New Zealand’s new data privacy laws begin next month – and that could be good news for companies
Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2025 3:10 pm
Most people these days are aware that what they share online is both valuable and vulnerable. Data privacy has become a major concern for consumers and corporations alike. The issue will come to a head when New Zealand’s Privacy Act 2020 comes into force on December 1.
The legislation replaces and updates the 1993 act. Its key purpose is to promote people’s confidence that their personal data and information are secure and will be treated properly.
The act makes notification of privacy breaches mandatory
Organisations receiving and guatemala telemarketing database collecting data will now have to report any privacy breach they believe has caused, or is likely to cause, serious harm.
Those organisations can also be issued with compliance notices that require them to do something, or stop doing something, in order to comply with the law.
It will be in their interests to quickly adapt to the new regulations — not just legally, but also commercially. Our research suggests building consumer trust is critical for organisations that require customers to share information with them online.
However, a recent survey commissioned by global technology company Masergy revealed 70% of business leaders find data security challenging.
New Zealand’s Privacy Commissioner has been publicising the changes
Ethics must keep pace
This is a concern in a technologically driven business environment. The collection and analysis of consumer data are now integral to many industries. The high degree of personalisation and convenience this allows gives many businesses their competitive advantage.
Because of this, data analytics will be among the most important technology investments for New Zealand companies over the next 12 months. With COVID-19 driving increased e-commerce and digital activity, we can expect significant increases in consumer data being exchanged online.
The legislation replaces and updates the 1993 act. Its key purpose is to promote people’s confidence that their personal data and information are secure and will be treated properly.
The act makes notification of privacy breaches mandatory
Organisations receiving and guatemala telemarketing database collecting data will now have to report any privacy breach they believe has caused, or is likely to cause, serious harm.
Those organisations can also be issued with compliance notices that require them to do something, or stop doing something, in order to comply with the law.
It will be in their interests to quickly adapt to the new regulations — not just legally, but also commercially. Our research suggests building consumer trust is critical for organisations that require customers to share information with them online.
However, a recent survey commissioned by global technology company Masergy revealed 70% of business leaders find data security challenging.
New Zealand’s Privacy Commissioner has been publicising the changes
Ethics must keep pace
This is a concern in a technologically driven business environment. The collection and analysis of consumer data are now integral to many industries. The high degree of personalisation and convenience this allows gives many businesses their competitive advantage.
Because of this, data analytics will be among the most important technology investments for New Zealand companies over the next 12 months. With COVID-19 driving increased e-commerce and digital activity, we can expect significant increases in consumer data being exchanged online.