Terms of Trade

1. Services

Paragon provides private investigation, corporate and institutional investigations, surveillance, intelligence gathering, process serving, security consultancy and reviews, drug and alcohol testing, pre-employment vetting, and related services, as instructed by the Client.

2. No guarantee

Paragon does not warrant or guarantee any particular outcome, result, or evidence.

3. Evidence disclaimer

Paragon gives no warranty that any information or evidence obtained will be admissible or suitable for use in any legal or administrative proceedings.

4. Fees and disbursements

Fees may be charged on an hourly, fixed-fee, or quoted basis. The Client is liable for all disbursements incurred by Paragon, including travel, accommodation, surveillance costs, database access, sub-contractors, and other third-party expenses.

5. Payment and retainers

Invoices are payable within seven (7) days. Paragon may require a deposit or retainer, and may suspend services where funds on account are exhausted.

6. Client obligations

The Client warrants that all instructions are lawful; that all information it provides is accurate and complete; that it has authority to give the instructions; and that it is not subject to any court order, statutory restriction, or legal limitation (including any protection order or non-contact order) that would prevent Paragon from acting. Paragon may suspend or terminate services where it reasonably believes such a restriction exists.

7. Confidentiality

Paragon will treat information obtained in the course of its services as confidential, subject to its legal obligations and operational requirements.

8. Legal risk acknowledgment

The Client acknowledges that investigation services involve inherent legal and practical risks beyond Paragon’s control.

9. Use of information

The Client accepts sole responsibility for the use it makes of any information, reports, or evidence provided by Paragon.

10. Indemnity

The Client indemnifies Paragon against all losses, costs, and claims arising from the Client’s instructions, except to the extent caused by Paragon’s negligence, wilful misconduct, or breach of law.

11. Limitation of liability

Paragon’s liability is limited to the fees paid for the relevant engagement. Paragon is not liable for any indirect or consequential loss.

12. Termination

Either party may terminate the engagement at any time. Fees incurred up to termination remain payable.

13. Cancellation

Paragon may charge for work completed, committed costs, and reasonable cancellation charges.

14. Set-off

Paragon may deduct any amounts owing to it across all matters and engagements with the Client.

15. Force majeure

Paragon is not liable for any delay in, or failure of, performance caused by events beyond its reasonable control.

16. Privacy

Paragon handles personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. Please see our Privacy information for how we collect, use, and protect personal information.

17. Governing law

These Terms are governed by, and are to be construed in accordance with, the laws of New Zealand.

18. Assignment

The Client shall not assign its rights or obligations under these Terms without Paragon’s prior written consent.

19. Non-reliance

The Client acknowledges that it has not relied on any representation not expressly set out in these Terms.

20. Acceptance

By instructing Paragon, the Client confirms that it has read, understood, and agrees to these Terms.