Last Updated: January 2026
Welcome to Southern Ferns Immigration Limited. These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our website and engagement of our immigration advisory services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, please do not use our website or services.
1. Services Overview
Immigration Advisory Services
Southern Ferns Immigration Limited provides professional immigration advice and visa application assistance. Our licensed immigration advisers (LIAs) assess visa eligibility, develop immigration strategies, prepare visa applications, coordinate with Immigration New Zealand (INZ), and provide ongoing support throughout the immigration process.
Not Legal Services
Our services are immigration advisory services provided by licensed immigration advisers. While our advisers have extensive immigration knowledge, these are not legal services. For legal matters beyond immigration advice, you may need to consult a lawyer.
Professional Standards
Our advisers are licensed by the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) and bound by the Code of Conduct for Immigration Advisers. We maintain professional indemnity insurance and operate under strict professional standards.
2. Service Engagement Terms
Service Agreement
When you engage our services, we provide a detailed service agreement outlining exactly what services we’ll provide, the timeline, cost breakdown, payment terms, and both parties’ responsibilities. You must sign the service agreement before we commence work on your application.
Free Initial Consultation
Your first consultation is free and no-obligation. During consultation, we assess your circumstances, explain visa options, and provide transparent pricing. You have no obligation to engage our services after consultation.
Service Commencement
Services commence only upon: (1) signed service agreement, (2) client acceptance of fees and terms, and (3) payment arrangement confirmation.
3. Fees & Payment Terms
Fee Structure
Fees are fixed and transparent. Our service agreement specifies exactly what services are included, the total fee, payment schedule, and any additional costs (government fees, document translation, etc.).
Government Fees
Government fees (INZ application fees, health examination fees, character certificate fees) are separate from our service fees. These are paid directly to government agencies or their authorized providers. Our service agreement specifies which government fees you’re responsible for.
Payment Terms
Payment terms are specified in our service agreement. Typically, an initial deposit secures your engagement, with remaining balance due upon service completion or as specified in your agreement.
Late Payment
If payment is not received by due date, we may suspend services and delay application lodgement. Late payments may incur additional costs (bank fees, interest if applicable).
Refunds
Refund policy is specified in our service agreement. Generally, once we’ve commenced work (begun preparing your application), fees are non-refundable as work has been performed. We discuss refund policy clearly during consultation.
4. Client Responsibilities
Accurate Information
You must provide accurate, complete information about your circumstances. Providing false or misleading information is unlawful and can result in visa decline, cancellation, or deportation. INZ takes dishonesty seriously.
Disclosure of Issues
You must disclose all relevant information including character issues, health concerns, previous visa declines, visa breaches, or other circumstances that may affect your application. Non-disclosure is treated as dishonesty.
Timely Response
You must respond promptly to our requests for information, documentation, or clarification. Delays in your response may delay application lodgement and INZ processing.
Document Provision
You must provide required documentation (passports, qualifications, employment letters, etc.) in timely manner. We cannot submit applications without required documents.
Health & Character Assessments
You must complete required health examinations and character assessments promptly. We cannot proceed without these assessments.
Communication
You must maintain communication with us throughout your engagement. We communicate via email, phone, WhatsApp, or video call. You’re responsible for checking messages and responding promptly.
5. Our Responsibilities & Limitations
Professional Service
We provide professional immigration advisory services meeting high industry standards. Our licensed advisers apply current immigration law and INZ policy to your circumstances.
No Guarantees
We cannot guarantee visa approval. Immigration outcomes depend on INZ assessment, your eligibility, and many factors beyond our control. We provide expert advice and preparation, but visa decisions are made by INZ, not us.
Honest Assessment
We provide honest assessment of your prospects. If we believe your visa prospects are low, we’ll advise you candidly rather than take your money for unlikely success.
Timely Application
We lodge applications promptly according to our service agreement timeline. We track INZ processing and advise you of progress and any information requests.
Documentation Organization
We organize and present your documentation to maximize INZ understanding. However, INZ may request additional information even with complete original submission.
INZ Communication
We communicate with INZ on your behalf, respond to information requests, and advocate for favorable decisions. However, final decisions rest with INZ.
