Education New Zealand International Student Research Community: Privacy Policy
Overview
Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your information responsibly.
We take the confidentiality of the information you provide seriously and follow ethical research standards, good statistical practice, and New Zealand legislation when collecting and using your data. This includes complying with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020, which sets out how organisations must collect, use, store, and protect personal information.
This policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you take part in the International Student Research Community.
By joining the Community, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. Please note that you can leave the Community at any time by using the unsubscribe link in any of our emails or by emailing us at researchcommunity@enz.govt.nz.
What information we collect
We may collect the following types of information:
- Personal details (for example, name, email address, age, nationality).
- Study information (for example, education provider, level of study, location in New Zealand).
- Research responses (for example, survey answers, interview or focus group contributions).
- Technical information (for example, device or browser information when completing online surveys).
We only collect information that is necessary for research purposes and to manage your participation in the Community.
How we use your information
- We use your information to:
- invite you to participate in research activities
- understand international student experiences in/with New Zealand
- inform initiatives, activities and policy advice to improve New Zealand’s international education student experience and offering
- administer incentives (for example, prize draws or vouchers).
We will only use your information for the purposes for which it was collected, or for closely related purposes.
How we store and protect your information
We take reasonable steps to ensure your information is:
- stored securely (using protected systems and access controls). Survey data may be stored offshore by the technology provider we use to run surveys. ENZ remains responsible for protecting your information and takes reasonable steps to ensure it is handled in line with New Zealand privacy requirements
- protected from loss, unauthorised access, or misuse
- accessible only to authorised ENZ staff and trusted research partners.
Where we use third-party research providers, we ensure they meet appropriate privacy and security standards.
Sharing your information
Your information may be shared with trusted third-party providers who support ENZ in delivering research, and with New Zealand government agencies for legitimate government functions, research, or policy purposes.
These organisations must:
- use your information only for agreed purposes
- protect your information in line with privacy requirements.
We do not sell your personal information.
Research confidentiality and reporting
Research findings may be reported both internally and externally. Your individual responses will:
- be combined with those of other participants
- be analysed to identify trends and insights
- not be reported in a way that identifies you personally.
Where we include quotes or case studies, these will be anonymous unless you have given explicit consent.
Your rights
Under the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:
- access the personal information we hold about you
- request correction of your information if it is incorrect.
We will respond to requests in accordance with legal requirements.
How long we keep your information
We retain your information in keeping with the Public Records Act 2005 (including ENZ’s Disposal Schedule). After this, it will be securely deleted or anonymised.
Leaving the Community
You can leave the International Student Research Community at any time by:
- using the unsubscribe link in our emails
- contacting us directly.
Once you leave, you will no longer receive research invitations. Your information will be removed or retained only as needed for previously completed research.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this policy or how your information is handled, please contact ENZ – privacy@enz.govt.nz.
If you’re unhappy with how we’ve managed your personal information or responded to your concern, you can raise this with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (New Zealand).
Updates to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website.
