Watchdog calms privacy fears

The Privacy Commissioner says people are under no compulsion to fill out a New Zealand Post survey called "An Opportunity to Win" after a number of people complained about it.

The nationwide household survey asks for detailed personal information about individuals, their families and their households.

"Some people contacting us are confused about whether they must complete the survey because it comes from New Zealand Post," said Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff.

People were under no compulsion to fill in the survey, or could choose to complete it in part, she said.

NZ Post Postal Services Group chief executive Peter Fenton said people were free to choose whether to take part in the survey and how many of the questions they answered.

"We are aware that some people are uncertain as to whether they have to fill out the form and so we want to reassure people that the survey is entirely voluntary."

The survey gave consumers more say in the marketing material they receive by mail, he said. Businesses can target potential customers by renting a list of names and addresses.

It is the first time such a survey has been carried out in New Zealand. NZ Post conducted a trial survey of 60,000 households last year.

Mr Fenton said NZ Post had taken steps to make sure that the survey complied with privacy requirements.

- NZPA