The Christchurch Chronicle

This Privacy Policy outlines how the Christchurch Chronicle collects, uses, and protects personal information. Continued use of our website signifies acceptance of these terms.

This policy is effective as of March 2026. It may be updated periodically.

The Christchurch Chronicle is operated by APG. Our editorial team prepares news and information for readers in Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury region.

Who We Are

The Christchurch Chronicle is a news publication based in Christchurch, New Zealand. We provide reporting and analysis on local events and issues.

APG, an independent digital media company, owns and operates the Christchurch Chronicle. Our postal address is PO Box 1137, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand.

Our journalists and reporters gather news directly. We do not aggregate content or rely on user submissions.

Information We Collect

We collect certain information when individuals interact with our website and services. The type of information gathered depends on the nature of the interaction.

Website Visits

When you visit christchurchchronicle.co.nz, our servers automatically log standard data. This includes your IP address, browser type, pages viewed, and the time spent on our site.

This information helps us understand how our website is used and to improve its functionality. No personally identifiable information is collected during standard browsing.

Subscriptions

If you subscribe to a service, such as a premium content offering, we collect necessary contact and billing details. This may include your name, email address, and payment information.

Payment information is processed securely by third-party payment providers. We do not store full credit card details on our servers.

Newsletter

To receive our newsletter, you must provide your email address. This is used solely for the purpose of sending you editorial updates and news digests.

You can opt out of the newsletter at any time using the unsubscribe link provided in each email.

Contact and Tips

When you contact us with feedback, questions, or news tips, we collect the information you provide. This typically includes your name and email address.

This information is used to respond to your inquiry and to process any news tips from our readers. We do not accept unsolicited content submissions.

Advertising

We display advertising on our website. Our advertising partners may collect data via cookies and similar technologies to deliver relevant advertisements.

This data is generally non-personally identifiable, such as browser type and interests derived from browsing history.

How We Use Information

The information we collect is used to operate and improve the Christchurch Chronicle. Specific uses depend on the type of data.

We use website visit data for traffic analysis and site optimization. This helps us ensure our content is accessible and relevant.

Subscription and newsletter data allows us to deliver the services you have requested. We use contact information to communicate directly with our readers.

Information from news tips is used by our editorial team for journalistic purposes. This may involve research or verification.

Who We Share Information With

The Christchurch Chronicle does not sell personal data to third parties. We are committed to protecting the privacy of our readers.

We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our website or delivering services. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and only use it for specified purposes.

Examples include email delivery services for newsletters and payment processors for subscriptions. These third parties do not have permission to use your information for their own promotional activities.

We may disclose information if required by law, such as in response to a court order or legal process. This is done to comply with our legal obligations.

Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience and perform site analytics. Cookies are small text files stored on your device.

They help us remember your preferences, track website usage, and display relevant content. You can manage cookie settings through your browser.

Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of some parts of our website. We use both session cookies, which expire when you close your browser, and persistent cookies, which remain for a set period.

Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected. This includes satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.

The specific retention period varies depending on the type of data and its intended use. For example, subscription data is kept as long as the subscription is active and for a period thereafter for administrative purposes.

Anonymous analytical data may be kept indefinitely for trend analysis. When data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

Your Rights

Under the Privacy Act 2020 of New Zealand, individuals have specific rights regarding their personal information. These rights are designed to protect your privacy.

Access

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you. We will provide this information in a clear and understandable format.

To request access, please contact us at privacy@christchurchchronicle.co.nz.

Correction

If you believe that any personal information we hold about you is inaccurate or incomplete, you have the right to request its correction. We will update our records promptly.

Please provide details of the inaccuracy when making a request for correction.

Deletion

You may request the deletion of your personal information, subject to certain legal exceptions. This includes situations where the data is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected.

We will assess each deletion request in accordance with applicable laws.

Portability

You have the right to request your personal information in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. This allows you to transfer your data to another service provider.

Objection

You can object to the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances. This includes objecting to processing for direct marketing purposes.

We will review your objection and cease processing your data unless we have compelling legitimate grounds to continue.

Applicable Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of New Zealand, specifically the Privacy Act 2020. The Act sets out the principles for how agencies collect, use, store, and disclose personal information.

The Information Privacy Principles (IPPs) are central to the Act. We adhere to these principles in all our data handling practices.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner is the independent statutory authority responsible for promoting and protecting privacy in New Zealand. If you have concerns about our privacy practices, you can contact them.

Their website is privacy.org.nz, and their contact number is 0800 803 909.

Changes to Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any modifications will be posted on this page.

The "Last updated" date at the top of this policy will be revised accordingly. We encourage readers to review this policy periodically.

Continued use of our website after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact

For any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us.

You can reach our privacy team directly at privacy@christchurchchronicle.co.nz.

For general inquiries or feedback, please use editor@christchurchchronicle.co.nz. We welcome communications from our readers.

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