Terms of Use

1.0 General Definitions and Conduct

1.0.1 These Terms govern use of coc.nz (the “service”). “coc.nz”, “we”, and “us” mean the coc.nz service and its operators. “You” and “user” mean the account holder and anyone using the service under that account. “EWRB” means the Electrical Workers Registration Board of New Zealand. “Certificates” means Certificates of Compliance (COC), Electrical Safety Certificates (ESC), or Records of Inspection (ROI) generated using coc.nz in accordance with the requirements of New Zealand electrical regulations and standards.

1.1 Feedback, Review, and Accountability

1.1.1 coc.nz welcomes responsible feedback about the operation of the platform or these Terms.

1.1.2 If a user believes coc.nz has acted unfairly, incorrectly, or inconsistently with these Terms, they may raise the concern in writing by email to office at coc dot nz. The user must ensure they receive a response confirming that the message was delivered and received.

1.1.3 coc.nz will take reasonable steps to review and address such concerns in good faith before any formal dispute or legal process is considered.

1.1.4 Reviews of this kind do not imply liability but help maintain the accuracy, fairness, and integrity of the coc.nz portal.

1.1.5 If coc.nz receives a complaint or becomes aware of a possible concern regarding use of the platform or professional conduct, coc.nz will take reasonable steps to review and address the matter in good faith before any formal dispute or enforcement action is pursued, where appropriate.

1.2 User Conduct and Platform Action

1.2.1 Notice principle: coc.nz will make reasonable efforts to notify users before taking enforcement or administrative action where practicable. However, prior notice is not required where immediate action is necessary to protect security, integrity, lawful or professional obligations, or where delay may increase risk or harm.

1.2.2 If coc.nz becomes aware of potential non-compliance (including a complaint about a user or their content), we will take reasonable steps to review and address the concern before any formal dispute or enforcement action is pursued, where appropriate.

1.2.3 Definition: “take action” means any administrative or account-related measure, including restricting, suspending, blocking, banning, deleting, or otherwise limiting access to the service.

1.2.4 coc.nz may take action for legitimate business, security, legal, or professional-integrity purposes as permitted by law, including to prevent illegal use, falsification or manipulation of certificates or data, or other misuse of the platform.

2.0 Jurisdiction and Eligibility

2.0.1 coc.nz is intended for use in New Zealand by persons registered with the EWRB.

2.0.2 Use outside New Zealand or by unregistered persons may require coc.nz to take action in accordance with Section 1.2.

2.0.3 If coc.nz becomes aware of a possible concern regarding registration or authority, coc.nz may request proof of registration or authority to certify prescribed electrical work. Failure to provide satisfactory proof could require coc.nz to take action in accordance with Section 1.2.

2.0.5 Prices and services presented on coc.nz show the up-front price and main subject matter of the agreement. Once an invoice is issued and paid, that price is fixed for the corresponding service period.

2.0.6 coc.nz may take action in accordance with Section 1.2 where it reasonably believes an account has been used in breach of these obligations or if continued access may contravene New Zealand law or professional obligations.

3.0 Lawful and Professional Use

3.0.1 The service is for professional use by qualified electrical workers and related trades.

3.0.2 Users must use the service only for lawful purposes and in accordance with applicable regulations, standards, and professional obligations.

3.0.3 Users are solely responsible for ensuring their use aligns with lawful or professional obligations.

3.0.4 coc.nz may take action in accordance with Section 1.2 where continued use would breach lawful or professional obligations or risk non-compliance.

4.0 Behaviour and Content

4.0.1 coc.nz is a professional platform. Users must not enter or generate content that is aggressive, abusive, defamatory, obscene, or derogatory.

4.0.2 Users must not upload, enter, or otherwise use false, misleading, or manipulated information, including alteration of personal, professional, or licensing details intended to disguise identity, qualification, or authority.

4.0.3 Users must not use the platform for unlawful, misleading, or unrelated activities.

4.0.4 If coc.nz becomes aware of content or behaviour that breaches these Terms, coc.nz may take action in accordance with Section 1.2.

