Privacy Policy
This policy outlines the way in which Sutcliffe Matson Law manages the personal information we hold about our clients, potential clients, contractors and others. We are bound by the Privacy Act 2020 (Privacy Act).
In summary, ‘personal information' is information about an identifiable individual.
Why does Sutcliffe Matson Law collect personal information?
We collect personal information in order to conduct our business, to provide and market our services and to meet our legal obligations, including (but not limited to) in relation to our anti-money laundering compliance obligations.
Who does Sutcliffe Matson Law collect personal information about? We collect and hold personal information about (but not limited to):
clients, business associates and potential clients and their employees, contractors, owners and directors;
individuals we deal with in the course of acting for clients and carrying on our business; and,
prospective employees, employees and contractors;
What kinds of personal information does Sutcliffe Matson Law collect?
In general, and depending upon the nature of the person’s connection with Sutcliffe Matson Law, the type of personal information we collect and hold includes (but is not limited to): names, addresses, email addresses, contact details, date of birth, occupations, personal preference payment details, employment history, testimonials and feedback, nature of relationship to our client, evidence of source of funds (in some cases) and other information which assists us in conducting our business, providing and marketing our services and meeting our legal obligations.In some cases, if personal information we request is not provided, it might adversely impact our ability to supply the relevant product or service or to perform our obligation.
How does Sutcliffe Matson law collect personal information?
Except as otherwise permitted by law, we will collect personal information:
from you directly when you provide your details to us;
from you indirectly (through emails, forms, subscription applications, face-to-face meetings, interviews, business cards, telephone conversations and through the use of the services and facilities available through our websites and social media channels);
from clients who provide your information as part of the work we conduct on a file; and
from publicly available websites.
Do we use 'cookies'?
Yes. Cookies are small files that a site or its service provider transfers to your computer's hard drive through your Web browser (if you allow) that enables the site's or service provider's systems to recognize your browser and capture and remember certain information. For instance, we use cookies to help us remember and process the pages that you have visited. They are also used to help us understand your preferences based on previous or current site activity, which enables us to provide you with improved services. We also use cookies to help us compile aggregate data about site traffic and site interaction so that we can offer better site experiences and tools in the future.
We use cookies to:
Understand and save user's preferences for future visits.You can choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies. You do this through your browser settings. Since browser is a little different, look at your browser's Help Menu to learn the correct way to modify your cookies.
If you turn cookies off, Some of the features that make your site experience more efficient may not function properly. It won't affect the user's experience that make your site experience more efficient and may not function properly.
Management of personal information
We take reasonable steps to protect the security of personal information. Sutcliffe Matson Law personnel are required to respect the confidentiality of personal information and the privacy of individuals.
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information held by us from misuse and loss and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure, for example by use of physical security and restricted access to electronic records.
Where we no longer require your personal information we will comply with our legal obligations in respect of that information.
How might Sutcliffe Matson Law collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information?
In general, we collect, hold, use and disclose your personal information for the following purposes:
to conduct our business;
to provide and market our services to you;
to provide joint marketing initiatives with other service providers;
to engage third parties on your behalf;
to communicate with you;
to purchase goods or services;
to help us manage and enhance our services;
to check your identity against governmental databases, including:
the National Register of driver licences;
one of more of the databases maintained by the Department of Internal Affairs:
the records of First AML or any similar AML checking provider; and
to comply with our legal obligations, including (but not limited to) in relation to our anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance obligations.
To whom might Sutcliffe Matson Law disclose your personal information?
We may disclose your personal information to:
other members of the Sutcliffe Matson Law;
other companies or individuals who assist us in providing services or who perform functions on our behalf (such as mailing houses, hosting and data storage providers, specialist consultants and barristers);
other companies or individuals who perform checks that are necessary or desirable under law on our behalf;
other companies, agencies or individuals that maintain databases against which your identity may be verified, which may include (but is not limited to) the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, New Zealand Transport Agency;
social media sites on which we have a presence;
courts, tribunals and regulatory authorities;
anyone else to whom you authorise us to disclose it; and
where we are required to do so by law.
How can you access and correct your personal information?
We endeavour to ensure that the personal information we hold is accurate, complete and up-to-date. We encourage you to contact us in order to update any personal information we hold about you. Contact details are set out below. You have the right to correct any personal information we hold about you in accordance with the Privacy Act. Subject to the exceptions set out in the Privacy Act, you may seek access to the personal information which we hold about you by contacting our Privacy Officer on 09 2798351. We will require you to verify your identity and to specify what information you require. A fee may be charged for providing access. If a fee is to be charged, we will advise you of the likely cost in advance.
How can you make a privacy complaint?
If you have any questions about privacy related issues or wish to complain about the handling of your personal information by us, please contact our Privacy Officer on 09 279 8351. We may ask you to lodge your complaint in writing. Any complaint will be investigated by the Privacy Officer and you will be notified of the decision in relation to your complaint as soon as practicable after it is made, usually within 20 working days.
If we are unable to satisfactorily resolve your concerns about our handling of your personal information, you can contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner at: PO Box 10-094, The Terrace, Wellington 6143, Phone 0800 803 909 http://privacy.org.nz/
Address details of Sutcliffe Matson Law
The address of Sutcliffe Matson Law as the person collecting and holding your personal information, is:
PO Box 23-570, Manukau City, Auckland, 2241 | DX EP75514
Updates to this Policy
This Policy will be reviewed from time to time to take account of new laws and technology, changes to our operations and practices and the changing business environment. The most current version of this Policy is located at www.sutcliffematsonlaw.net.nz.
Last updated: May 2023