Cookie Policy

1. Introduction

When you visit merquessagrandinn.com (the "Site"), small data files known as cookies and similar storage technologies may be placed on or read from your device. This Cookie Policy explains what those technologies are, why we use them, what choices you have, and how to exercise those choices.

Please read this policy alongside our Privacy Policy, which sets out in full how collects, uses and protects your personal data. Where this Cookie Policy conflicts with the Privacy Policy, the Privacy Policy prevails.

By continuing to browse the Site after being presented with our cookie consent notice, you acknowledge that you have read this policy. Optional cookie categories remain switched off unless and until you actively accept them through our consent management tool.

2. What Cookies and Similar Technologies Are

A cookie is a small text file that a website saves to your browser or device when you visit. Cookies allow the Site to remember information about your visit — for example, your preferred language or the contents of an online reservation form — so that your next visit is easier and the Site works as intended.

In addition to cookies, we may use the following similar technologies:

• Session storage – data stored in your browser for the duration of a single browsing session only, automatically cleared when you close the tab or window.
• Local storage – data stored in your browser without an expiry date, persisting until cleared by you or by the Site.
• Pixel tags and web beacons – tiny transparent image files that may be embedded in pages or emails to record whether a page has been opened or a link has been followed.
• Fingerprinting and device identifiers – technical characteristics of your device or browser that, in combination, may distinguish your device from others.

For simplicity, all of these technologies are referred to collectively as "cookies" throughout this policy.

3. Who Places Cookies on the Site

Cookies on the Site are placed either by us (first-party cookies) or by third-party service providers whose services we have integrated into the Site (third-party cookies). Where third parties place cookies, those third parties are responsible for the content and operation of their own cookies and for complying with applicable data-protection law. We recommend reviewing the privacy and cookie policies of any third-party provider whose cookies you accept.

We do not control third-party cookies once they are placed, and we cannot guarantee that third-party providers will not change their practices. This policy cannot describe third-party practices that are beyond our control.

4. Categories of Cookies We Use

We group cookies into four categories based on their purpose. The table below summarises each category, its status, and its general storage duration.

4.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are indispensable for the Site to function and cannot be disabled in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in to a guest account, or completing a booking form. Because these cookies are necessary for the delivery of a service you have explicitly requested, they are placed without requiring your prior consent under New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020 and related guidance. You may still block these cookies through your browser settings (see Section 6), but doing so may prevent you from using essential features of the Site.

4.2 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies improve your experience by remembering choices you make and personalising features accordingly. They remain switched off until you choose to accept this category through our consent tool. If you do not accept functional cookies, certain personalised features will not be available and you may need to re-enter information on each visit.

4.3 Analytics & Performance Cookies

Analytics cookies enable us to measure visitor numbers, traffic sources and page interactions so that we can assess and improve the performance of the Site. All data collected is treated in aggregate or pseudonymised form where possible. These cookies are switched off by default and are only activated once you provide your consent.

4.4 Marketing & Targeting Cookies

Marketing cookies may be placed by us or by third-party advertising partners. They track your browsing activity across websites in order to build a profile of your interests and serve you relevant promotional content. These cookies are switched off by default. Activating this category will enable third-party partners to recognise your browser across different sites. Because these cookies involve third-party processing, those third parties' own privacy policies will also apply to the data they collect.

5. Cookie Duration

Cookies fall into two broad duration types:

• Session cookies – Temporary cookies that are erased from your device when you close your browser. They are used to carry information across pages of the Site during a single browsing session.
• Persistent cookies – Cookies that remain on your device after your browser is closed. They are activated each time you visit the Site that set the cookie and are used for purposes such as remembering your preferences or keeping your consent record. Persistent cookies have an expiry date set by the issuing party; once that date has passed the cookie is automatically deleted by your browser.

The typical duration for each category is indicated in the table in Section 4. Exact durations may vary as we update the Site and as third-party providers update their technologies. Your consent record itself is stored for up to 12 months so that we do not ask for your preferences on every visit.

6. Your Choices and How to Control Cookies

6.1 Our Consent Management Tool

When you first visit the Site, a consent notice will appear offering you the ability to accept or decline each optional cookie category. You can also access and update your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Settings" link available in the footer of every page. Your selections will be applied immediately.

