Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Ako Immigration Services Ltd ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020. This policy explains what personal information we collect, why we collect it, and how we use and protect it.

By engaging our services, you agree to the collection and use of your information as described in this policy.

2. What Personal Information We Collect

We collect personal information from you, including:

• Full name
• Identification documents (e.g. passport, birth certificate)
• Contact information (postal address, email address, phone number)
• Records of your interactions with us
• Immigration status and history
• Financial information relevant to your immigration application

3. Why We Collect Your Information

We collect your personal information in order to:

• Communicate with you about your immigration enquiry and application
• Assess your eligibility and suitability for immigration pathways
• Work with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) on your behalf to assist with your immigration matter
• Meet our legal and professional obligations

4. What Happens If You Don’t Provide Information

Providing some information is optional. However, if you choose not to provide certain details — such as your email address or phone number — we will be unable to communicate with you effectively, which may limit our ability to assist with your immigration matter.

Where requested documents or information are not provided, we will be unable to provide sufficient immigration advice. Incomplete information may mean we cannot fully assess your situation, identify the most suitable immigration pathway, or prepare a complete application on your behalf.

Please be aware that failure to provide requested documents or information may compromise the outcome of your visa application. Ako Immigration Services Ltd accepts no responsibility for any negative outcomes that result from a client’s failure to provide the required information or documentation in a timely manner.

It is also important to understand that Ako Immigration Services Ltd acts solely in an advisory and facilitative capacity. We cannot influence, determine, or guarantee the outcome of any visa or immigration application. All decisions rest solely with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) or the relevant authority, and are made at their absolute discretion.

5. Who We Share Your Information With

Your personal information will only be shared with the following third party:

• Immigration New Zealand (INZ) — only after you have signed a contract with us authorising us to act on your behalf.

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with any other third parties without your explicit consent, except where required by law.

6. How We Keep Your Information Safe

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from loss, unauthorised access, use, modification, or disclosure. Our safeguards include:

• Restricting access to your personal information to authorised staff only
• Using secure communication channels for transmitting sensitive information
• Maintaining secure data storage systems

7. How Long We Retain Your Information

As required by New Zealand law, we are obligated to retain your personal information for a minimum of seven (7) years. This applies to all records relating to your immigration matter and our engagement with you.

We may retain your information for longer than seven years where it remains necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or where required by other applicable legal or professional obligations. When your information is no longer required, we will securely dispose of it.

8. Confidentiality Obligations

As licensed immigration advisers, we are bound by the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 and the Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct 2014. Under these obligations, we must not disclose confidential client information except:

• To Immigration New Zealand, for the purposes of promoting your immigration interests, and only with your informed consent
• As required by law or for the administration of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007
• With your prior written consent for any other purpose

We treat all information you share with us as strictly confidential. We will always inform you before disclosing your information to any party and will only do so with your knowledge and consent, except where legally required.

9. Privacy Breaches

Under the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020, we are legally required to notify both the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and affected individuals if a privacy breach occurs that has caused, or is likely to cause, serious harm. A privacy breach includes any unauthorised or accidental access to, disclosure, alteration, loss, or destruction of your personal information.

If we become aware of a notifiable privacy breach, we will take immediate steps to contain the breach, assess the risk of harm, and notify you and the Privacy Commissioner as required by law. Failure to report a notifiable breach is a criminal offence under the Privacy Act 2020, with fines of up to NZD $10,000.

10. Your Rights

Under the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:

• Request access to any personal information we hold about you
• Request that we correct any personal information we hold about you that you believe is inaccurate or incomplete
• Make a complaint to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner if you believe we have breached the Privacy Act 2020
• Make a complaint to the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) if you believe we have breached the Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct 2014

11. How to Exercise Your Rights or Make a Complaint

To request access to your personal information, request a correction, or raise any privacy concerns, please contact us:

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact:

• Office of the Privacy Commissioner: www.privacy.org.nz | 0800 803 909
• Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA): www.iaa.govt.nz | 0508 422 422

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website or contacting you directly. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.