Last Updated: 15th August 2026
Southern Ferns Immigration (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our immigration services.
1. Information We Collect
Personal Information You Provide Directly
When you contact us for immigration consultation, we collect information including your full name, email address, phone number, residential address, date of birth, passport details, employment history, qualifications, family information, and immigration circumstances. We collect this information through consultation forms, email correspondence, phone calls, video meetings, and WhatsApp communication.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information including your IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, time spent on pages, referring website, and general location information. We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your website experience and analyze website usage patterns.
Third-Party Information
With your consent, we collect information from third parties including educational institutions (for student visa applications), employers (for work visa applications), character referees, family members (for family sponsorship), and government agencies (character and health documentation).
2. How We Use Your Information
Providing Immigration Services
We use your information to assess your visa eligibility, develop immigration strategies, prepare visa applications, coordinate with Immigration New Zealand, communicate about your case progress, and provide ongoing support throughout your immigration journey.
Client Communication
We use email, phone, WhatsApp, and video calls to contact you regarding your application, respond to your questions, provide updates, request additional information, and deliver our immigration services.
Service Improvement
We analyze website usage patterns, client feedback, and service delivery information to improve our services, develop new offerings, and enhance user experience.
Legal Compliance
We use information to comply with New Zealand immigration law, respond to legal requests, maintain records required by professional standards, and fulfill our obligations to Immigration New Zealand and the Immigration Advisers Authority.
Marketing & Newsletters
With your consent, we use your email to send newsletters, immigration updates, service announcements, and promotional information. You can unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time.
3. How We Protect Your Information
Security Measures
We implement industry-standard security measures including encrypted data transmission (SSL), secure servers, password protection, access controls, and secure file storage. However, no security system is completely impenetrable – we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Data Minimization
We collect only information necessary to provide our services. We don’t collect unnecessary personal data and we don’t retain information longer than required.
Access Restrictions
Access to your personal information is restricted to Southern Ferns Immigration staff who need access to provide services. Our team is trained on privacy and confidentiality obligations.
Professional Standards
As licensed immigration advisers, we’re bound by the Immigration Advisers Authority Code of Conduct including strict confidentiality and privacy obligations. We maintain client confidentiality throughout our service relationship.
4. Information Disclosure
We Do NOT Share Information With
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. We do not disclose your information for commercial benefit.
We MAY Disclose Information When
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Required by law or government request (Immigration New Zealand, police, tax authorities)
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Necessary to comply with professional obligations (Immigration Advisers Authority)
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Required for immigration application processing (educational institutions, employers, government agencies)
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Protecting our legal interests or responding to legal claims
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With your explicit consent
Third-Party Service Providers
We may engage third-party service providers (accountants, IT providers, document storage services) to assist with service delivery. These providers are contractually bound to maintain confidentiality.
5. Your Privacy Rights
Right to Access
You have the right to request access to your personal information we hold. Contact us with your request and we’ll provide information within reasonable timeframes.
Right to Correction
You have the right to request correction of inaccurate personal information. We’ll update your records upon request.
Right to Deletion
You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements and our professional obligations.
Right to Object
You have the right to object to certain uses of your information, including marketing communications.
Right to Withdraw Consent
If you’ve provided consent for information use, you can withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.
6. Cookies & Website Technology
Cookie Usage
Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience, remember preferences, analyze website traffic, and improve functionality. Cookies are small data files stored on your device.
Cookie Types
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Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
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Analytics Cookies: Track website usage for improvement
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Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
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Marketing Cookies: Support website marketing efforts
Cookie Control
You can control cookie settings through your browser. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being set. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
7. Data Retention
How Long We Keep Information
We retain client immigration files for the duration of service engagement plus a minimum of 7 years following visa approval or service completion, as required by professional standards and tax law.
Website Data
Website analytics and automatically collected information is typically retained for 12-24 months unless longer retention is required for legal or business purposes.
Deletion Process
When retention periods expire, we securely delete information through data destruction or anonymization.
8. International Data Transfers
Cross-Border Data
Your information may be transferred internationally as necessary for immigration processing (e.g., to Immigration New Zealand, educational institutions in other countries, or family members overseas). We ensure appropriate safeguards protect your information during transfer.
Privacy Standards
We comply with New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 and maintain privacy standards meeting international best practices.
9. Children’s Privacy
Age Restrictions
Our website and services are not directed to children under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children without parental consent. If we become aware of information from children, we’ll delete it promptly.
Parental Consent
For applications involving dependent children, parents/guardians provide consent for information collection and processing.
10. Policy Changes
Updates to Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect legal changes, technology updates, or business practice changes. We’ll notify you of significant changes through email or website notification.
Continued Use
Your continued use of our website and services constitutes acceptance of updated Privacy Policy.
11. Contact Us
Privacy Inquiries
If you have privacy questions, concerns, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, contact us:
Southern Ferns Immigration
Email: david@southernferns.com
WhatsApp: +64 21 652 537
This Privacy Policy is effective as of January 2026 and was last updated January 26, 2026.