5.0 Data Storage and Retention

5.0.1 coc.nz stores account, certificate, and system data within New Zealand or in jurisdictions offering comparable data-protection standards.

5.0.2 Copies may also be stored off-server for system integrity, backup, and recovery.

5.0.3 coc.nz stores data to enable users to create, edit, and manage work while logged in; however, coc.nz is not a repository for completed certificates.

5.0.4 coc.nz does not provide long-term retention to meet regulatory requirements. Users are responsible for their own records.

5.0.5 The system is provided “as is” and coc.nz makes no guarantee of continuous access, stability, or preservation of data. No data recovery or compensation is offered for lost or deleted data.

6.0 Information Collection and Use

6.0.1 coc.nz may collect limited operational and security information to operate and protect the service.

6.0.2 Information collected through the service is used only for lawful, operational, or security purposes directly related to providing and improving coc.nz, or upholding the law or professional integrity of the platform.

6.0.3 coc.nz aims to minimise collection and retain only what is necessary for the purposes described.

6.0.4 coc.nz may use external service providers as part of operating the platform. These providers operate under their own standard terms and privacy policies, which limit their use of data to providing their services to coc.nz.

6.0.5 Email messages and certificate deliveries sent across the internet may pass through multiple external mail servers in different countries. Once an email leaves our system or our service providers’ systems, its route and handling are outside our control.

6.0.6 coc.nz uses cookies and local storage to support normal operation of the site, such as maintaining login sessions, saving progress in forms, and improving reliability. These functions do not track browsing activity outside coc.nz and are required for the platform to work correctly.

7.0 Account Security and Access

7.0.1 Users must keep login credentials secure and confidential.

7.0.2 Users must promptly notify coc.nz if they suspect unauthorised access or security compromise.

7.0.3 The service must not be used to damage, disable, or impair the platform or its reputation.

7.0.4 If coc.nz becomes aware that the system has been used in a way that breaches these Terms, falsifies or manipulates information, or risks non-compliance, coc.nz may take action in accordance with Section 1.2.

7.0.5 No prior notification is required where immediate action is necessary to maintain system integrity, prevent misuse, or comply with law.

7.0.6 coc.nz is responsible for maintaining the security and reliability of its own systems. Users remain responsible for all activities carried out through their account, unless such access results solely from an error within coc.nz systems.

7.0.7 coc.nz may use technical or security controls—such as rate limiting, session management, or connection validation—to maintain reliable operation and protect against unauthorised use or overload.

7.0.8 coc.nz does not enforce minimum password requirements. The choice, complexity, and management of account passwords are the responsibility of the professional user. By using coc.nz, each user confirms that they understand the importance of secure passwords and the potential vulnerabilities associated with weak or reused credentials.

8.0 Certificate Content and Publication

8.0.1 Information entered by users into coc.nz—including names, registration numbers, business details, and professional identifiers—appears on certificates generated through the system.

8.0.2 Certificates generated through coc.nz are legal documents under the Electricity (Safety) Regulations.

8.0.3 Users are responsible for ensuring that all information supplied in their profile and certificates is accurate and current.

8.0.4 coc.nz does not verify or validate user-entered information and accepts no responsibility for incorrect or misleading details provided by a user.

8.0.5 If coc.nz becomes aware of incorrect, falsified, or misleading information being used or displayed on a certificate, coc.nz may take action in accordance with Section 1.2.

8.0.6 By using coc.nz, each user authorises the inclusion of their professional details on certificates and acknowledges that, once a certificate has been sent to the customer, control over the document is lost and the information it contains may effectively become public. Such details may be visible to recipients, regulators, or third parties who lawfully receive or further share the certificate. coc.nz recommends that users include only the minimum required professional information and use work-based, non-personal contact details wherever possible due to the public nature of certificates.

8.0.7 coc.nz may retain limited data—such as certificate identifiers, content, timestamps, and issuing-user information—for lawful, operational, or professional-integrity purposes.

