WWTowing : Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 1/07/2024

1. Introduction

At Warkworth Towing and Salvage 2024 Limited trading name WW Towing ("we", "us", or "our"), we are committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when providing towing services, vehicle recovery, and related operations. In specific cases, we may also work with third parties, such as the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), to collect additional information about vehicle owners.

2. Collection of Personal Information

We collect personal information from you, your vehicle, or third parties such as NZTA. The types of personal information we collect include:

• Name (full name as per govt. issued documents)
• Contact Information (address, phone number, email)
• Vehicle Information (registration or "rego", make, model, color, year)
• Vehicle Ownership Information (in cases where the NZTA to access current names and address in the Motor Vehicle Register)
• Location Data (breakdown, accident, or recovery location)
• Insurance Information (for claims processing)
• Incident Details (accidents, stolen vehicle reports, or other emergency situations)
• Payment Information (billing details, credit/debit card information)

3. Purpose of Collection

We collect and use personal information for the following purposes:

• Towing and Recovery Services: To assist you in roadside emergencies, accidents, and vehicle recovery, including situations involving stolen vehicles and impounded vehicles.
• Accident and Incident Response: To recover vehicles involved in accidents and assist in legal or insurance-related processes.
• Vehicle Ownership Information: From Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, we may use their Motor Vehicle Register to access current names and address of the Registred Owner in specific scenarios (such as unclaimed accidents, stolen recovered or impounded vehicles) to ensure that the rightful owner is informed, or for law enforcement purposes.
• Compliance with Legal Requirements: To comply with New Zealand laws and assist law enforcement in cases involving traffic incidents, stolen vehicles, or other emergencies.
• Insurance and Claims Processing: To help with insurance claims by providing necessary vehicle and incident details.
• Customer Communication: To keep you informed about the status of your vehicle or to address inquiries.
• Safety and Compliance: To ensure public safety, meet regulatory requirements, and mitigate risk in our operations.

4. Use of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Motor Vehicle Register for Vehicle Owner Information

In situations where we need to identify the owner of a vehicle (such as after an accident, in the case of stolen vehicle recovery or impounded vehicle), we may access ownership information through the NZTA's Motor Vehicle Register. This will enable us to:

• Verify Ownership: Ensure the correct identification of the owner of a vehicle before taking action in sensitive situations.
• Assist Law Enforcement: In collaboration with the police, ensure that the vehicle is safely recovered and returned to its rightful owner.

We will only access NZTA’s data when it is legally permitted and necessary for operational or legal reasons.

5. Legal Grounds for Collection

We collect personal information, including through the NZTA’s Motor Vehicle Register, under the following legal grounds:

• Consent: You may provide consent directly, or in some cases, the legal owner of a vehicle may be contacted for their consent when required.
• Compliance with Legal Obligations: To fulfill obligations under New Zealand law, such as cooperating with police investigations or legal disputes.
• Legitimate Interests: For the provision of towing services and ensuring that the proper procedures are followed during vehicle recovery.

6. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose personal information, including information obtained through the NZTA’s Motor Vehicle Register, to:

• Law Enforcement and Government Agencies: In cases where vehicle ownership or incident details are required by the police or other relevant authorities.
• Insurance Companies: To provide details necessary for claims processing, especially in cases involving accidents or stolen vehicles.
• Third-Party Service Providers: Including storage facilities, mechanics, or other contractors involved in towing and vehicle recovery operations.
• Legal Compliance: Where disclosure is necessary to comply with legal obligations such as subpoenas, court orders, or regulatory requirements.

7. Security of Personal Information

We employ strict measures to safeguard your personal information, including information accessed through the NZTA’s Motor Vehicle Register. This includes encryption, secure storage systems, and restricted access to sensitive data.

8. Retention of Personal Information

Personal information is retained for as long as is necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected, or as required by law. Information related to vehicle ownership, accidents, or theft may be retained longer in cases of legal or insurance-related inquiries.

9. Access and Correction of Personal Information

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you, including any data accessed via the NZTA’s Motor Vehicle Register. You may also request correction of inaccuracies in your personal information. To make such a request, please contact us at [email protected].