Cookie Policy

Last Modified: February 2025 • New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 Compliant

1. Understanding Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Cookies are minute alphanumeric text packets placed on your personal computer, smartphone, or tablet when you load web pages. They serve critical infrastructure functions—such as maintaining secure sessions, remembering font choices, and assessing general traffic patterns across our travel guides.

2. How We Implement Google Consent Mode v2

TerraAotearoa has integrated Google Consent Mode v2 (advanced specification) to guarantee that non-essential data collection is strictly opt-in. When you first enter our publication:

Signals for analytics_storage, ad_storage, ad_user_data, and ad_personalization are locked to denied by default.
Only strictly essential security (security_storage) and core functionality (functionality_storage) remain enabled.
Your choice is stored securely in your browser's local storage and dynamically passed to analytical engines using standardized gtag consent protocols.

3. Persistent Consent Revocation Capability

You may change your mind at any point during your reading experience. A dedicated Cookie Settings link is embedded in the footer of every single page on our site. Clicking this button immediately re-opens the preference modal, allowing you to grant, adjust, or completely revoke analytical and advertising permissions.

4. Categorical Breakdown of Site Cookies

Category	Operational Purpose	GCM v2 Key	Default Status
Strictly Necessary	Ensures core navigation, CSRF protection, and consent state recall	security_storage	Granted
Functionality	Preserves interface preferences such as mobile accordion positions	functionality_storage	Granted
Analytics	Measures article read depth, device types, and page loading speed	analytics_storage	Denied (Opt-in)
Advertising	Controls ad measurement signals and tailored editorial suggestions	ad_storage, ad_user_data	Denied (Opt-in)

5. Specific Cookie Telemetry Inventory

Cookie Identifier	Provider	Function	Lifespan
terra_consent_state	TerraAotearoa	Stores your acceptance or rejection of analytics/ads	12 Months (LocalStorage)
_ga / _ga_*	Google (GA4)	Calculates aggregated visitor and journey metrics (only if granted)	2 Years (from consent)
_gcl_au	Google Ads	Evaluates ad conversion effectiveness (only if granted)	90 Days

6. Browser-Level Controls

In addition to our on-page consent banner, modern web browsers allow you to block, purge, or inspect stored cookies through your browser settings (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge). Note that completely blocking essential cookies may affect navigation performance.

7. Inquiries Regarding Cookies

For technical inquiries regarding our cookie implementation or consent parameters, email our technical administrator at [email protected].