9.0 Testing Data and Result Assessment

9.0.1 coc.nz provides a digital platform for recording, calculating, and generating testing outcomes and associated certificates that include those results.

9.0.2 All information entered into coc.nz—including test results, measurements, selected options, and written statements—forms part of the official certificate and must accurately represent the work being certified.

9.0.3 While the system may include limited automated functions—such as calculations, conversions, or reference look-ups—these are provided for convenience only and do not constitute a pass, fail, or compliance assessment.

9.0.4 coc.nz does not interpret, assess, or validate any test data or certificate content entered by users. All recorded results, statements, calculations, and interpretations remain the sole responsibility of the user.

9.0.5 The user is responsible for reviewing, confirming, and approving all results and declarations before issuing or submitting any certificate. coc.nz accepts no liability for errors, omissions, or non-compliant outcomes resulting from user data entry, calculation methods, or interpretation of results.

9.0.6 If coc.nz becomes aware that test results, certificate content, or declarations have been falsified, manipulated, or entered in a misleading manner, coc.nz may take action in accordance with Section 1.2.

9.0.7 The responsibility for determining compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and professional requirements rests entirely with the user.

9.0.8 Data retention and traceability are governed by Section 8.0. coc.nz may retain relevant information where necessary to ensure lawful, operational, or professional-integrity purposes.

10.0 No Professional Advice

10.0.1 coc.nz provides tools and templates to assist users in recording, managing, and generating certificates and testing information. These tools are provided for convenience and documentation purposes only.

10.0.2 coc.nz does not provide legal, technical, design, or compliance advice. Any information, examples, or system prompts within the platform are for usability and formatting purposes only.

10.0.3 The inclusion of reference values, calculation aids, or suggested text does not constitute professional advice or confirmation of compliance with any regulation, standard, or code of practice.

10.0.4 Users must exercise their own professional judgment and verify all data, results, and interpretations independently before relying on or issuing any certificate.

10.0.5 coc.nz accepts no responsibility for professional decisions, compliance outcomes, or interpretations made by users based on information displayed or generated within the platform.

10.0.6 If coc.nz becomes aware that information or features have been misinterpreted or used as a substitute for professional advice, coc.nz may take action in accordance with Section 1.2.

11.0 Misrepresentation and Manipulation of Data

11.0.1 All information entered into coc.nz must be accurate, truthful, and representative of the actual work performed or certified.

11.0.2 Users must not falsify, alter, fabricate, or manipulate data, results, or declarations within the coc.nz system, including testing outcomes, statements, or certificates.

11.0.3 The creation or use of certificates, forms, or other documents containing false or misleading information is strictly prohibited.

11.0.4 If coc.nz becomes aware of any falsification, alteration, or manipulation of data or certificates, or any other form of misuse of the platform, coc.nz will take action in accordance with Section 1.2.

11.0.5 Such actions may include restricting access to accounts, suspending or removing affected documents, and—where required by law—reporting the matter to the appropriate authorities or professional bodies.

11.0.6 coc.nz reserves the right to retain records of any data or documents associated with suspected falsification or manipulation for lawful, operational, or professional-integrity purposes.

11.0.7 Certificates and related documents must be created and issued in a timely manner consistent with the expectations of New Zealand law, the EWRB, and recognised industry guidelines and best practices. Users must not create, edit, or backdate certificates or records in a way that gives a false or misleading impression of when or how the work was carried out. If coc.nz becomes aware of such conduct, coc.nz will take action in accordance with Section 1.2.

12.0 System Availability and Maintenance

12.0.1 coc.nz aims to maintain reliable access to the service but does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation. Temporary interruptions may occur for maintenance, upgrades, or technical reasons.

12.0.2 Where practical, coc.nz will provide notice of planned maintenance that may affect access or functionality. In urgent cases, maintenance may be carried out without prior notice to protect security or system integrity.

12.0.3 coc.nz is not responsible for any delay, loss, or disruption caused by internet service providers, device failures, or third-party systems outside our control.

