Create a bespoke document in minutes,聽or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership聽of your information
Subject Access Request
I need a subject access request document to formally request access to all personal data held by a company about me, including details on how this data is being used and shared. The document should comply with New Zealand's Privacy Act and include a request for a response within the statutory timeframe.
What is a Subject Access Request?
A Subject Access Request is your legal right to ask any organization what personal information they hold about you under New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020. You can make this request verbally or in writing, and organizations must respond within 20 working days.
Organizations need to provide copies of your data, explain how they use it, and tell you who else has access to it. This right helps you understand and control your personal information - from basic details like your name and address to more complex data like health records or employment history. The process is free unless the request requires significant time and effort.
When should you use a Subject Access Request?
Use a Subject Access Request when you need to understand what personal information an organization holds about you in New Zealand. Common situations include applying for jobs, dealing with credit agencies, or addressing concerns about how your data is being used. It's particularly helpful before taking legal action or when you suspect outdated or incorrect information is affecting decisions about you.
This tool proves valuable when changing insurance providers, investigating potential privacy breaches, or preparing for employment disputes. Many people submit these requests to banks, healthcare providers, and government agencies to verify their records are accurate and being handled properly under the Privacy Act 2020.
What are the different types of Subject Access Request?
- Subject Access Request Form: Standard format for requesting all personal data an organization holds about you - ideal for general purposes and most commonly accepted by NZ organizations.
- Data Subject Request Form: More detailed version that includes specific categories of data you want to access, often used for complex requests involving multiple departments.
- Data Protection Request Form: Comprehensive format that combines data access requests with privacy preferences and processing restrictions under the Privacy Act 2020.
Who should typically use a Subject Access Request?
- Individual Requesters: Any person in New Zealand can submit a Subject Access Request to view their personal data - including citizens, residents, and visitors.
- Privacy Officers: Staff members designated to handle privacy matters and process these requests within organizations, ensuring compliance with the 20-working-day response requirement.
- Organizations and Businesses: Any entity holding personal information must respond to these requests, from government departments to private companies and healthcare providers.
- Legal Representatives: Lawyers and advocates who help individuals make requests or assist organizations in responding appropriately to complex cases.
How do you write a Subject Access Request?
- Personal Details: Gather your full name, contact information, and any reference numbers related to your relationship with the organization.
- Organization Information: Identify the correct entity and their privacy officer's contact details - most organizations list these on their website.
- Data Scope: Specify what information you're seeking - our platform helps you clearly define this to avoid back-and-forth clarifications.
- Time Period: Note the relevant date range for the information you're requesting.
- Identity Verification: Prepare copies of your ID and any proof of address - organizations need these to protect your privacy.
What should be included in a Subject Access Request?
- Personal Identification: Your full legal name and any previous names, plus contact details that match your ID documents.
- Request Scope: Clear description of the specific information you're seeking, with relevant date ranges and departments.
- Response Method: Your preferred format for receiving the information (digital or physical copies).
- Privacy Statement: Acknowledgment that you're entitled to make this request under the Privacy Act 2020.
- Identity Verification: Statement confirming you'll provide required ID if asked.
- Urgency Declaration: Any reasons you need the information faster than the standard 20-working-day timeframe.
What's the difference between a Subject Access Request and an Access Agreement?
A Subject Access Request differs significantly from an Access Agreement. While both deal with access rights, they serve distinct purposes under New Zealand law.
- Legal Purpose: Subject Access Requests are statutory rights under the Privacy Act 2020 to view your personal data, while Access Agreements are contractual arrangements setting terms for accessing facilities, systems, or resources.
- Timing and Duration: Subject Access Requests trigger a one-time disclosure within 20 working days, whereas Access Agreements establish ongoing access arrangements that remain valid for an agreed period.
- Enforcement: Subject Access Requests are enforced by the Privacy Commissioner, while Access Agreements are enforced through standard contract law.
- Cost Structure: Subject Access Requests are usually free unless excessive, but Access Agreements often involve regular fees or payment terms.
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
骋别苍颈别鈥檚 Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here鈥檚 how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; 骋别苍颈别鈥檚 AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a 拢1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.