Buffer Builder

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 22 July 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

Use of the Buffer Builder mobile application (“the App”) is provided by CAP Initiatives Limited (“CAP Initiatives”, “we”, “our”, “us”), a non-profit organisation, NZ Charities Register No. CC61781.

By downloading, accessing, or using the App, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the App after updates are published constitutes acceptance of those changes.

2. About Buffer Builder

Buffer Builder is a standalone digital tool designed to help users:

  • Build emergency savings (“buffers”)
  • Develop healthy financial habits
  • Track progress toward savings goals
  • Receive encouragement and guidance

3. Not Financial Advice

Buffer Builder:

  • Provides general guidance and behavioural support only
  • Does not provide financial, legal, investment, or credit advice
  • Does not guarantee outcomes or financial improvement

Users are solely responsible for their financial decisions.

4. Relationship to CAP Services

While CAP Initiatives is associated with Christians Against Poverty New Zealand:

  • The App is not a substitute for CAP debt help or financial mentoring services.
  • Use of the App does not create a client relationship with CAP NZ.
  • Any engagement with CAP NZ services is subject to separate terms and processes.

5. Acceptable Use

You agree to:

  • Use the App only for lawful purposes.
  • Not interfere with or disrupt App functionality.
  • Not access systems or data without authorisation.
  • Not use the App in a way that harms CAP Initiatives or other users.

You must not:

  • Copy, modify, or reverse engineer the App.
  • Use the App for unauthorised commercial purposes.

6. User Accounts

Use of the App requires an account:

  • You are responsible for maintaining login security.
  • You must provide accurate information.
  • You are responsible for activity under your account.

We may suspend or terminate access where misuse is identified.

7. App Availability

The App is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.

We do not guarantee:

  • Continuous access.
  • Error-free functionality.
  • That all features will always be available.

From time to time, we may:

  • Update or modify features.
  • Perform maintenance.
  • Temporarily suspend access.

As Buffer Builder requires connecting a bank account through Akahu, some App functionality also depends on the availability of Akahu and participating financial institutions, which we do not control or guarantee. See section 11 (Third-Party Services and Open Banking) for more detail.

8. Data and Privacy

Your use of Buffer Builder is governed by our Privacy Statement.

By using the App, you acknowledge that:

  • Information you enter (for example, savings goals and financial behaviours) will be used to deliver App functionality.
  • Data may be used to personalise your experience and improve the App.
  • Data is handled in accordance with applicable New Zealand privacy laws.

Using Buffer Builder requires connecting a bank account through Akahu Technologies Limited (“Akahu”). How open banking works, including Akahu’s role, its status as an accredited requestor under New Zealand’s Consumer Data Right, and your consent, is described in section 11 (Third-Party Services and Open Banking).

9. User Data Inputs

Information you enter into the App:

  • Remains your responsibility for accuracy.
  • Is used to generate insights, tracking, and guidance.
  • Does not constitute verified financial records.

CAP Initiatives does not validate or guarantee user-entered data.

10. Intellectual Property

All App content and functionality remain the property of CAP Initiatives or its licensors, including:

  • Branding and logos.
  • Content and guidance material.
  • Software and underlying systems.

You may use the App for personal, non-commercial purposes only.

You must not reproduce or distribute content without permission.

11. Third-Party Services and Open Banking

Buffer Builder uses third-party service providers to support and deliver App functionality.

In particular, Buffer Builder uses services provided by Akahu Technologies Limited (“Akahu”) to enable secure open banking connectivity and access to bank account information where authorised by you.

Akahu participates in New Zealand’s Consumer Data Right framework as an accredited requestor.

Your connection through Akahu is also governed by Akahu’s own terms and privacy documentation. We encourage you to review Akahu’s Ongoing Consent Privacy Notice and, where applicable, its One-Off Consent Privacy Notice, together with Akahu’s End User Terms, before connecting your account.

Connecting a bank account is required in order to use Buffer Builder. When you connect an account:

  • You authorise Akahu and relevant financial institutions to provide account information required for the operation of the App.
  • Access to your information is subject to your ongoing consent and the terms of Akahu and participating financial institutions.
  • You may withdraw or revoke access in accordance with the controls and processes made available by Akahu, your financial institution, or the App.

CAP Initiatives:

  • Does not control third-party platforms.
  • Does not guarantee the availability of third-party services.
  • Does not endorse products or services offered by third parties unless expressly stated.

CAP Initiatives does not receive or store your online banking passwords or internet banking credentials.

CAP Initiatives is not responsible for interruptions, unavailability, data inaccuracies, delays, or changes in services provided by Akahu, financial institutions, or other third-party providers that affect App functionality.

12. Device and Security Responsibility

You are responsible for:

  • Securing your mobile device.
  • Protecting your account access.
  • Notifying us if your device is lost or compromised.

CAP Initiatives is not responsible for unauthorised access resulting from your failure to secure your device or account.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by New Zealand law, CAP Initiatives will not be liable for:

  • Any loss arising from use of the App.
  • Any financial outcomes or decisions made using the App.
  • Loss of data or savings.
  • Indirect, consequential, special, or incidental damages.

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or limits any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded under New Zealand law, including rights that may apply under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, the Fair Trading Act 1986, the Privacy Act 2020, or any other applicable legislation.

14. Termination

We may suspend or terminate access if:

  • These Terms are breached.
  • The App is misused.
  • Continued access poses risk to users or CAP Initiatives.

Users may stop using the App at any time.

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand.

Any disputes arising from these Terms or use of the App will be subject to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New Zealand.

16. About CAP Initiatives

CAP Initiatives Limited, a registered charity (CC61781), develops and operates standalone products aligned with the mission of Christians Against Poverty New Zealand, a registered charity (CC22349).

For support or enquiries regarding Buffer Builder, please contact CAP Initiatives through the contact details provided within the App or on the CAP Initiatives website.