Privacy policy

Last updated 31 October 2026

Who we are

Kiwi Catch is made by Ben Drummond (Odd Hours Software) in New Zealand. For privacy questions or requests, email support@oddhours.co.nz.

The short version

Kiwi Catch has no accounts and no analytics, and we do not run a server that receives your data. Your catch log, photos, saved spots and settings stay on your iPhone, and in your own iCloud if you use it. We never sell your information.

The app is free and shows ads from Google AdMob, which collects some information as described below.

Information kept on your iPhone

Your catch log (species, size, weight, kept or released, notes, time), any photos you add, the GPS position of each catch if you allow location, your saved spots, and your settings.

If you are signed in to iCloud, your catch log is stored in your private iCloud database by Apple so it syncs between your devices. We cannot see it. Apple's privacy policy applies to iCloud.

Location

If you allow it, the app uses your location on your iPhone to show the rules for the zone you are in, warn you near marine reserves, find the nearest tide port, work out sun and moon times, and tag the catches you log.

To get the wind and wave forecast, a position rounded to about 1 km is sent to Apple Weather and to Open-Meteo (a weather service in Switzerland). Your exact location is not sent, and the app does not send your location to us or to Google for ads.

You can turn location off in Settings in the app or in iOS Settings. The app still works using the fishing area you choose.

Camera and photos

The camera and photo library are used only when you choose to measure a fish or add a photo. Measuring happens on your iPhone. Photos you add to a catch are saved with it in your log. A photo you use only for measuring (for example with a bank card or coin as a size reference) is not saved or uploaded.

Ads (Google AdMob)

When ads are on, Google collects information such as your device's advertising identifier (only if you allow tracking when asked), your IP address and approximate location from it, device and app information, and how you interact with ads. Google uses it to show, measure and limit ads, and to prevent fraud.

If you do not allow tracking, ads are not personalised using your advertising identifier. In some countries Google asks for your consent first; you can change your choice under Ad privacy options in Settings.

Google's privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy. How Google uses information from apps that use its services: policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites.

Downloads

The app downloads tide tables from Toitū Te Whenua LINZ, marine reserve boundaries from the Department of Conservation, and rule updates from our rules file. These are ordinary web requests: the servers see your IP address, as with any website, but no other information about you is sent.

Children

Kiwi Catch is a general audience app and is not aimed at children under 13.

Your rights

Under the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 you can ask for access to, and correction of, personal information held about you. Because your data is kept on your device and in your iCloud, you can view, change and delete it yourself in the app. Settings > Delete all catches removes your log from all your devices, and deleting the app removes everything stored on your iPhone.

If you have a concern we cannot resolve, you can contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner at privacy.org.nz.

Changes

If this policy changes, the updated version will be in the app and at its web address, with a new date.