Legal Information
Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: 13 February 2025
Updated: 27 April 2025
Welcome to ElderLink New Zealand / ElderLink Marlborough (“ElderLink,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the use of our website at elderlink.org.nz and subdomains (the “Website”) and apply to all users who access or interact with the Website and its Services.
By using our Website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must immediately cease using this Website.
1. About ElderLink New Zealand
1.1 Who We Are
ElderLink New Zealand is a registered charitable trust providing essential community support services to Marlborough residents in the 65+ age demographic who receive a government pension and rely on it as their sole or primary source of income. Our mission is to promote well-being, independence, and social connection among the demographic by offering:
- Essential assistance – food parcels, welfare checks, and practical support for those in financial hardship.
- Community events – social gatherings, movie evenings, and fundraising campaigns.
- Volunteer programs – opportunities for individuals to assist with ElderLink’s services.
- Advocacy & education – raising awareness about issues affecting over-65s and promoting intergenerational initiatives for the purposes of future-proofing ElderLink's immediate and long-term vision.
1.2 Legal Information
ElderLink New Zealand is an incorporated charity governed by legislation including the Charitable Trusts Act 1957, the Trusts Act 2019, and the Incorporated Societies Act 2022:
- New Zealand Business Number (NZBN): 9429052630187
- Incorporation Number: 50227281
- Date of Incorporation: 13 February 2025
- Registration with Charity Services: Pending
1.3 Our Website
The ElderLink Website serves as an online information hub where users can:
- Learn about our services and support programs.
- Sign up for volunteering opportunities.
- Make secure online donations via external platforms like Givealittle.
- Register for community events.
- Access resources and updates relevant to over-65s.
While we strive to keep information accurate and up to date, service availability may vary based on funding, volunteer capacity, and other factors.
2. Definitions
For clarity, the following terms apply throughout these Terms & Conditions:
- “Website” refers to elderlink.org.nz and any subdomains, pages, or services associated with it.
- “User” refers to any individual or entity accessing or interacting with the Website.
- “Services” refers to any information, programs, volunteer opportunities, donation processes, or resources provided through the Website.
- “Volunteer” refers to any individual participating in ElderLink’s programs or assisting in its community initiatives.
- “Content” refers to all text, images, videos, graphics, and other materials hosted on the Website.
- “Personal Data” refers to any information voluntarily provided by users, such as name, email, or donation details.
3. Who Can Use This Website
3.1 General Access
- Users must be at least 16 years old or have parental/guardian consent to access certain features, such as donation forms.
- By using the Website, you confirm that you are accessing it legally and in good faith.
3.2 Prohibited Activities
Users must not:
- Engage in illegal, fraudulent, or deceptive activities.
- Post or transmit harmful, offensive, or misleading content.
- Attempt to hack, disrupt, or interfere with the Website’s operation.
- Use the Website for unauthorised commercial purposes (e.g., advertising, data mining).
ElderLink reserves the right to restrict or terminate access for users violating these Terms.
4. User Contributions & Interactions
4.1 Submitting Content
By submitting any content (e.g., forms, comments, messages) to the Website, you agree that:
- You own or have rights to the content.
- Your content does not infringe on third-party rights.
- ElderLink may review, remove, or edit content that is inappropriate.
4.2 Volunteer Applications
- Volunteers may be subject to police vetting or background checks.
- ElderLink reserves the right to decline volunteer applications based on eligibility criteria.
5. External Links & Third-Party Content
- Our Website may contain links to external third-party sites (e.g., government resources, donation platforms like Givealittle).
- ElderLink does not control or endorse external content.
- We are not responsible for the accuracy, policies, or security of third-party sites.
- Users should review external terms and privacy policies before engaging with third-party websites.
6. Donations, Refunds & Tax Information
6.1 Making Donations
- Donations are typically processed via secure third-party platforms such as Givealittle. Please refer to the terms and conditions of the specific platform used.
- Donations are generally non-refundable, except in cases of accidental duplicate transactions or as per the policies of the donation platform.
- Contact elderlinknz@gmail.com if you need assistance, using 'Donations' in the subject field.
6.2 Tax Deductibility
- Donations of $5 or more may be eligible for a 33.33% tax credit under New Zealand tax law.
