Biometric Access Privacy Notice
Biometric access at Gallagher New Zealand
Gallagher Group Limited provides optional facial, fingerprint and hand biometric readers at some internal access points at its New Zealand headquarters. This notice explains how we handle biometric information under the Biometric Processing Privacy Code 2025.
What we collect
If you choose to enrol, Gallagher collects a scan of your face, fingerprint or hand and creates a biometric template for use by our access-control system.
Facial recognition readers may also briefly scan the faces of people who approach them, including people who are not enrolled. Fingerprint and hand readers only collect biometric information when a person deliberately places their finger or hand on the reader. The readers compare each scan with the stored biometric templates of enrolled users, where the scans and any temporary biometric data are automatically deleted within seconds and are not added to Gallagher’s biometric records.
Why we use it
We use biometric information only to provide an optional, faster and identity-based way for authorised staff to enter controlled work areas. It can reduce reliance on physical cards, prevent use of a lost or stolen card for the biometric route, and allow an enrolled employee to gain access if they have forgotten their card. We do not use biometric information for any other purpose, including attendance monitoring, performance management, disciplinary decisions, profiling, marketing or analytics.
Your choice
Biometric access is completely optional. A conventional card reader is positioned at the same access point and gives the same access. There is no disadvantage or employment consequence if you do not enroll, choose not to use the biometric reader, or withdraw your consent later. You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us. We will then delete your biometric template as soon as reasonably practicable and no later than 30 business days.
How the system works and where information is held
Enrolment is completed by an authorised Gallagher administrator using a workstation connected to Gallagher Command Centre. The template is stored in Gallagher's on-premises Command Centre database and sent only to readers for doors you are authorised to access. Matching takes place locally on the reader. Communications are carried over Gallagher's secured network and access to Command Centre is restricted and logged.
Who can access it
Access is limited to authorised Gallagher administrators who need it to manage physical access and technical support. Biometric information is stored securely in New Zealand.
How long we keep it
We keep your template only while you remain enrolled and need the relevant access. We delete it from Command Centre and relevant readers if you withdraw your consent or where you no longer work for Gallagher. Raw enrolment samples and temporary live samples are not retained after the template or match is created. Access transaction logs are kept under Gallagher's physical-security retention practices.
Your privacy rights
You may ask whether we hold biometric information about you, request access to it, ask us to correct it through re-enrolment, withdraw from biometric access, or ask us to delete your template. You contact Gallagher at Privacy@Gallagher.com with any questions or if you wish to make a complaint. While we hope we can answer any questions you might have, you also have a right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.