Privacy Policy

At The Bat Co Lab, your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.

By using our website (https://www.thebatcolab.co.nz), participating in our programmes, or interacting with us, you agree to the terms of this policy.

1. Who We Are

The Bat Co Lab is a New Zealand-based organisation supporting bat conservation through two core streams:

  • Consultancy services (e.g. acoustic data analysis, environmental assessments)

  • Public engagement (e.g. National Bat Survey, educational resources, detector purchase programmes)

We also partner with organisations that support our work, including The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), who provide access to survey data tools and booking systems for National Bat Survey participants.

2. What Information We Collect

We may collect the following personal information:

  • Name and contact details (e.g. email, phone number)

  • Postal or delivery address (e.g. for detectors)

  • Organisation or affiliation (e.g. council, school)

  • Survey participation details

  • Website activity (via cookies or analytics tools)

  • Payment information (if applicable, handled securely via third-party processors)

We collect this information when you:

  • Fill out a contact or registration form

  • Sign up to our email list

  • Join a project or take part in a survey

  • Purchase a product or service

  • Visit our website

3. Why We Collect Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Communicate with you about projects, resources, and events

  • Deliver services such as equipment purchases or consultancy work

  • Track and manage participation in surveys

  • Improve our website and user experience

  • Send newsletters, updates, and promotional content (you can opt out anytime)

4. Working with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)

As part of our citizen science efforts, we work closely with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) to provide:

  • Access to survey booking platforms

  • Tools for uploading and reviewing data insights

When you interact with the BTO's platforms (including any apps or web tools):

  • Your personal data may be collected and processed directly by BTO

  • Their privacy policies and user terms will apply, not ours

  • We encourage you to read their Privacy Policy and Terms of Use when using those services

We do not control how BTO collects, uses, or stores your information.

5. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share your information with:

  • Trusted collaborators and project partners, where necessary for programme delivery (e.g. shipping equipment, supporting regional surveys)

  • Third-party services (e.g. email platforms, payment gateways) who help us operate the website and communicate with you

  • Authorities or regulators, where legally required

All service providers are required to protect your information in accordance with New Zealand privacy standards.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you

  • Request correction of any errors

  • Ask for your data to be deleted (where possible)

To make a request, please contact us at: hello@thebatcolab.co.nz

7. Cookies & Website Tracking

We may use cookies and analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to track how visitors use our website. This helps us improve functionality and content.

You can disable cookies in your browser settings if you prefer.

8. Data Storage and Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, or unauthorised access. This includes using secure platforms, limiting access to authorised personnel, and maintaining strong data handling practices.

9. External Links

Our website may contain links to external sites or partner platforms. We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of those websites. This includes any tools provided by third parties such as the BTO.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted on our website with the date of last update.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or how your information is handled, please contact:

The Bat Co Lab
Email: hello@thebatcolab.co.nz
Website: https://www.thebatcolab.co.nz