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New Zealand Privacy Act

View Law Text
Maximum Fine
NZD $10,000
Scope
National
Regulator
Privacy Commissioner
Enacted
2020

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Overview

The Privacy Act 2020 modernizes New Zealand's privacy law framework, introducing mandatory breach reporting and strengthening cross-border data flow requirements.

Key Facts

  • Enacted in 2020, replacing 1993 Act
  • Enforced by Privacy Commissioner
  • Includes 13 Information Privacy Principles

Key Principles

Collection of Personal Information

Personal information must be collected directly from individuals with their knowledge and consent.

Requirements

  • Collect only necessary information
  • Inform individuals of collection
  • Obtain consent where required
  • Document collection purposes
  • Ensure collection is lawful

Examples

  • Privacy collection notices
  • Consent mechanisms
  • Purpose documentation
  • Collection procedures

Storage and Security

Organizations must ensure secure storage and protection of personal information.

Requirements

  • Implement security safeguards
  • Control access to information
  • Protect against loss
  • Regular security reviews
  • Incident response planning

Examples

  • Security policies
  • Access controls
  • Encryption measures
  • Incident procedures

Disclosure and Use

Restrictions on how personal information can be used and disclosed.

Requirements

  • Use only for intended purpose
  • Limit unauthorized disclosure
  • Document sharing procedures
  • Overseas transfer controls
  • Regular compliance checks

Examples

  • Disclosure policies
  • Transfer agreements
  • Usage logs
  • Compliance records

Compliance Requirements

Privacy Officer Appointment

Organizations must appoint at least one privacy officer.

Implementation Steps

  • Designate privacy officer
  • Define responsibilities
  • Provide necessary resources
  • Train on requirements
  • Document appointment

Required Documentation

  • Appointment letter
  • Role description
  • Training records
  • Resource allocation
  • Contact information

Privacy Breach Notification

Requirements for notifying affected individuals and the Privacy Commissioner about serious privacy breaches.

Implementation Steps

  • Assess breach severity
  • Notify affected individuals
  • Report to Commissioner
  • Document incident
  • Implement remediation

Required Documentation

  • Breach assessment
  • Notification records
  • Commissioner reports
  • Incident logs
  • Remediation plans

Overseas Transfers

Requirements for sending personal information outside New Zealand.

Implementation Steps

  • Assess recipient safeguards
  • Implement transfer controls
  • Obtain necessary consents
  • Document transfers
  • Monitor compliance

Required Documentation

  • Transfer assessments
  • Consent records
  • Transfer agreements
  • Monitoring logs
  • Compliance reports

Enforcement & Penalties

Administrative Actions

The Privacy Commissioner can take various enforcement actions for privacy violations.

Penalty Categories

Compliance Notices
Mandatory Changes
Orders to change practices or procedures
Access Directions
Mandatory Access
Orders to provide access to personal information
Financial Penalties
Up to NZD $10,000
For serious or repeated violations

Example Cases

Healthcare Provider
NZD $7,000
2022 - Unauthorized access to patient records
Technology Company
Compliance Notice
2023 - Required to implement privacy safeguards

Human Rights Review Tribunal

Cases can be brought before the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

Penalty Categories

Damages
Up to NZD $350,000
For harm caused by privacy breaches
Declarations
Formal Finding
Declaration of interference with privacy
Restraining Orders
Court Order
Prevention of further breaches

Example Cases

Individual vs Corporation
NZD $25,000
2023 - Damages for privacy breach causing emotional harm
Employee Privacy Case
NZD $15,000
2022 - Unauthorized disclosure of employee information