NZCU Baywide Accepts “Severe” Privacy Censure

NZCU Baywide Accepts “Severe” Privacy Censure

NZCU Baywide says that once it was found to have committed a breach of a former staff member’s privacy, it had attempted to resolve the matter. This was well ahead of the Human Rights Review Tribunal hearing.

Baywide accepts the Orders and remedies handed out by the Tribunal in its Decision released today.

In a joint statement Baywide Chairman Iain Taylor and CEO Gavin Earle say that the censure and remedies for its actions taken almost three years ago are “severe” but accepted, and will hopefully draw a line under the matter.

“Baywide is genuinely sorry these breaches occurred and for the hurt, humiliation and distress caused, which is highlighted in the Decision of Tribunal. Errors of judgement were made, and these are sincerely regretted.

“Unfortunately nothing we can say or do can alter the mistakes made in the past, and the hurt caused to Miss Hammond. We accept unreservedly the decision of the Human Rights Review Tribunal. We made mistakes; and we accept the remedies.

At the Tribunal hearing, Mr Earle agreed with the assertion of the Chairman of the Tribunal that the response to the message on the cake was less than judicious in terms of the privacy policies Baywide had at the time.

“In simple terms, considerable offense was taken at what was expressed on the cake as a judgement of the organisation and its people; people were upset and angry and acted in a manner that was not well-thought through or responsible. This in no way excuses the privacy breaches that followed, which is reinforced in the Tribunal’s decision.

Mr Taylor and Mr Earle say they are confident that with all the remedial actions taken after the breaches, there will be no further issues of a similar nature.

“Aside from the financial penalties, we accept unreservedly the Orders intended to ensure Baywide does not repeat such breaches in the future. These relate to retractions of earlier communications and training recommendations, in conjunction with the Privacy Commissioner, with respect of our obligations under the Privacy Act.

“Two years ago we took additional steps developing and implementing a solid and mandatory privacy training system, part of which ensures annual review by all staff. We will be talking with the Privacy Commissioner regarding training and be implementing any changes as recommended”.

NZCU Baywide is proud to be a credit union and not a registered bank Baywide says the mistakes made by a few individuals do not alter the fact its staff are “good people, who do great work and are proud of where they work”.

ENDS

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