Security policy

We maintain a secure process for the collection, transmission, and storage of your personal information.

Consumer NZ suggests members keep their browser software up to date to ensure a high level of security is maintained. Old versions of browsers are more likely to be open to malicious activity or make modern websites harder to use.

Consumer.org.nz and and powerswitch.org.nz no longer support older versions of Internet Explorer.

Protecting your personal information

When you become a member you need to provide us with personal information, including your credit card details if you are a paying member.

Your personal information is protected by encryption, so it cannot be read as it is transmitted over the Internet. The encrypted data is transmitted using a secure socket layer (SSL) connection.

How to tell if a website is secure
Look for one or more of these "secure connection" indicators on your browser before providing any personal information:

• A security alert window may tell you that you are about to use a non-secure connection. Most browsers present a warning letting you choose whether to proceed or not.
• An SSL icon, usually a padlock, shows when your connection is secure.
• The web site's address changes to one that begins with "https" (check for the "s").

Your account details

When you become a member you set up a Consumer NZ account as part of the sign up process. Personal information, excluding credit card details, are transferred to a Consumer member management system using a secure transfer mechanism.

Your account details are stored securely in our membership management system and by some third party service providers on our behalf.

You can review your personal information and update it as necessary. Your personal information is only able to be accessed by entering your email address and password or by contacting Consumer NZ directly.

Credit card details
Your credit card details are not handled or stored by us. They are captured directly by a PCI DSS compliant payment provider.

Security of access

Each time you log on to your account, you will be asked to enter your email address and password to protect the security of your online account. Please keep your password confidential.

You can change your password or other member information at any time by signing in and clicking on the member icon at the top right of the page to update your My Consumer profile. Alternatively, you may contact Customer Services on 0800 266 786 or at onlineservice@consumer.org.nz.

Automatic login
When enabled via a browser, your login credentials can be saved meaning you do not have to manually login each time you visit our site from that browser.

Only use the automatic login feature on private computers to which only you have access. Never enable this feature on a publicly accessible computer.

If you suspect your password has been disclosed to a third party, or that your account has been compromised by a third party, you must change your password and inform us immediately.

Under the Consumer Terms and conditions, you are responsible for ensuring there is no unauthorised use of the site under your login.

Security enforcement

Any unauthorized access or use of any Consumer webservice or information collected and maintained by us should be immediately brought to our attention by contacting us.

We will investigate, and, if necessary, take action to halt any violation of the security of your personal information of which we become aware.

In the unlikely event that we believe the security of your personal information in our possession or control may have been compromised, we will immediately do all things necessary to contain and manage the potential breach.

Contact us

If you are concerned that this information security policy may have been breached or the security of your personal information has been compromised, please email us immediately at onlineservice@consumer.org.nz or call Customer Services on 0800 266 786.

More information about our policies for protecting your personal information can be found in our Terms and conditions and our Privacy policy.