PRIVACY POLICY
Effective Date: 1st July 2026
1. Introduction
Manukau Veterinary Referral Centre is committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose and protect personal information relating to our clients and patients.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect:
We collect information to:
Information may be collected:
Information may be shared where necessary for your animal's care, where authorised by you, or where required by law.
This may include:
6. Clinical Records and Images
Clinical records may include consultation notes, anaesthetic records, surgery reports, pathology reports, radiographs, photographs and correspondence.
During the course of diagnosis and treatment, we may create photographs, videos, radiographs and other images of your animal.
These images may be used for:
Clients may opt out of the use of their animal's images for marketing and social media purposes by advising the clinic at any time.
Copies of records may be provided on request and transferred to another veterinary practice at your written request.
7. Storage and Security
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from unauthorised access, loss, misuse, disclosure, alteration or destruction.
Information may be stored electronically, in secure cloud-based systems and in physical records where appropriate.
Access is restricted to authorised personnel.
8. CCTV
CCTV surveillance may operate within parts of our premises for safety, security and incident investigation purposes.
Footage may be retained and disclosed where required by law.
9. Website and Electronic Communications
Our website may collect technical information such as IP addresses, browser type and website usage information.
Email and electronic communications are not guaranteed to be completely secure. By communicating electronically, you acknowledge the inherent risks associated with electronic communication.
10. Access and Correction
You have the right to request access to personal information we hold about you and to request correction of inaccurate information.
Requests may be made by contacting:
[email protected]
We will respond in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.
11. Privacy Breaches
Where a privacy breach is likely to cause serious harm, we will respond in accordance with our obligations under the Privacy Act 2020.
12. Retention of Information
Information is retained for as long as reasonably necessary to provide veterinary services, maintain clinical records, meet legal obligations, resolve disputes and enforce agreements.
13. Contact Us
Manukau Veterinary Referral Centre
Phone: 09 390 0244
Email: [email protected]
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
14. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The current version will always be available on our website.
Effective Date: 1st July 2026
1. Introduction
Manukau Veterinary Referral Centre is committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose and protect personal information relating to our clients and patients.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone numbers
- Email addresses
- Billing and payment information
- Emergency contact information
- Insurance details
- Information provided during consultations and communications
- Identification details
- Clinical history
- Diagnostic results
- Radiographs and medical images
- Treatment records
- Referral information
We collect information to:
- Provide veterinary services
- Diagnose and treat your animal
- Communicate regarding appointments and treatment
- Process payments and manage accounts
- Liaise with veterinarians and specialists
- Arrange laboratory and diagnostic services
- Process insurance claims where authorised
- Meet legal and professional obligations
- Improve our services
Information may be collected:
- Directly from you
- From referring veterinarians
- From emergency veterinary providers
- From laboratories and diagnostic providers
- From insurers where authorised
- Through our website, email, telephone and clinic interactions
Information may be shared where necessary for your animal's care, where authorised by you, or where required by law.
This may include:
- Referring veterinarians
- Manukau After Hours Veterinary Clinic
- Veterinary specialists and consultants
- Diagnostic laboratories and imaging providers
- Pet insurance companies with your authority
- Professional advisers
- Regulatory authorities
- Debt collection agencies where accounts remain unpaid
6. Clinical Records and Images
Clinical records may include consultation notes, anaesthetic records, surgery reports, pathology reports, radiographs, photographs and correspondence.
During the course of diagnosis and treatment, we may create photographs, videos, radiographs and other images of your animal.
These images may be used for:
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Communication with referring veterinarians and specialists
- Medical record keeping
- Staff training and continuing education
- Quality assurance activities
- Professional presentations and publications
- Practice marketing, website content and social media
Clients may opt out of the use of their animal's images for marketing and social media purposes by advising the clinic at any time.
Copies of records may be provided on request and transferred to another veterinary practice at your written request.
7. Storage and Security
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from unauthorised access, loss, misuse, disclosure, alteration or destruction.
Information may be stored electronically, in secure cloud-based systems and in physical records where appropriate.
Access is restricted to authorised personnel.
8. CCTV
CCTV surveillance may operate within parts of our premises for safety, security and incident investigation purposes.
Footage may be retained and disclosed where required by law.
9. Website and Electronic Communications
Our website may collect technical information such as IP addresses, browser type and website usage information.
Email and electronic communications are not guaranteed to be completely secure. By communicating electronically, you acknowledge the inherent risks associated with electronic communication.
10. Access and Correction
You have the right to request access to personal information we hold about you and to request correction of inaccurate information.
Requests may be made by contacting:
[email protected]
We will respond in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.
11. Privacy Breaches
Where a privacy breach is likely to cause serious harm, we will respond in accordance with our obligations under the Privacy Act 2020.
12. Retention of Information
Information is retained for as long as reasonably necessary to provide veterinary services, maintain clinical records, meet legal obligations, resolve disputes and enforce agreements.
13. Contact Us
Manukau Veterinary Referral Centre
Phone: 09 390 0244
Email: [email protected]
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
14. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The current version will always be available on our website.