6. Limitation of Liability
No Liability for INZ Decisions
We are not liable for INZ decisions, including visa declines or deportation orders. INZ makes independent decisions based on their assessment, not our advice.
Professional Indemnity Insurance
We maintain professional indemnity insurance covering our services. Our liability is limited to the amount of professional indemnity insurance coverage available.
No Consequential Damages
We are not liable for consequential damages including lost income, relocation costs, visa refusal costs, or other indirect damages resulting from INZ decisions.
Client Responsibility
You are responsible for your decisions regarding immigration applications and for your own circumstances. Our role is advisory – final decisions are yours.
7. Confidentiality & Privacy
Client Confidentiality
We maintain strict confidentiality regarding your personal information and immigration circumstances. Your information is protected under the Privacy Act 2020 and our professional obligations.
Professional Privilege
Communications with our advisers may be subject to professional privilege or legal professional privilege depending on circumstances. We maintain client confidentiality.
Required Disclosures
We may disclose your information when required by law (INZ requests, police inquiries, etc.) or professional obligations (Immigration Advisers Authority investigations). We’ll notify you of required disclosures except when legally prohibited.
Refer to Privacy Policy
For detailed privacy information, refer to our Privacy Policy available on our website.
8. Complaints & Dispute Resolution
Internal Complaints
If you have complaints about our services, contact us immediately. We have internal complaint procedures and will address your concerns promptly.
Complaints Process
Submit complaints in writing to: info@southernfernsimmigration.co.nz. We’ll acknowledge receipt within 2 business days and investigate within 20 working days.
Immigration Advisers Authority
If you’re dissatisfied with complaint resolution, you can lodge complaints with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA). The IAA regulates licensed immigration advisers and investigates complaints.
Dispute Resolution
For disputes, we first attempt resolution through discussion. If unresolved, we may pursue mediation or arbitration before litigation.
9. Intellectual Property
Website Content
All website content including text, graphics, logos, images, and information is owned by Southern Ferns Immigration or our licensors and protected by copyright law. You may not reproduce, distribute, or transmit content without permission.
Limited License
We grant you limited license to access and view website content for personal, non-commercial use only. This license does not permit downloading, copying, or republishing content.
Client Documents
Documents we prepare for your visa application (application forms, statements, etc.) are prepared for your specific use. You cannot use these documents for other purposes without our consent.
10. Limitation of Website Use
Acceptable Use
You agree to use our website lawfully and not for unlawful purposes. You agree not to harass, threaten, defame, or abuse others using our website.
No Unauthorized Access
You agree not to access, attempt to access, or interfere with our website systems, data, or security without authorization.
No Malicious Activity
You agree not to introduce viruses, malware, or other harmful code to our website. You agree not to disrupt website functionality or services.
Website Interruptions
We are not liable for website interruptions, delays, or errors. We maintain our website to high standards but cannot guarantee uninterrupted access.
11. Third-Party Links
External Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites (Immigration New Zealand, educational institutions, etc.). We are not responsible for third-party content, accuracy, or practices.
No Endorsement
Linking to third-party websites does not constitute endorsement. You access third-party websites at your own risk.
12. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
New Zealand Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by New Zealand law. All disputes are subject to New Zealand law and jurisdiction.
Auckland Jurisdiction
You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in Auckland, New Zealand for any disputes.
13. Modification of Terms
Updates
We may update these Terms and Conditions periodically. Updated terms are effective upon publication to our website. Your continued use constitutes acceptance of updated terms.
Notification
We’ll notify you of significant changes through email or website notification.
14. Entire Agreement
Complete Agreement
These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and your signed service agreement, constitute the entire agreement between you and Southern Ferns Immigration Limited regarding our services.
Supersedes Prior Agreements
These Terms supersede all prior agreements, understandings, or negotiations regarding our services.
15. Severability
Partial Invalidity
If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, that provision is severed, but remaining provisions remain valid and enforceable.
16. Contact Information
For Questions or Concerns
Southern Ferns Immigration Limited
Email: david@southernferns.com
WhatsApp: +64 21 652 537
These Terms and Conditions are effective as of January 2026 and were last updated January 26, 2026.
By using our website and engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