Please note:

• Strictly necessary cookies cannot be disabled through the consent tool; they are required for the Site to operate.
• Optional categories — functional, analytics and marketing — are off by default and will only be activated if you choose to accept them.
• Withdrawing or amending your consent will not affect the lawfulness of any processing carried out before you withdrew or amended it.
• If you clear your browser cookies, your consent preferences stored as a cookie will also be cleared, and you will be asked for your preferences again on your next visit.

6.2 Browser-Level Controls

All major browsers provide settings that allow you to manage, block or delete cookies independently of our consent tool. The links below take you to the relevant support pages for commonly used browsers:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari
• Microsoft Edge
• Opera

Please be aware that restricting or blocking cookies through your browser may affect the functionality of this Site and other websites you visit.

6.3 Opt-Out Tools Provided by Third Parties

Some third-party analytics and advertising providers participate in industry opt-out programmes. You may use these to opt out of interest-based advertising across participating networks:

• Your Online Choices (New Zealand) – administered by the European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance
• Network Advertising Initiative Opt-Out
• Digital Advertising Alliance Opt-Out

These opt-out mechanisms are operated independently of . We cannot guarantee their continued availability or accuracy and recommend that you verify each tool's scope directly with the operating organisation.

6.4 Do Not Track

Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not wish to be tracked. There is currently no universally agreed standard for how websites should respond to a DNT signal. Our Site does not currently alter its behaviour in response to a DNT signal, but you can manage your preferences using the methods described above.

7. Withdrawing Consent

You may withdraw your consent to the use of optional cookies at any time. To do so:

1. Click the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer of any page on the Site.
2. Adjust your selections in the consent management tool that appears.
3. Save your updated preferences.

Your changes will take effect from the moment you save them. Cookies that were placed on your device before you withdrew consent may remain on your device until they expire or until you delete them through your browser settings. Future placement of optional cookies will cease immediately upon withdrawal.

Withdrawing consent does not affect any processing that was lawfully carried out on the basis of your consent before it was withdrawn.

8. Third-Party Responsibility

Where third-party cookies are placed on the Site — for example through integrated mapping tools, social media features, payment processors or advertising networks — those third parties act as independent data controllers in respect of the data their cookies collect. does not control the cookies, tracking technologies or privacy practices of those third parties and is not responsible for them.

We encourage you to review the privacy and cookie policies of any third-party provider before you accept cookies associated with their services. We include links to third-party services only where we believe they offer functionality of value to our visitors; inclusion does not constitute an endorsement of, or warranty regarding, the data practices of those third parties.

Third-party providers may update or change their cookie practices at any time without notice to us. Should you have concerns about a third party's use of your data, you should contact that third party directly.

9. Legal Basis for Processing

New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020 and the guidance published by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner govern our collection and use of personal data in connection with cookies.

• Strictly necessary cookies are processed on the basis of our legitimate interest in operating a functional, secure website and, where applicable, to fulfil our obligations under a contract with you (for example, to complete a reservation you have initiated).
• Optional cookies (functional, analytics and marketing) are processed solely on the basis of your freely given, specific and informed consent. As noted throughout this policy, these categories remain inactive until you choose to accept them.

Where cookies involve the collection of personal data, that data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

10. Casino-Related Content and Age Compliance

operates a physical casino on its premises. Marketing or targeting cookies, if accepted, may be used to deliver promotional content related to casino facilities. Any such content is directed solely at persons who are 18 years of age or older, which is the minimum lawful age for participation in casino gaming in New Zealand.

If you are under 18, please ensure that marketing and targeting cookies are not accepted and that you do not engage with any casino-related promotional material on the Site. We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under 18 through marketing cookie activities. If you believe that we have inadvertently received personal data from a person under 18 through cookie-related activity, please contact us using the details in Section 12.

11. Updates to This Policy

We review this Cookie Policy periodically and update it when we make material changes to the cookies we use, to the purposes for which we use them, or when legal or regulatory requirements change. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects when the current version came into effect.

Where changes are material, we will notify you by displaying a prominent notice on the Site when you next visit, or by re-presenting the consent management tool so that you can review and confirm your preferences under the updated policy.

We encourage you to revisit this page from time to time to stay informed about our cookie practices.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, comments or requests regarding this Cookie Policy or the way in which we use cookies, please contact us:

We aim to respond to all privacy-related enquiries within 20 working days of receipt in accordance with the timeframes set out in the Privacy Act 2020.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may refer your complaint to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, which provides guidance, a complaints process and additional resources for individuals exercising their rights under New Zealand privacy law. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner can be reached at www.privacy.org.nz.