New Zealand: Adopted OPC Guidance on privacy responsibilities under Privacy Act 2020

On 1 December 2020, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) in New Zealand published guidance on handling personal information under the Privacy Act. This guidance outlines the responsibilities of agencies in collecting, holding, using, and disclosing personal information. It emphasises the importance of adhering to the 13 information privacy principles defined in the Act, which apply across various sectors, including government departments, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Additionally, the guidance addresses the role of privacy officers within agencies, ensuring they are well-informed about privacy obligations. According to the OPC, This initiative aims to enhance data protection practices across all sectors, reinforcing the protection of individuals' personal information.