Disclaimer

1. Data Sources and Accuracy

CharityData NZ aggregates information from publicly available sources, primarily:

• The New Zealand Charities Register maintained by Charities Services (Department of Internal Affairs)
• Charity annual returns and financial statements
• Other publicly disclosed information

This data may contain errors, omissions, or be outdated. Charities may have updated their information since our last data refresh. Financial figures may be subject to rounding, categorisation differences, or reporting variations between charities.

We do not independently verify the accuracy of information submitted by charities to the Charities Register. If you identify any inaccuracies, please contact us so we can investigate.

2. Ratings and Analysis

Our charity ratings and analysis represent our independent opinions based on our proprietary methodology applied to available data. These ratings:

• Are opinions and assessments, not statements of fact
• Are based on publicly available information that may be incomplete
• Should not be the sole basis for any donation decision
• Do not indicate endorsement or condemnation of any charity
• May change as new information becomes available or our methodology evolves

A low rating does not necessarily mean a charity is ineffective or untrustworthy. Similarly, a high rating does not guarantee that a charity is right for your particular giving goals. Ratings reflect our analysis of specific metrics and may not capture all aspects of a charity's work or impact.

3. Red Flags and Governance Concerns

When we identify "red flags" or governance concerns, these are observations based on our analysis of available data patterns. They indicate areas that may warrant further investigation but do not constitute allegations of wrongdoing.

Red flags may have reasonable explanations. For example:

• High reserves may be appropriate for charities planning major projects
• Unusual financial patterns may reflect legitimate organisational changes
• Governance structures may be appropriate for specific charity types

We encourage users to contact charities directly if they have questions about any concerns identified on our platform.

4. Not Professional Advice

Nothing on this website constitutes professional advice of any kind, including but not limited to financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. The information is provided for general educational and informational purposes only.

Before making any decisions about charitable donations, particularly significant ones, you should:

• Conduct your own research and due diligence
• Verify information directly with the charity and official sources
• Consult with qualified professionals as appropriate
• Consider your own financial circumstances and giving goals

5. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by New Zealand law:

• CharityData NZ, its operators, directors, employees, and affiliates exclude all liability for any loss or damage arising from your use of, or reliance on, information on this website
• We shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or exemplary damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or goodwill
• We do not warrant that the website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components

Nothing in this disclaimer excludes or limits liability that cannot be excluded or limited under New Zealand law, including liability under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 where applicable.

6. Fair Comment and Honest Opinion

All ratings, assessments, and commentary on this website constitute our honest opinions based on facts as we understand them from publicly available sources. We exercise good faith in our analysis and do not act with malice toward any charity or individual.

Under the New Zealand Defamation Act 1992, we rely on the defences of honest opinion and qualified privilege. Our analysis is provided in the public interest to help New Zealanders make informed decisions about charitable giving.

7. Charity's Right to Respond

We welcome feedback from charities featured on our platform. If you represent a charity and believe any information is inaccurate or wish to provide additional context:

• Please contact us with specific details of the concern
• Provide supporting documentation where possible
• We will review and update information where appropriate

We are committed to presenting accurate information and will make reasonable efforts to correct verified errors promptly.

8. No Affiliation

CharityData NZ is an independent platform. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to:

• Charities Services or the Department of Internal Affairs
• Any charity featured on this platform
• Any government agency or regulatory body

9. Updates and Changes

We may update our data, ratings, and analysis at any time without notice. Historical information may be retained for reference purposes. The absence of updated information should not be interpreted as confirmation that previous information remains current.

10. Reporting Concerns

If you have concerns about a charity's conduct, you may also wish to contact:

• Charities Services: The official regulator of New Zealand charities
  Website: charities.govt.nz
• Serious Fraud Office: For suspected fraud or serious financial misconduct
  Website: sfo.govt.nz

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this disclaimer, wish to report an error, or believe any information requires correction, please contact us at:

Email: info@charitydata.co.nz

We aim to respond to all enquiries within a reasonable timeframe.