Last updated: 14 July 2026
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies and similar technologies are, how PlayIslands Ltd ("we", "us", "our") uses them on playislands.nz, and how you can manage your preferences. It should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which describes how we handle personal information more broadly under the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.
1. What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, tablet or smartphone when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, remember your preferences and provide information to site owners.
Similar technologies include local storage and session storage, which store data in your browser without using traditional cookie files. We use local storage for your shopping basket and cookie consent choice. Pixel tags and similar tools may be used by third-party services embedded on our site.
Cookies can be:
- Session cookies — deleted when you close your browser
- Persistent cookies — remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them
- First-party — set by playislands.nz directly
- Third-party — set by external services we use (e.g. embedded maps or payment providers)
2. How we use cookies and local storage
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Keep the website functioning correctly and securely
- Remember your cookie consent choice so we do not ask you on every page
- Store items in your shopping basket between visits
- Understand how visitors use our site so we can improve content and navigation (only with your consent)
- Measure whether our editorial content and book recommendations are useful to NZ readers
We do not use cookies to collect sensitive financial information, and we do not sell cookie data to advertisers or data brokers.
3. Types of cookies we use
3.1 Strictly necessary
These are essential for the website to function. They enable core features such as security, cookie consent storage and basket functionality. Because they are required to provide the service you request, they are always active. We still inform you about them in this policy and our cookie banner.
Examples include remembering that you have set a cookie preference and keeping books in your cart while you browse.
3.2 Functional
Functional cookies and storage allow the site to remember choices you make — such as display preferences or items you have added to your basket — and provide a smoother experience. If you disable these technologies, some features (including the basket) may not work as intended.
3.3 Analytics (optional)
With your consent (by clicking "Accept all" on our cookie banner), we may use privacy-focused analytics to collect aggregated information about how visitors interact with playislands.nz — for example, which pages are most read, how readers move between the shop and blog, and whether forms are completed successfully.
Analytics data is typically aggregated and does not directly identify you, though IP addresses may be processed in pseudonymised or shortened form. We do not load analytics cookies or scripts if you choose "Essential only".
3.4 Marketing and advertising
We currently do not run third-party advertising or retargeting cookies on playislands.nz. We do not build advertising profiles from your browsing behaviour. If this changes in future, we will update this policy and request your consent before placing such cookies.
4. Cookie and storage list
The table below describes the main cookies and local storage items used on our website. Exact names may be updated as we improve our systems; this list reflects our practices as of the date above.
| Name / key | Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
pi-cookies |
Strictly necessary | Stores your cookie consent choice (essential or all) in browser local storage |
Until cleared (typically 12 months if unchanged) |
pi_cart_v1 |
Strictly necessary / functional | Stores book titles, quantities and prices in your shopping basket | Until you clear site data or remove items |
| Session identifiers | Strictly necessary | Maintains your session during checkout and form submissions where applicable | Session (deleted when browser closes) |
_ga / _gid (if enabled) |
Analytics | Google Analytics — distinguishes users and sessions for traffic measurement (only if you accept all cookies) | _ga: up to 2 years; _gid: 24 hours |
| Third-party map cookies | Functional / third-party | OpenStreetMap embed on our contact and footer pages may set cookies governed by the map provider | Varies by provider |
| Payment provider cookies | Strictly necessary / third-party | Set during checkout by our payment processor to complete transactions securely | Session or as stated by provider |
5. Legal basis and your rights (New Zealand)
PlayIslands Ltd is based in Auckland, New Zealand. We handle personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the Information Privacy Principles.
Strictly necessary cookies and local storage are used to provide the website and fulfil orders you place — this is part of delivering the service you request. Analytics and other non-essential cookies are used only where you have given consent through our cookie banner.
You may withdraw consent at any time by clearing cookies and local storage for playislands.nz, or by choosing "Essential only" on a fresh visit after clearing your preference. Withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of any processing that occurred before you withdrew consent.
You have rights to access and correct personal information we hold about you. See our Privacy Policy for details on how to make a request or raise a concern with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
6. Managing your cookie preferences
When you first visit playislands.nz, you will see a cookie banner at the bottom of the screen. You can choose:
- Essential only — strictly necessary cookies and local storage only (basket, consent memory). No analytics.
- Accept all — essential cookies plus optional analytics to help us improve the site.
You can change your mind at any time by:
- Clearing cookies and local storage in your browser settings, then revisiting the site — the banner will appear again
- Using your browser's built-in controls to block or delete cookies site-by-site or globally
- Installing browser extensions that manage tracking preferences (e.g. privacy-focused blockers)
Please note: blocking strictly necessary storage may prevent you from using the shopping basket, remembering your consent choice, or completing checkout.
7. Browser-specific guidance
Instructions for managing cookies vary by browser and device. You can usually find controls under Settings → Privacy or Security. Useful starting points:
- Google Chrome — Settings → Privacy and security → Third-party cookies / Site settings
- Mozilla Firefox — Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
- Apple Safari (Mac) — Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data
- Apple Safari (iPhone/iPad) — Settings → Safari → Advanced → Website Data
- Microsoft Edge — Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Manage and delete cookies
On Android, open your browser app → Settings → Privacy (or Site settings) → Cookies. For in-app browsers (e.g. Instagram, Facebook), cookies may be controlled separately from your main browser.
8. Third-party cookies and embedded content
Some pages on playislands.nz include content or services provided by third parties. These may set their own cookies or similar technologies when you interact with them:
- OpenStreetMap — embedded maps on our contact page and footer show our Auckland studio location
- Payment processors — used when you complete a purchase; governed by the processor's privacy and cookie policies
- External book retailers — if you follow "View on Amazon" or similar links from a book listing, you leave our site and the retailer's cookies apply
- Email and newsletter tools — if you subscribe to our checklist or newsletter, our email provider may use tracking pixels in emails (governed by our Privacy Policy and your unsubscribe choices)
We select partners who commit to appropriate data protection standards, but we do not control third-party cookies. We recommend reviewing their policies when you use embedded content or complete a purchase on an external site.
9. Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control
Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" (DNT) or Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal. There is currently no universal industry standard for how websites must respond to these signals in New Zealand.
We honour the choices you make through our cookie consent banner and your browser cookie settings. If you select "Essential only", we do not load optional analytics regardless of other browser signals.
10. Children and young readers
PlayIslands is intended for New Zealand residents aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly use cookies or similar technologies to profile visitors we believe are under 18. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided information through our site, please contact us at privacy@playislands.nz.
11. International visitors
Our website is operated from New Zealand. If you access playislands.nz from outside New Zealand, your information (including data collected via cookies) may be processed in New Zealand and in countries where our service providers operate. By using the site and accepting cookies where required, you acknowledge this transfer for the purposes described in this policy and our Privacy Policy.
12. Updates to this policy
We may update this Cookie Policy when we add new features, change analytics or payment providers, or when legal or regulatory requirements evolve. The "Last updated" date at the top will be revised accordingly.
Material changes — for example, introducing advertising cookies — will be communicated through an updated cookie banner or a notice on the website before non-essential cookies are placed. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
13. Contact us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, wish to exercise your privacy rights, or need help managing your preferences, contact us:
- Email: privacy@playislands.nz
- General enquiries: hello@playislands.nz
- Post: PlayIslands Ltd, 12 Customs Street West, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Contact form: playislands.nz/contact
We aim to respond to privacy-related enquiries within 20 working days.