Hikurangi Community Website: Terms & Conditions of Use
Last updated: February 2026
By using the Hikurangi Community website (“the Website”) you agree to these Terms and Conditions. If you do not accept these Terms, please do not use the Website.
Purpose of the Website
What the Website is for
The Website is a community hub providing local news, event listings, community notices, a local business directory, volunteer opportunities, and other information and services intended to benefit the Hikurangi community. The Website is primarily non‑commercial unless a specific area is clearly designated for paid listings or advertising.
Agreement and Acceptable Use
Your Agreement
You must use the Website lawfully, respectfully, and in a way that supports community wellbeing.
You must not
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Post unlawful, defamatory, threatening, abusive, harassing, hateful, pornographic, or sexually explicit material.
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Publish content that breaches another person’s privacy or personal information.
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Upload content that infringes copyright or other intellectual property rights.
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Use the Website to send unsolicited commercial messages unless you have explicit permission.
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Attempt to interfere with the Website’s operation, security, or integrity.
These obligations reflect applicable New Zealand law, including the Privacy Act 2020, the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015, and consumer protection obligations under the Fair Trading Act 1986.
Community Code of Conduct
Purpose
The Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for behaviour when posting, commenting, or otherwise interacting on the Website. It is designed to keep the space safe, inclusive, and useful for everyone.
Core principles
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Be respectful: Treat others with courtesy. Disagree without personal attacks.
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Be truthful: Share accurate information and correct mistakes promptly.
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Be considerate: Think about how your words affect others, especially vulnerable people.
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Be lawful: Do not post content that breaks the law or encourages illegal activity.
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Be community‑minded: Prioritise local benefit and constructive contribution.
Examples
Allowed
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Sharing a local event with accurate details
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Reporting a community issue calmly and factually
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Suggesting improvements for a local service
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Asking for volunteers for a community project
Prohibited
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Posting abusive or threatening comments
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Publishing another person’s private contact details
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Uploading copyrighted photos without permission
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Repeated spam or unsolicited commercial posts
Moderation expectations
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Moderators may edit, hide, or remove posts that breach this Code.
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Repeated or serious breaches may lead to suspension or permanent removal of posting privileges.
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Users may be asked to correct or retract content that is inaccurate or harmful.
User‑Submitted Content
Ownership and licence
You retain ownership of content you submit. By submitting content you grant the Website a non‑exclusive, royalty‑free, worldwide licence to use, reproduce, modify, publish, and display that content on the Website and in related community communications.
Warranties
By submitting content you warrant that you have the right to submit it and that it does not breach any law or third‑party right.
Removal and takedown
The Website may remove or refuse content that breaches these Terms, the Code of Conduct, or applicable law. For copyright complaints, follow the takedown procedure in these Terms.
Privacy and Harmful Digital Communications
Privacy
The Website collects only the personal information necessary to provide community services (for example, contact details for event organisers). Collection, storage, use, and disclosure of personal information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. Individuals may request access to or correction of their personal information by contacting the address in the Contact section.
Email and newsletters
If you sign up for newsletters or email updates, the Website will clearly state what types of messages you will receive and provide an easy way to opt out.
Harmful digital communications
The Website prohibits cyberbullying, harassment, threats, and other harmful digital communications. Content that may breach the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 will be removed and may be referred to the appropriate authorities.
Moderation, Enforcement and Complaints
Moderation
The Website operates moderation to enforce these Terms and the Code of Conduct. Moderation actions may include editing, hiding, removing content, issuing warnings, and suspending or terminating accounts.
Complaint process
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How to complain: Send a clear description of the issue, links or screenshots, and your contact details to the contact address below.
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Response: The Website will acknowledge receipt and aim to investigate and respond promptly.
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Escalation: If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may request a review or seek independent advice.
Copyright takedown
Provide identification of the copyrighted work, the allegedly infringing material, your contact details, and a statement that you have a good faith belief the use is not authorised. The Website will respond and, where appropriate, remove or disable access to the material.
Accuracy, Disclaimers and Liability
Accuracy
Content on the Website is provided for general community information. While the Website aims to keep information accurate and up to date, it does not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or timeliness.
No professional advice
Information on the Website is not legal, medical, financial, or professional advice. Users should obtain independent advice before acting on information that could have legal or financial consequences.
Limitation of liability
To the extent permitted by New Zealand law, the Website and its operators exclude liability for loss or damage arising from use of the Website. Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude or limit rights that cannot be excluded under New Zealand law.
Changes to the Website and These Terms
The Website may modify features, content, or these Terms at any time. Updated Terms will be published on the Website with a “last updated” date. Continued use after changes indicates acceptance of the updated Terms.
Contact and Governing Law
Contact
Email: website@hikurangi.co.nz
Postal: 24 King Street, Hikurangi 0114
Governing law
These Terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand. Disputes arising from these Terms or use of the Website are subject to the jurisdiction of New Zealand courts.
