Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 2025

1. Introduction

ORCA Engineering and Marine ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand) and other applicable privacy laws.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Name and contact details (email address, phone number, postal address)
• Company or business information
• Project requirements and specifications
• Communication preferences
• Website usage information and analytics data

2.2 How We Collect Information

We collect personal information through:

• Contact forms on our website
• Email communications
• Phone calls and in-person meetings
• Website cookies and analytics tools
• Business cards and networking events

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Responding to your enquiries and providing quotes
• Delivering our engineering and marine services
• Project management and client communications
• Improving our website and services
• Marketing communications (with your consent)
• Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted contractors, suppliers, or consultants who assist in delivering our services
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our legal rights
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of business assets
• Consent: When you have given explicit consent for sharing

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against:

• Unauthorised access, use, or disclosure
• Accidental loss or destruction
• Data breaches and cyber threats

Our security measures include encrypted data transmission, secure servers, and access controls.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to:

• Fulfil the purposes for which it was collected
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

Generally, we retain client information for 7 years after project completion, or as required by applicable laws.

7. Your Rights

Under New Zealand privacy law, you have the right to:

• Access: Request information about what personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Objection: Object to certain uses of your personal information
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another organisation
• Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner if you believe we have breached privacy laws

8. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Enhance user experience and website functionality
• Analyse website traffic and user behaviour
• Remember your preferences and settings

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

9. Third-Party Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or use third-party services (such as Google Analytics, Google Maps). These services have their own privacy policies, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices.

10. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers may be located outside New Zealand. When we transfer personal information overseas, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with New Zealand privacy laws.

11. Marketing Communications

We may send you marketing communications about our services if:

• You have provided explicit consent, or
• You are an existing client and the communications relate to similar services

You can unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time by contacting us or using the unsubscribe link in our emails.

12. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "last updated" date.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

15. Privacy Commissioner

If you believe we have breached your privacy, you can also contact the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner: