Privacy Policy

This notice describes the privacy policy (“Privacy Policy” or “Policy”) of MelloHello mobile application, as available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store (hereinafter referred to as the “App”) which is owned and operated by:

Company Name: Mellohello Limited
Company Number: 9330830
Registered Office: Suite 14980, 17B Farnham Street, Parnell, Auckland 1052, New Zealand

At Mellohello Limited, we care about your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect through the MelloHello App, how we use it, who we may share it with, and what choices you have regarding your data.

Whether you're here to meet like-minded people, join communities, attend events, or promote your business, this Policy applies to all users - including personal users and business users - who access or use any feature of the MelloHello App. We want to be transparent about how your information is handled and give you control over your data.

We encourage you to read this Policy carefully before using the App. If you don’t agree with how we collect or use your information, you should not use the App.

This Privacy Policy forms part of our broader terms and conditions, including the Terms of Use and Business Terms of Service. By using the MelloHello App, you agree to the practices described in this Policy. If you have any questions, you can always reach us at info@mellohello.co.nz.

Information We Collect

When you use the MelloHello App, we collect different types of information to help you connect with others, manage your account, and improve your experience on the platform. The information we collect may include the following:

Personal Information: Name, email, profile photo, date of birth, and profile details you voluntarily provide.
Business Information: Business name, description, contact details, website or social links, promotional content.
User-Generated Content: Messages, community posts, event details, business listings, media uploads.
Usage Data: Interaction with the App, features used, communities joined, messages sent, activity timing.
Device and Technical Data: Device type, OS, IP address, browser type, language settings, mobile identifiers.
Location Data: With permission, location to help find nearby communities, events, or businesses.
Communication Preferences: Notification and message preferences.
App Permissions: Access to camera, gallery, location, notifications (optional and can be managed anytime).

Lawful Basis for Processing Personal Information

Consent: Some processing is based on your consent (location, optional profile info, marketing messages).
Contractual Necessity: Processing necessary to provide App services (account setup, connecting with others, business features).
Legitimate Interests: Improve and secure the App, communicate important updates.
Legal Obligation: When required by law, court order, or government authority.
Protection of Vital Interests: Rarely, to protect someone’s safety or prevent serious harm.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to operate, improve, and personalise your experience on the MelloHello App. This includes:

To create and manage your account: We use your information to register you as a user, set up your profile, manage your login, and provide access to features such as messaging, community participation, and business tools.
To connect you with others: We use your profile information, interests, and location (if enabled) to help you find and connect with people, events, and communities that are relevant to you.
To support business features: If you’re a business user, we use your business details to display your business page, promote your services within the App, and enable communication with potential customers.
To provide customer support: We may use your contact details and activity information to respond to your questions, help with technical issues, or investigate reports of inappropriate behavior or content.
To personalise your experience: We may use your interactions and preferences to show you more relevant content, communities, and recommendations within the App.
To improve the App: We use usage data and feedback to understand how users engage with the App and to make updates, fix bugs, and improve functionality and user experience.
To send service-related communications: We may contact you to confirm changes to your account, notify you about security issues, or share updates about features you use. These messages are essential and not promotional in nature.
To send marketing messages: We may send you news, offers, or updates about new features, events, or business tools available through the App. You can opt out at any time.
To ensure safety and legal compliance: We may use your information to detect, prevent, or respond to misuse of the App, fraud, violations of our Terms, or potential legal risks.

Information Retention and Deletion

Retention of Active Accounts: If your account is active, we retain your information so that you can continue to use the App without interruption. This includes your profile, messages, posts, business listings, and usage data.
Retention After Account Closure: If you choose to delete your account, we will remove your profile and personal information from public view. However, some data may still be retained securely for a limited period if required by law or for legitimate business purposes, such as resolving disputes, preventing fraud, maintaining security, or keeping financial records.
Business Content and Listings: If you are a business user and delete your business page or close your account, your business content will be removed from public visibility. However, certain information (such as service history, promotions, or communications with users) may be retained where necessary for platform integrity, audit purposes, or to comply with legal requirements.
Soft Deletion and Internal Restrictions: In some cases, deleted data may still exist in our systems temporarily as part of internal backups or soft-deletion processes but is no longer actively accessible through the App.
Your Right to Request Deletion: You can request deletion of your account or specific data at any time by contacting info@mellohello.co.nz. We will process your request in line with our legal obligations and confirm once it is complete.

Information Sharing

With Other Users of the App: Your name, profile photo, and any content you choose to share (such as posts, messages, business listings, or event details) may be visible to other users depending on your activity and privacy settings. Business pages and promotional content will be publicly available to help you reach your audience.
With Our Service Providers: We work with trusted third-party service providers who help us deliver, maintain, and improve the App – such as cloud hosting providers, analytics tools, customer support platforms, and payment processors. These providers only receive the information necessary to perform their services and are contractually required to protect your data.
With Legal or Government Authorities: We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government request, or if we believe it is necessary to prevent harm, fraud, illegal activity, or to protect the safety of our users and the integrity of our platform.
In a Business Transfer: If Mellohello Limited is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or part of our business, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you (where possible) before any such change affects your data.
With Your Consent: In any situation not covered above, we will only share your information with your explicit consent.

Storage and Security of Information

Data Storage Location: Your information may be stored in New Zealand or on secure servers located in other countries, depending on the infrastructure used by our service providers. Regardless of location, your data is handled in accordance with this Privacy Policy with appropriate safeguards in place.
Security Measures: We use technical and organizational measures to protect your information from loss, misuse, unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. This includes encryption, access controls, secure hosting, and regular monitoring.
Limiting Access: Only authorized staff and service providers who need access to your information to perform their duties can view it. All such parties are bound by confidentiality and data protection obligations.
Your Responsibility: You are responsible for keeping your account login details confidential and logging out when using shared devices. Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access.
Security Incidents: In the unlikely event of a data breach that may impact your rights or freedoms, we will notify you and the relevant authorities as required by law.

Links to Other Sites

The MelloHello App may contain links to third-party websites, services, or platforms that are not owned or controlled by us. These links are provided for your convenience, such as for accessing external booking tools, social media pages, or business websites. However, we are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of those external sites. Once you leave the MelloHello App, any information you provide to a third party is governed by their own privacy policy, not ours. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any external sites before sharing your personal information with them.

Your Rights under Privacy Act 2020

Right to Access Your Information: You can request what personal information we hold about you and a copy of it. We will respond within 20 working days.
Right to Request Corrections: You can request corrections if information is wrong, outdated, or incomplete. If we disagree, we will note your request on file.
Right to Be Informed: You have the right to know what information we collect, why, how we use it, and who we share it with.
Right to Security: Expect that we will keep your information secure and protected from misuse or unauthorized access.
Right to Complain: If you believe we have breached your privacy, contact us at info@mellohello.co.nz or the Office of the Privacy Commissioner at www.privacy.org.nz.
Right to Be Notified of Serious Breaches: If a serious data breach occurs, we will notify you and the Privacy Commissioner as required by law.

Responding to Legal Requests

We may access, preserve, or disclose your personal information if necessary to comply with legal obligations, enforce our terms and policies, respond to valid legal processes, or protect the rights, property, or safety of Mellohello Limited, our users, or others. This includes suspected fraud, unlawful activity, or threats to public safety. We will assess the legitimacy of requests and may notify you before disclosure when appropriate.

Children Privacy

The MelloHello App is not intended for anyone under 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. All users must confirm they are at least 18 years old during registration. If we discover personal information from a user under 18, we will delete the account and data promptly. Parents or guardians with concerns should contact info@mellohello.co.nz.

Opting Out

Marketing and Promotional Messages: Every marketing email includes an unsubscribe link. You can also update communication preferences via your account or by contacting info@mellohello.co.nz. Essential service messages may still be sent.
In-App Notifications: Control notifications via the App or device settings.
Location Services: You can withdraw location permissions at any time. Disabling location may affect certain App features.
Withdrawal of Consent: You can withdraw consent for optional features or communications at any time. This does not affect the lawfulness of processing prior to withdrawal.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

This Privacy Policy is governed by New Zealand law. Concerns should first be directed to info@mellohello.co.nz. If unresolved, complaints can be made to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner at www.privacy.org.nz. Legal disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Questions or Concerns about this Privacy Policy

Contact our Grievance Officer/Designated Representative:

Name: Andrew Elliot
Email: info@mellohello.co.nz
Postal: Suite 14980, 17B Farnham Street, Parnell, Auckland 1052, New Zealand

Updates to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in practices, legal requirements, or improvements. Continued use after updates indicates acceptance. If you do not agree, stop using the App and you may request account deletion.

Welcoming of Suggestions

We welcome comments regarding this Privacy Policy. Please write to us at info@mellohello.co.nz.

Last updated on April 20, 2025