13 July 2009

Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff said today that she had received approaches from members of the public worried about a nationwide household survey, entitled 'An Opportunity to Win,' being run by New Zealand Post.

'Some people contacting us are confused about whether they must complete the survey because it comes from New Zealand Post,' Ms Shroff said. 'People should be aware that they are under no compulsion to fill in the survey, or they can choose to complete it in part.'

The survey asks for detailed personal information about individuals, their families and their households.

'Some people will of course wish to participate in the survey and that is their personal choice. Others may prefer not to participate - again that is their choice,' said Ms Shroff. 'The important thing is for people to be clear about the commercial purposes of the survey, which is to collect their personal details and preferences. Contact details will then be passed to businesses and marketers both here and overseas.'

Ms Shroff noted that if anyone who had completed and returned the survey wanted their details deleted from the survey database they could do so by emailing survey@nzpost.co.nz or writing to New Zealand Post. New Zealand Post has advised that the information will be held securely.

If anyone has concerns about the survey they can contact the Privacy Commissioner on 0800 803 909, or New Zealand Post on 0800 501 501.

ENDS

For further information contact: Annabel Fordham 021 509 735 or 04 474 7598.