Privacy Policy

Vision Research Foundation is committed to protecting and respecting the privacy of our donors, volunteers, scholars, subscribers and all individuals whose personal information we collect. We recognise and respect the importance of your privacy and we are committed to protecting personal information provided to us.

This privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, store, disclose and safeguard personal information in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.

Information we collect

We may collect the following personal information from donors, volunteers, scholars, partners and subscribers to our newsletters:

  • Personal Information: Full name, contact details (email address, phone number, postal address), date of birth, donation history and payment information (e.g., through secure third-party platforms), communication preferences, demographic information (where voluntarily provided)

  • Communication Data: Correspondence with us, including emails and messages

  • Website Usage Data: Our website may use cookies and analytics tools (e.g. Google Analytics) to understand how users interact with our site. Cookies do not identify you personally, but they help us improve the website experience. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, but some features of the site may not function properly.

  • Volunteer or Staff Information: Employment history, references and other details relevant to volunteering or employment

  • Any other information you provide to us voluntarily

How we collect information

We collect personal information when you:

  • Make a donation

  • Sign up for our newsletters

  • Contact us by phone, email or through our website

  • Participate in a survey or event

  • Volunteer or apply for a position

  • Interact with us via social media

  • Visit our website

Why we collect information

We collect and use your personal information to:

  • Process donations and issue receipts

  • Communicate with you about our work, events or campaigns

  • Maintain donor, volunteer and subscriber records

  • Meet legal and regulatory obligations

  • Improve our services, website and outreach

  • Personalise your experience with us

We will only use your personal information for the purpose for which it was collected, or for a directly related purpose.

How we store and protect your information

We take reasonable steps to ensure your personal information is securely stored and protected against loss, misuse, unauthorised access or disclosure. This includes physical security, password protection, encryption and staff training.

Where data is stored electronically, it is held on secure servers in New Zealand or with reputable cloud service providers.

Disclosure of information

We may disclose your personal information to:

  • Trusted third-party service providers who assist us with payment processing, IT support, mailing or other operational needs

  • Regulatory bodies or government agencies where required by law

  • Auditors or professional advisors (under strict confidentiality)

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties.

Your rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you

  • Request corrections to your information

  • Withdraw consent for us to use your information

If you think that we haven’t properly protected your privacy, please get in touch with us using the contact details below.

If you have any questions or would like any further information about our handling of personal information or to make a complaint about something you believe breaches the Act, please lodge a written complaint addressed to our Privacy Officer at info@vrf.org.nz. Once we receive your complaint, we will respond within a reasonable period of time, usually within 10 working days.