12.0.4 coc.nz may modify, update, or improve features of the service at any time to maintain lawful, operational, or professional integrity.

12.0.5 If coc.nz becomes aware of any technical issue, outage, or vulnerability affecting users or system security, coc.nz will take action in accordance with Section 1.1 to correct or mitigate the problem.

12.0.6 Users acknowledge that access to coc.nz may be temporarily restricted during updates, testing, or upgrades and that such interruptions do not constitute service failure or breach of contract.

12.0.7 coc.nz maintains reasonable measures for system backup and data recovery to support continuity and integrity; however, users remain responsible for retaining their own independent copies of essential records and certificates.

12.0.8 coc.nz reserves the right to make software or system updates outside peak usage times without notification, where such updates are expected to have no material or significant effect on the normal operation of the coc.nz portal.

13.0 Limitation of Liability

13.0.1 coc.nz provides its services, tools, and documentation on an “as-is” and “as-available” basis. While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, coc.nz makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding completeness, suitability, or uninterrupted operation.

13.0.2 To the maximum extent permitted by New Zealand law, coc.nz is not liable for any indirect, consequential, special, or incidental losses or damages arising from use of, or inability to use, the service—including loss of data, certificates, profits, or business opportunity.

13.0.3 As coc.nz is provided solely for use in trade by registered professionals, the parties agree that the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 does not apply. Nothing in these Terms limits rights or remedies that cannot be excluded under the Fair Trading Act 1986 or other applicable legislation.

13.0.4 If coc.nz is found liable for any proven loss directly arising from its own negligence or system error, the total remedy available to the user will be limited to a refund of the most recent annual subscription fee paid. Such refund will constitute full and final settlement of all claims relating to the matter.

13.0.5 Following any legal, formal, or informal action taken against coc.nz—whether through a claim, complaint, communication, or proceeding—coc.nz reserves the right to permanently close the associated account or accounts of the person or entity concerned and to prohibit any future registrations from the same person, entity, or their representatives, on the basis that the commercial relationship has irretrievably broken down.

13.0.6 Users acknowledge that coc.nz provides a facilitation and documentation platform only. Each user remains solely responsible for compliance with professional and legal obligations associated with the work certified or recorded through the service.

13.0.7 If coc.nz becomes aware of an incident or claim that may expose users to material loss due to system failure or data compromise, coc.nz will take action in accordance with Section 1.1 to mitigate, notify, or correct the issue.

14.0 Termination and Suspension

14.0.1 coc.nz may, at its discretion, take action in accordance with Section 1.2 to restrict, suspend, or terminate any account or service access if the user breaches these Terms or any applicable law; continued access may contravene lawful or professional obligations; payment is overdue; the account remains inactive for an extended period; or such action is reasonably required to protect system integrity, other users, or coc.nz itself.

14.0.2 coc.nz is a professional platform used to generate legally binding documents. Users may request closure of their account only by written request to coc.nz. coc.nz will take reasonable steps to verify that the request is legitimate and will review account activity before processing closure. Account closure requests automatically bring the associated account to our attention to ensure the request is not being made to conceal falsified, altered, or otherwise non-compliant information.

14.0.3 Verified account closure requests will only be processed once any necessary checks, investigations, or outstanding obligations are complete.

14.0.4 coc.nz reserves the right to deny re-registration or future access to any person or entity whose previous account has been closed, suspended, banned, or deleted for cause.

14.0.5 If coc.nz terminates an account for cause, we may, at our sole discretion, refund the current year’s subscription as a goodwill final settlement. Following such refund, all accounts associated with that person or entity will be permanently closed at coc.nz’s discretion, and no future access or re-registration will be permitted unless expressly approved by coc.nz. Failure by the user to provide a valid New Zealand bank account number within a reasonable period may result in coc.nz donating the refund amount to a registered charity or non-profit organisation of its choice. Such donation will be treated as completing the refund process in full.

