Terms of Service

Last updated: 4 July 2026

1. Acceptance of terms

By creating an account or using fernrecruitment.co.nz ("Fern", "the platform"), you agree to these Terms of Service. If you don't agree, please don't use Fern.

2. What Fern does

Fern helps small businesses receive AI-screened, ranked shortlists of job applicants. Businesses post roles; applicants apply through our application form; Fern's screening process ranks applicants against the role's stated requirements; businesses can review the ranking and unlock a role to make direct contact with candidates.

3. Accounts

• You must provide accurate information when creating an account
• You're responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials
• You're responsible for the accuracy of the role information and requirements you post

4. Fees and payment

• Posting a role is free — applicant names, contact details and CVs stay locked until you choose to unlock the role
• Unlocking a role to contact candidates costs $79 NZD per role, as displayed on the platform at time of purchase
• Fees are subject to change with reasonable notice

5. Your responsibilities as a hiring business

You remain fully responsible for your own hiring decisions and for complying with all applicable New Zealand employment and human rights law, including the Human Rights Act 1993 and the Employment Relations Act 2000. Fern's ranking and screening output is a decision-support tool, not a hiring decision, and does not guarantee compliance with any legal obligation. You agree not to use Fern to discriminate against any applicant on any prohibited ground under the Human Rights Act 1993.

6. AI screening — no guarantee of accuracy

Fern's screening and ranking is generated by an automated process and, while designed to reflect the criteria you provide, may not be fully accurate or complete. You should exercise your own judgment before making any hiring decision and are not required to rely solely on Fern's ranking.

7. Applicant data

You may only use applicant information obtained through Fern for the purpose of evaluating that applicant for the role they applied to. You must not share, sell, or repurpose applicant data for any other use.

8. Intellectual property

Fern retains all rights to the platform, its branding, and its screening technology. Businesses retain rights to their own job postings and business information.

9. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account for breach of these terms, including misuse of applicant data or unlawful use of the screening process. You may close your account at any time.

10. Limitation of liability

Fern is provided "as is." To the maximum extent permitted by law, Fern is not liable for hiring decisions made using the platform, or for any indirect or consequential loss arising from use of the service.

11. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand, and any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.

12. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms from time to time. Continued use of Fern after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

13. Contact

Questions about these terms: fernrecruitmentsupport@gmail.com