Cookie Policy
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) that record information about your interaction with our Website. They allow us to remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
2. Why Do We Use Cookies?
We use cookies for the following purposes:
- To remember your preferences and settings
- To understand how visitors use our Website (analytics)
- To measure the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns
- To provide a personalised experience
- To improve Website functionality and performance
- To comply with legal requirements (e.g., Consent Mode v2)
3. Types of Cookies We Use
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the Website to function properly. They are always enabled. They include:
- Cookie Consent Preference: Stores your cookie consent choices (enabled by default)
- Session Security: Protects against cross-site request forgery
- HTTPS Security: Ensures secure connection
Retention: Session-based or 12 months
3.2 Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how you interact with our Website. They are only set if you consent.
- Google Analytics (_ga, _gid, _gat): Tracks pages visited, time spent, referrer sources, and user behaviour
- Consent Mode v2 (_gc): Manages analytics consent state
Provider: Google LLC (subject to Google's Privacy Policy)
Retention: 12-24 months
Opt-out: See section 5 below
3.3 Marketing and Advertising Cookies
These cookies allow us to measure campaign effectiveness and personalise advertising. They are only set if you consent.
- Google Ads (_gcl_au, _gcl_aw): Tracks conversions from Google Ads campaigns
- Google Ads Remarketing (ad_storage, ad_user_data, ad_personalization): Enables remarketing and personalised ads
- Consent Mode v2 Signals: Communicates your consent preferences to Google Ads
Provider: Google LLC
Retention: 13 months
Opt-out: Use the cookie banner or settings
4. Consent Mode v2 (Google Ads Compliance)
We use Google Consent Mode v2 to manage cookie consent in compliance with Google Ads requirements. This means:
- By default, Google Ads cookies are denied until you opt in
- When you click "Accept All," we send granted signals to Google Ads
- When you click "Reject," analytics and marketing cookies remain denied
- You can change your preferences anytime via the cookie settings
5. How to Manage Your Cookie Preferences
5.1 Using Our Cookie Banner
When you first visit our Website, a cookie banner appears at the bottom. You can:
- Accept All: Enable all cookies including analytics and marketing
- Reject Analytics: Disable analytics and marketing cookies (only necessary cookies enabled)
- Cookie Settings: Open detailed preferences to enable/disable specific categories
5.2 Browser Controls
You can control cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
- Firefox: Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Clear browsing data
5.3 Google Analytics Opt-Out
To opt out of Google Analytics across all websites, install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
5.4 Google Ads Opt-Out
To manage Google Ads personalisation, visit Google My Ad Center or Google My Activity.
6. Cookie Table
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| cookieConsent | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 12 months | Strictly Necessary |
| _ga | Google Analytics: User identification | 2 years | Analytics |
| _gid | Google Analytics: Session tracking | 24 hours | Analytics |
| _gat | Google Analytics: Rate limiting | 1 minute | Analytics |
| _gcl_au | Google Ads: Conversion tracking | 3 months | Marketing |
| _gcl_aw | Google Ads: Campaign tracking | 13 months | Marketing |
| ad_storage | Google Ads: Consent to ad cookies | Session | Marketing |
| ad_user_data | Google Ads: User data consent | Session | Marketing |
| ad_personalization | Google Ads: Personalisation consent | Session | Marketing |
7. Consent and Legal Basis
We comply with privacy regulations including:
- Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand): Requires informed consent for non-essential cookies
- GDPR (EU/EEA visitors): Requires explicit consent before placing non-essential cookies
- ePrivacy Directive: Requires consent for cookies that store/access information
- Google Ads Requirements: Requires Consent Mode v2 for compliant tracking
8. Third-Party Cookies
We use cookies from third parties, primarily Google services:
- Google Analytics (google-analytics.com)
- Google Ads (google.com, doubleclick.net)
- Google Maps (maps.googleapis.com)
These services are subject to their own privacy policies. We are not responsible for third-party cookie practices.
9. Data Security
Cookies are transmitted over secure HTTPS connections. Sensitive data is not stored in cookies. All cookie data is encrypted in transit and at rest.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date above reflects the most recent version. Your continued use of the Website means you accept any changes.
11. Contact Us
For questions about our cookie practices: