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Your Biometric Privacy – New Zealand

Realaml complies with the Biometric Code 2025 & Privacy Act 2020, collecting biometrics only when lawful, necessary & secure.

Jordan avatar
Written by Jordan
Updated today

General Compliance

Does Realaml follow New Zealand’s biometric privacy rules?
Yes. We are fully compliant under the Biometric Processing Privacy Code 2025, which sits under the NZ Privacy Act 2020.
Code start date: 3 Nov 2025
Full compliance for existing systems: 3 Aug 2026

Why do you use biometric information?
In New Zealand, we use biometrics only for:

  • Confirming your identity for AML/CFT compliance

  • Preventing identity fraud (including liveness checks)

  • Meeting NZ regulatory obligations
    We never use it for marketing or unrelated profiling.


Collection & Transparency

Will you tell me before collecting my biometric data?
Yes. Before collection, we will explain:

  • Why it’s necessary under NZ law

  • Who will receive it (and if it leaves NZ)

  • How long it will be kept

  • Your rights under the Privacy Act

  • How to make a complaint in NZ

Can I see the privacy assessment you do?
Yes. Before we start or change any biometric system, we complete a “Rule 1 assessment” under New Zealand’s Biometric Processing Privacy Code. This checks that using biometrics is necessary, is the least intrusive option, and has strong privacy and security protections in place. You can request a short summary of this assessment by emailing jordan@realaml.com.


Security & Safeguards

How do you protect my biometric information in New Zealand?

  • Encryption in transit and at rest

  • Role-based access controls and audit logs

  • Automatic deletion once no longer required for the stated NZ purpose

  • Regular security testing and monitoring

Who can access my biometric information?
Only authorised Realaml staff with a legitimate need, based in NZ or in countries with comparable privacy safeguards.


Your Rights Under NZ Law

What are my rights?
You can:

  • Confirm whether we hold your biometric information

  • Request access, correction, or deletion

  • Add a statement if we disagree with your correction

  • Withdraw consent (where applicable under NZ law)

To make a request email jordan@realaml.com


Processing Outside New Zealand

Will my biometric data ever leave NZ?
Only if:

  • The destination country has comparable privacy safeguards to NZ, or

  • We have contractual protections that meet Rule 12 of the Code.


Cultural Considerations

Do you consider cultural impacts?
Yes. In New Zealand, we assess potential cultural impacts — particularly for Māori — before introducing or making material changes to biometric systems.


When the Code Doesn’t Apply

The Biometric Processing Privacy Code 2025 doesn’t apply to:

  • NZ health agencies processing health information

  • NZ intelligence/security agencies under specific laws

  • Biometric features in personal devices used privately


Contact & Complaints in NZ

Privacy Officer – Realaml Limited
Email: jordan@realaml.com
Phone: +64 4 889 4788
Address: Colin Groves, 201a Airport Road, Ohaupo 3282, New Zealand

If you’re not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (NZ) at www.privacy.org.nz or phone 0800 803 909.

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