to IPPs 1-4 (purposeful collection) and IPPs 10-11 (use and disclosure limits).

3. How We Store and Secure Your Information
- Storage: Data is stored securely on servers in New Zealand or with compliant providers (e.g., AWS in compliant regions).
- Security: We use encryption, access controls, and regular audits to protect against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse (per IPP 5).
- Retention: We keep information only as long as needed for our services or legal requirements (e.g., 7 years for tax purposes). After that, it's securely deleted.

4. Sharing Your Information
We share data only when necessary:
- With TaylorMade Housing Solutions for seamless transitions to project proposals (if you qualify and consent).
- With service providers (e.g., email tools) bound by privacy agreements.
- As required by law (e.g., court orders) or to prevent harm.

We do not sell your data. Disclosures follow IPPs 6-9 and 11.

5. Your Rights
Under the Privacy Act 2020:
- Access and Correction (IPPs 6-7): Request to see or correct your information.
- Deletion: Ask us to delete data where appropriate (subject to legal obligations).
- Complaints: If unhappy, contact us first. You can also complain to the Privacy Commissioner (privacy.org.nz).

To exercise rights, email hello@helpmebuild.nz. We respond within 20 working days (or sooner).

6. Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies for functionality and analytics. You can manage preferences via browser settings. See our Cookie Policy (if separate) for details.

7. International Transfers
If data is transferred overseas (rarely), we ensure equivalent protections (per IPP 12).

8. Children's Privacy
Our services are for adults. We do not knowingly collect data from under-18s without guardian consent.

9. Contact Us
For questions:  
- Email: bob@helpmebuild.nz  
- Phone: 0800 733 337  

We aim to respond promptly.