- This option is not available until our registration status with Charity Services is finalised.
- For details on claiming tax credits for donations, please visit this IRD webpage.
7. Privacy & Data Protection
- We collect personal data only when voluntarily provided (e.g., via contact forms, volunteer sign-ups).
- We comply with the Privacy Act 2020 and all relevant legislation and best practice regarding data security.
- Full details can be found by clicking the Privacy Policy link in the footer.
8. Cookies & Tracking
- Our Website uses Google Analytics for website traffic analysis.
- Full details can be found by clicking the Cookies Policy link in the footer.
9. Email Communications
- By subscribing to our newsletter or providing your email via contact forms, you consent to receiving emails from ElderLink New Zealand.
- You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails or by contacting us.
10. Intellectual Property Rights
- All content on the Website belongs to ElderLink New Zealand unless otherwise stated.
- Copyright and licensing details are available for all content not owned by ElderLink New Zealand.
- Display photos, logos, and iconography of and from individual sponsors, supporting businesses, suppliers, and other entities have been published to the website with consent, do not require the publication of licensing details by ElderLink, and remain the intellectual property of their respective owners.
- Users may not copy, modify, or redistribute any of the above described content without permission.
11. Limitation of Liability
ElderLink is not responsible for:
- Errors, omissions, or technical disruptions affecting the Website.
- Loss or damage resulting from Website use.
- Third-party actions (e.g., external links, donation processors).
12. Accessibility Statement
- ElderLink strives to maintain an accessible website for all users.
- If you experience issues, contact elderlinknz@gmail.com.
13. Termination of Use
- ElderLink reserves the right to suspend, restrict, or terminate Website access for violations of these Terms.
14. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
- These Terms are governed by New Zealand law, and disputes must be resolved under New Zealand legal jurisdiction.
15. Force Majeure Clause
- ElderLink is not liable for service disruptions due to natural disasters, power outages, cyber-attacks, or other unforeseen events beyond our reasonable control.
16. Changes to These Terms
- We may update these Terms & Conditions as needed.
- Updates will be posted on this page with the revised "Updated" date.
- Continued use of the Website indicates acceptance of changes.
17. Contact Information
For any queries, contact:
📞 021 081 80827
📧 elderlinknz@gmail.com
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: 13 February 2025
Updated: 27 April 2025
ElderLink New Zealand ("ElderLink," "we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals and ensuring that personal information is handled in compliance with the Privacy Act 2020, the 13 Information Privacy Principles (IPPs), and other relevant legislation and best practices.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect your personal information when you interact with ElderLink, including when you use our website (elderlink.org.nz) or engage with our services.
1. Introduction
ElderLink New Zealand is a registered charitable trust providing essential community support services to senior residents (65+ years old) in the Marlborough region.
Our services include:
- Providing essential food assistance, welfare checks, and practical support.
- Organising community events and social initiatives.
- Coordinating volunteer programs to assist with the unmet needs of over-65s in Marlborough.
- Advocating for senior well-being and support initiatives.
This Privacy Policy applies to:
- All individuals who interact with ElderLink’s services, website, events, and volunteer programs.
- Website visitors, volunteers, donors, and service recipients whose personal information we collect and process.
2. Definitions
For the purposes of this Privacy Policy:
- “Personal Information” means any information about an identifiable individual, as defined by the Privacy Act 2020.
- “Sensitive Information” refers to specific types of personal data, such as health information or volunteer background checks.
- “Services” means any assistance, events, volunteer opportunities, and community support offered by ElderLink.
- “Website” refers to elderlink.org.nz and any associated pages or subdomains.
- “Cookies” are small data files stored on a user’s device to enhance website functionality and tracking.
3. Collection of Personal Information
3.1 How We Collect Information
We collect personal information in the following ways:
- Directly from you – when you sign up for services, register as a volunteer, donate, or contact us.
- Through our website – via contact forms, event registrations, and online donations (processed via third-party platforms).
- Automatically – when you interact with our website, such as through cookies and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics).
- From third parties – such as references for volunteers or relevant service providers assisting with ElderLink initiatives, with your consent where required.
3.2 Types of Information Collected
The personal information we may collect includes:
- Contact Details – name, address, phone number, and email.
