Introduction
Best Agent NZ Limited ("Best Agent NZ", "we", "us", or "our") operates the website at thebestagent.co.nz. We are committed to protecting your personal information and handling it in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 (NZ) and its Information Privacy Principles (IPPs).
This policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that information. By using our website or services, you agree to the practices described here.
What we collect
We collect personal information only when it is reasonably necessary for our business functions. This may include:
- Contact details — name, email address, phone number
- Property information — property address, type, estimated sale price range, intended sale timeline
- Enquiry content — messages you send via our contact form or agent-matching funnel
- Usage data — pages visited, time on site, referring URL, device type, browser, and IP address (collected automatically)
- Cookie data — session and preference cookies (see Cookies section below)
We do not collect sensitive information (as defined by the Privacy Act) unless you voluntarily provide it.
How we use your information
We use the information we collect to:
- Match you with suitable real estate agents in your area
- Contact you about your enquiry and follow up as needed
- Send relevant agents your contact details so they can reach out to you
- Improve our website, services, and marketing
- Comply with legal obligations
- Prevent fraud and ensure site security
We will not use your information for any purpose that is incompatible with the purpose for which it was collected without your consent.
Sharing your information
We share your personal information in the following circumstances:
- Matched real estate agents — when you use our agent-matching service, we share your contact details and property information with up to three agents we identify as suitable matches. You consent to this sharing by submitting the matching form.
- Service providers — we use trusted third-party providers (such as database hosting via Supabase and email services via Resend) to operate our platform. These providers are required to handle your data securely and in accordance with our instructions.
- Legal requirements — we may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Best Agent NZ, our users, or the public.
We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We do not share it with advertisers for direct marketing purposes without your explicit consent.
Cookies
Our website uses cookies — small text files stored on your device — to provide core functionality and improve your experience. We use:
- Strictly necessary cookies — required for the website to function (e.g. session authentication for the admin area)
- Analytics cookies — help us understand how visitors use our site so we can improve it. Data collected is aggregated and anonymised.
- Preference cookies — remember choices you've made (e.g. your property type selection)
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some features of the site.
Your rights
Under the Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:
- Access — request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
- Correction — ask us to correct any information that is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, or misleading
- Complaint — make a complaint to us, and if unresolved, to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@thebestagent.co.nz. We will respond within 20 working days as required by law.
Data retention
We retain personal information for as long as it is needed for the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. Lead enquiry data is generally retained for up to 3 years. You may request deletion of your data at any time by contacting us.
Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, loss, misuse, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Our systems use encrypted connections (HTTPS), access controls, and reputable infrastructure providers. However, no internet transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
Third-party links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including real estate agency websites and partner services. This privacy policy applies only to Best Agent NZ. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of other websites and encourage you to read their policies.
Contact us
If you have questions about this policy, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:
- Email: info@thebestagent.co.nz
- Phone: 022 853 1313
- Post: Best Agent NZ Limited, New Zealand
You can also make a complaint to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner at privacy.org.nz.