Teddy Foundation Incorporated (we, our, us) collects, uses and handles personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand).

This Privacy Policy applies to:

• Expectant parents and caregivers
• Health providers and service providers listed in our directory
• Donors and supporters
• Website users
  
  

If you are providing information about someone else (for example, your partner or child), references to “you” in this policy include that person.

 

1. What Personal Information We Collect

Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect:

From expectant parents or caregivers:

• Identification details (such as name and date of birth)
• Contact details (physical address, email address, phone number)
• Information relevant to accessing maternity care or support (e.g. region, service needs, travel requirements)
• Information you submit through forms, enquiries or applications
• Stories, testimonials or feedback you choose to share with us
• Photos you provide (with consent)
  
  

From service providers listed in our directory:

• Business name and contact details
• Professional qualifications and service information
• Location information
• Website and social media links
• Bank account details (if applicable for payments or grants)
  
  

From donors and supporters:

• Contact details
• Donation history
• Bank or payment details (processed securely via third-party payment providers)
• Communication preferences
  
  

Automatically through our website:

• IP address
• Browser and device information
• Pages visited and usage data
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

 

2. How We Collect Personal Information

We collect personal information:

• Directly from you when you:
  • Complete forms on our website
  • Submit a directory listing
  • Make a donation
  • Contact us via email, phone or social media
• From third parties acting with your authority (for example, a referring midwife or health provider)
• Through analytics tools and cookies used on our website
• From partners who assist us in delivering services
  
  

You are not required to provide personal information to us. However, if you choose not to, we may be unable to provide certain services (such as listing in the directory, processing funding requests, or responding to enquiries).

 

3. Why We Collect Your Information

We collect and use personal information to:

• Provide access to our maternity support directory
• Respond to enquiries and service requests
• Verify eligibility for any support or funding (if applicable)
• Improve and develop our services
• Carry out research, analytics and gather feedback
• Communicate updates, news and fundraising information (where you have consented)
• Meet our legal and reporting obligations
• Carry out administration and governance functions

 

4. Sharing of Personal Information

We do not sell personal information.

We may share personal information with:

• Employees, contractors and volunteers of Teddy Foundation (only where necessary)
• Technology providers who support our website, hosting, CRM or email systems
• Payment processing providers (for secure donation handling)
• Relevant health providers or partners (where necessary to assist you and with appropriate authority)
• Funders or reporting bodies where information is required in aggregated or de-identified form
• Authorities where required or permitted by law, including:
  • Law enforcement requests
  • Where there is a serious threat to someone’s health or safety
  • Court orders or legal obligations
    
    

We take reasonable steps to ensure any third parties handling information on our behalf maintain appropriate privacy and security safeguards.

 

5. Fundraising, Stories and Images

As a charitable organisation, Teddy Foundation relies on public support and fundraising.

If you provide a story, testimonial or photo, we may use this material to:

• Raise awareness of rural maternity access challenges
• Support fundraising campaigns
• Demonstrate impact to funders and the community

We will always seek consent before publishing identifiable stories or images. Where appropriate, we may use first names only, generalised locations (e.g. “Southland” or “West Coast”), and remove identifying details.

You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.

 

6. Data Storage and Security

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from:

• Loss
• Unauthorised access
• Misuse
• Disclosure
• Alteration
  
  

Information is stored securely using reputable technology providers. Access is limited to authorised personnel only.

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. After that, information is securely deleted or de-identified.

 

7. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Improve website functionality
• Analyse usage patterns
• Enhance user experience
  
  

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

 

8. Your Rights

Under the Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:

• Request access to personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of that information
• Provide a statement of correction if you disagree with our response
  
  

To exercise these rights, contact our Privacy Officer using the details below.

 

9. Overseas Disclosure

Some of our service providers (such as hosting, email or payment systems) may store or process information outside New Zealand. Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure your information is protected in accordance with New Zealand privacy law.

 

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to access or correct your information, please contact:

Privacy Officer
Teddy Foundation Incorporated
Email: [insert email address]
Phone: [insert phone number]
Postal Address: [insert address]

 

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website with the updated effective date.