- Demographic Information – age, gender, residency status (where relevant for service eligibility).
- Volunteer Information – background checks (with consent) and references for volunteer applications.
- Donation Information – transaction details and donation history (processed via third-party platforms).
- Website Interaction Data – such as IP addresses and analytics data collected via tools like Google Analytics.
- Health Information – collected only with explicit consent so we can be aware of potential signs or issues to monitor while engaging with our service recipients.
We collect only the information necessary to provide our services and comply with legal requirements.
4. Purpose of Collecting Personal Information
We use personal information to:
- Deliver services – such as welfare support, food assistance, and volunteer coordination.
- Process applications – for volunteering, donations, and event participation.
- Communicate with you – including newsletters, updates, and service-related messages.
- Comply with legal obligations – such as verifying eligibility for programs or reporting to regulatory bodies.
- Improve our website and services – using aggregated analytics data.
We will not use your information for any purpose other than those stated above or purposes directly related, unless explicit consent is obtained or required by law.
5. Disclosure of Personal Information
We do not sell or trade personal information. However, we may disclose your information to:
- Service Providers – trusted third parties who assist with ElderLink’s programs (e.g., IT support, secure data storage), subject to confidentiality agreements.
- Legal Authorities – if required to comply with legal or regulatory obligations.
- Third-Party Platforms – if you make donations via external payment processors like Givealittle (your interaction is governed by their privacy policies).
All staff and volunteers with access to personal data are required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before handling any personal information. This ensures that all data is treated confidentially and securely.
Any information disclosed is strictly necessary to facilitate services or comply with legal requirements.
6. Storage and Security of Personal Information
We implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect personal data against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These include:
- Physical Security – storing paper records in secure, locked locations with restricted access.
- Digital Security – using secure servers, encrypted databases where appropriate, password-protected systems, and standard web security protocols (like HTTPS) for our website.
- Access Controls – restricting personal data access to authorized personnel only, based on their roles and responsibilities.
- Regular Reviews – periodically reviewing and updating our security measures and practices.
We rely on our hosting provider (Netlify) for infrastructure security, including measures against common web threats. We review and update our own security measures regularly to prevent unauthorized access, misuse, or loss of data within our control.
7. Your Rights Under the Privacy Act 2020
You have the right to:
- Access Your Personal Information – request a copy of the information we hold about you.
- Request Corrections – update inaccurate or incomplete information.
- Withdraw Consent – for data processing where consent is the basis for processing (note: this may affect our ability to provide certain services).
- Complain About a Privacy Breach – if you believe your data has been mishandled, you can complain to us first, and if unsatisfied, to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
To exercise these rights, contact us at elderlinknz@gmail.com. We will respond to your request in accordance with the timeframes set out in the Privacy Act.
8. Retention of Personal Information
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including service delivery, legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Once information is no longer needed, we securely dispose of or anonymise it. Retention periods vary depending on the type of information and legal obligations.
9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and analytics tools (like Google Analytics) to:
- Improve user experience and website functionality.
- Monitor website traffic, understand user engagement, and gather aggregated demographic information about our user base.
- Help identify technical issues.
You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may impact the functionality and performance of certain parts of our website. Our Cookies Policy will provide more detailed information.
10. Privacy Breach Management
In accordance with the Privacy Act 2020, if a privacy breach occurs that we believe has caused or is likely to cause serious harm, we will:
- Contain the breach and assess the extent and impact.
- Notify affected individuals as soon as practicable, informing them of the breach, potential risks, and steps they can take.
- Report the breach to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner if it meets the threshold for mandatory notification.
- Review and implement corrective measures to prevent future breaches.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The latest version will always be available on our website with the "Updated" date clearly displayed at the top.
Continued use of our website and services after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
12. Governing Law and Compliance
This Privacy Policy is governed by New Zealand law, including:
- The Privacy Act 2020.
- The 13 Information Privacy Principles (IPPs).
- Other relevant New Zealand legislation and best practices for data protection.
13. Contact Us
For privacy-related inquiries, to exercise your rights, or if you have any concerns about how we handle your personal information, please contact us:
📞 Phone: 021 081 80827
📧 Email: elderlinknz@gmail.com