Privacy Policy
Last updated: 14 June 2026
RootyToot (rootytoot.app) is a sustainability social network for growers, food-resilience communities, and people building regenerative kai systems across Aotearoa New Zealand. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect on RootyToot, how we use it, and your choices.
RootyToot is operated by Vector Group Charitable Trust (registration CC45966) and built by Te Puke Digital. We handle personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand).
Our charity also publishes a wider VGCT privacy policy. Use this page for RootyToot specifically.
Information we collect
When you use RootyToot we may collect:
- Account details — name, username, email address, phone number (if you provide it), password hash, profile photo, cover image, bio, and account settings.
- Content you post — posts, comments, reactions, photos, videos, events, course listings, group memberships, messages, and other material you choose to share on the network.
- Community activity — friend/follow connections, invitations, RSVPs, notifications, and moderation records where applicable.
- Technical data — IP address, browser type, device information, session identifiers, and pages or features you use, collected through hosting logs and cookies needed to keep you signed in.
- Communications — if you contact us directly, we receive the content of your message and any details you choose to provide.
How we use your information
We use personal information to:
- Provide, operate, and secure the RootyToot social network.
- Display your profile, posts, and community content to other members according to your privacy settings.
- Run groups, events, courses, and messaging features you choose to use.
- Send service-related notices (for example account, security, or event reminders).
- Improve the platform, fix errors, and understand how features are used (often in aggregate).
- Prevent spam, abuse, and fraud, and enforce our Terms of Use.
- Publish or update selected public listings on connected VGCT programme sites (for example free course or workshop listings that link back to RootyToot) when programme staff sync content you have made public on the network.
We do not sell your personal information.
Public and shared content
RootyToot is a social network. Information you post publicly — or share in open groups, events, or profiles — may be visible to other members and, in some cases, to visitors who are not signed in. Check your privacy settings before posting personal details, exact locations, or photos of others.
Cookies and sign-in
We use session cookies and similar technologies so you can stay signed in and use protected features securely. You can block cookies in your browser, but parts of RootyToot may not work without them.
If we enable analytics or optional third-party sign-in in future, we will update this policy and describe those tools here.
Service providers
We use trusted providers to run RootyToot, including hosting, file storage, email delivery, and platform software (Sngine). These providers process data on our behalf and are required to protect it. Connected programme sites in the VGCT network (such as Food Resilience School NZ and Kai Resilience) may display public listings that link back to content you publish on RootyToot when staff sync programme material.
Storage and security
We take reasonable steps to protect personal information on managed, access-controlled infrastructure. No online service can be guaranteed completely secure, but we work to prevent loss, misuse, and unauthorised access.
How long we keep information
We keep account and content data while your account is active and for a reasonable period afterwards so we can operate the service, meet legal obligations, and resolve disputes. You may request deletion of your account — see Your rights below.
Children and young people
RootyToot is intended for people aged 16 and over. If you are under 16, use the network only with a parent, caregiver, or school coordinator's knowledge and consent. Contact us if you believe a young person has provided information without appropriate consent and we will take prompt steps to remove it.
Your rights
Under the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand), you may request access to or correction of personal information we hold about you. You may also ask us to delete your account and associated personal data, subject to legal or operational requirements (for example keeping minimal records of abuse reports).
To make a request, contact us using the details below. We will respond within a reasonable time.
Links to other sites
RootyToot links to other websites and programme hubs across the VGCT network. Those sites have their own privacy policies; we are not responsible for their practices.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The current version will always be on this page with an updated date. Continued use of RootyToot after changes are posted means you accept the revised policy.
Contact us about privacy
Vector Group Charitable Trust
36 Clydesburn Avenue, Te Puke 3119, New Zealand
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0274 144 280
Web: vectorgroup.org.nz/contact
This policy is general information, not legal advice.
