What personal information we collect
Depending on your circumstances, we may collect:
- your name and contact details
- information identifying any instrument or record of title relevant to your application
- evidence supporting your application, such as court orders, statutory declarations, employer or police statements, or other supporting documentation
- information relating to risks to your personal safety or the safety of your family.
This information may be provided by you, or your legal representative or other authorised person acting on your behalf.
Why we collect your information
We collect your personal information to assess your application, confirm your identity, establish your connection to the relevant land record, and determine whether the legal requirements for withholding information have been met.
Is collection authorised or required by law?
We are authorised to collect this information under the Land Transfer Act 2017 and the Family Violence Act 2018.
Is providing information mandatory?
Providing the information requested in your application is voluntary. However, if you do not provide sufficient information or supporting evidence, we may be unable to assess or approve your application.
How we collect your personal information
We usually collect personal information directly from you when you apply to have information withheld from the register. In some circumstances, we may collect the information from a person you authorise to act on your behalf, such as your solicitor or legal representative.
Who receives your information
We will only share your personal information where authorised or required by law, including with:
- employees and contractors who need the information to administer the application
- law enforcement agencies or other government agencies where permitted by law
- courts, tribunals, or regulatory bodies where required
- your authorised representative.
If a withholding application is accepted, the information you have asked us to withhold will no longer be available via LINZ’s search services. There are some limited exceptions for disclosure under the Land Transfer Act 2017 and the Family Violence Act 2018.
LINZ also provides access to property data, including land ownership information and street addresses, via LINZ Data Service (LDS) and licensed users may download that information and use it in their own products and services. If a withholding application is accepted, we will remove the withheld information from the LDS. LINZ also requires licensed users to update their downloads to remove withheld information. However, your information may continue to appear in products or services provided by licensed users in the interim, until they update their data from LDS.
How we protect your information
We assess systems and platforms that store, process or host personal information and require reasonable safeguards against loss, misuse and unauthorised access, use, modification or disclosure.
Access is designed to be restricted to authorised people who need the information for a lawful work purpose.
Your rights to access and correct your personal information
Under the Privacy Act, you have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you and to request correction of that information if you believe it is inaccurate.
Where we do not agree to make a requested correction, you may ask that a statement of correction be attached to the information to record that you have requested the correction. We will respond to requests for access to, or correction of, personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act and any other applicable legal requirements.
To request access or correction of your personal information, please contact us using the email below. We must respond to you as soon as is reasonably practicable and no later than 20 working days after the day we received your request, unless an extension is required. We may ask you to provide proof of your identity before processing your request to ensure we protect your privacy and the security of your information.
Contact us
If you have questions about this privacy statement or how your personal information is handled, please contact hiddentitles@linz.govt.nz.