This Privacy Policy explains how Aroha Funerals (Janet Mikkelsen Ltd) collects, uses, and protects personal information in line with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020. It outlines what information we hold, why we hold it, how it’s shared, and how people can access or correct their details.

Who we are

• Aroha Funerals provides funeral and related services throughout Auckland.
• Business name: Janet Mikkelsen Ltd
• Trading name: Aroha Funerals Addresses: 7C Bassant Avenue, Penrose | 23 Tironui Road, Takanini, Auckland
• Website: www.arohafunerals.co.nz
• Privacy Officer: Shelley Vogel Email: shelley@arohafunerals.co.nz

The information we collect

We collect and hold personal information needed to provide our services and meet our legal obligations. This may include:

• Contact details such as names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses
• Details about the deceased (name, date of birth and death, next of kin, funeral preferences)
• Payment and billing information Health-related or cause-of-death details where relevant
• Cultural or religious information (e.g. faith, iwi, customs)
• Photos, videos and livestream recordings of services (where families request these)
• Messages or information provided through our website contact forms or online memorials
• Employment or job-applicant information for our staff.

We collect this information so we can care for your family properly and meet our legal requirements — for example, registering a death and preparing the necessary documents under New Zealand law.

How we collect information

We usually collect personal information directly from families, next of kin, or their representatives. We may also receive information from: Hospitals, hospices, or coroners Cemeteries, celebrants, florists and other service providers involved in a funeral Online forms or communications through our website.

We collect only the information necessary to provide our services in a caring, lawful and respectful way.

How we use and share information

We use personal information to:

• Arrange and provide funeral and related services 
• Prepare legal and administrative documents (such as death certificate and cremation paperwork) 
• Communicate with families and suppliers 
• Livestream or share funeral content, with family consent 
• Manage accounts and payments 
• Comply with our legal and professional obligations 
• Administer staff and employment matters 
• Publish obituaries or notices, when the family requests it

We may share relevant information with trusted third parties such as celebrants, florists, caterers, cemeteries, crematoria, printing or livestreaming providers, and others directly involved in arranging or supporting a service. We only share the minimum information necessary for them to carry out their role, and only where those people or services have been chosen or approved by the family. There should be no surprises — we share information carefully, respectfully, and only in line with your wishes.

As part of our ongoing care and commitment to supporting families after the funeral, we may also share limited contact information with The Grief Centre so they can offer you follow-up support. You are always welcome to let us know if you do not wish us to do this.

All third-party providers are required to protect personal information and use it only for the agreed purpose.

Livestreaming and recordings

If a family requests a funeral livestream or recording, we engage a trusted third-party provider to manage this. We obtain consent from the family before any livestreaming or recording takes place, and we make every effort to ensure the process respects the wishes and privacy of those attending.

Storage, security and retention

We store information both electronically and in paper form. Electronic records are held securely in OneDrive, hosted in New Zealand. We apply reasonable technical and organisational safeguards to protect against loss, misuse or unauthorised access.
We retain personal information for seven years from the date of service, unless we are required by law to keep it longer. After that, it is securely deleted or destroyed.

Overseas disclosure

Aroha Funerals does not store or disclose personal information outside New Zealand. If this ever changes, we will ensure any overseas partner provides privacy protections that meet or exceed New Zealand’s legal standards.

Website and cookies

Our website may use cookies or analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use our site. This information is collected in a way that does not identify you personally. You can choose to disable cookies through your browser if you prefer.

Accessing or correcting your information

You have the right to request access to any personal information we hold about you and to ask for corrections if it’s wrong or incomplete. Please contact our Privacy Officer, Shelley Vogel, by email at shelley@arohafunerals.co.nz. We will respond within 20 working days, as required under the Privacy Act 2020.

Questions or concerns

If you have any concerns about how your information has been handled, please contact us first — we are committed to resolving issues quickly and respectfully. If you’re not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner: www.privacy.org.nz