14.0.6 coc.nz may retain limited account data, logs, or records for lawful, operational, or professional-integrity purposes, including audit or investigation. coc.nz may retain copies of account content and related materials for a reasonable period after closure or deletion to verify accuracy, authenticity, or compliance. Data no longer required for these purposes will be deleted.

15.0 Governing Law and Jurisdiction

15.0.1 These Terms, and any use of coc.nz, are governed by the laws of New Zealand.

15.0.2 By using coc.nz, users agree that any dispute, claim, or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms or the service will fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New Zealand.

15.0.2A Before commencing any formal action, users agree to first notify coc.nz in writing and allow a reasonable opportunity (minimum 10 working days) to resolve the matter informally.

15.0.3 Users agree that any legal or informal action must be pursued only in New Zealand and under New Zealand law, regardless of the user’s location.

15.0.4 If coc.nz becomes aware of conduct that may breach New Zealand law, regulatory requirements, or professional obligations, coc.nz may take action in accordance with Section 1.2 and may report such conduct to the appropriate authorities or professional bodies.

15.0.5 If any part of these Terms is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force and effect.

15.0.6 Sections relating to Intellectual Property, Data Retention, Testing Data and Result Assessment, Misrepresentation and Manipulation of Data, Limitation of Liability, Termination and Suspension, and this Governing Law and Jurisdiction clause will survive termination of any account or agreement.

15.0.7 These Terms constitute the entire agreement between coc.nz and the user and supersede all prior representations, communications, or understandings relating to the service.

16.0 Intellectual Property

16.0.1 All software, source code, templates, designs, layouts, graphics, text, trade names, and other materials made available through coc.nz are and remain the intellectual property of coc.nz and/or its licensors.

16.0.2 Users retain rights to their own entered data and generated certificates. By using the service, users grant coc.nz a limited, non-exclusive licence to store, process, transmit, and display such data as necessary to operate the service, maintain integrity, and meet lawful or professional obligations.

16.0.3 Except as expressly permitted by these Terms or applicable law, users must not copy, modify, reverse-engineer, decompile, or create derivative works from any part of the service.

16.0.4 Any feedback, ideas, or suggestions provided to coc.nz may be used to improve or develop the service without obligation to the user. By providing feedback, the user grants coc.nz a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, adapt, or incorporate the feedback in any manner necessary to improve the operation, design, or functionality of coc.nz, without attribution or compensation.

17.0 Revision and Contact Information

17.0.1 coc.nz may update these Terms from time to time. Updated versions will replace earlier versions on publication.

17.0.2 For any questions, comments, or feedback regarding these Terms, contact: office at coc dot nz. Users must ensure they receive confirmation of receipt to verify that the message was delivered.

18.0 Changes to These Terms

18.0.1 coc.nz may update or amend these Terms from time to time without prior notice. Updated versions take effect immediately upon publication on the coc.nz website and replace all earlier versions.

18.0.2 Continued use of coc.nz after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. Users are encouraged to review this page periodically to remain informed about any changes.

19.0 Right to Refuse or Discontinue Service

Decisions under this section will always be made in good faith and without reference to any prohibited grounds of discrimination under New Zealand law.

19.0.1 coc.nz may, at its sole discretion, refuse, suspend, or decline any account, registration, or renewal where it considers that continuing the relationship is not commercially, operationally, or professionally suitable. No reason is required to be provided.

19.0.2 coc.nz may decline or discontinue service to any user whose communications or conduct are considered unreasonable, hostile, threatening, or disruptive to the operation or staff of coc.nz, or inconsistent with maintaining a professional environment.

19.0.3 coc.nz may decline to provide or continue services where doing so would cause disproportionate administrative burden, interfere with normal development or support, or where the user’s requirements fall outside the intended purpose of the platform.

19.0.4 coc.nz may refuse access or renewal if user activity or association could reasonably be expected to harm the professional reputation, integrity, or lawful operation of coc.nz or its community of users.

19.0.5 coc.nz reserves the right to decline any future registration or subscription from a person or entity whose previous account was closed, suspended, or deleted for cause.