Why your website needs cookies (not the chocolate chip kind)

You’ve likely seen those pop-up banners asking if you “accept cookies” on a website. But what exactly does that mean, and why is website cookies compliance something your site needs?

At Woodswork Web, we think it’s essential to add a cookie banner and a Privacy Policy to websites to ensure you stay legally protected from the legal requirements of European visitors.

Here’s why.

What is website cookies compliance?

Website cookies compliance refers to meeting the legal and ethical standards for informing visitors that your website uses cookies, those small data files stored in a user’s browser.

These cookies allow websites to remember preferences, track visitor behaviour, and improve usability. While this isn’t a legal requirement in New Zealand yet,  regulations in Europe and other overseas markets now require you to clearly explain how and why they’re used, and in some cases, to get active consent.

Why it matters for your website

1. It keeps you legally covered

If your site uses tools like Google Analytics, Meta Pixel, embedded videos, or forms, you’re almost certainly placing cookies. Under the NZ Privacy Act, GDPR (Europe), and other international standards, visitors must be notified and, in some cases, given the choice to opt in or out.

2. It helps users trust your site

A clear and well-written cookie notice demonstrates transparency. Visitors are more likely to trust and engage with your website when you’re upfront about how their data is used.

3. It improves your own insights

Cookies let you gather useful, anonymous analytics. When done compliantly, it means you’re gathering data the right way, while still learning what works best on your site.

What we’re doing for clients

To make sure your website is fully aligned with current standards, we’re able to add cookie compliance features.

This includes:

  • A visible cookie banner with clear language

  • Consent options (where required)

  • Integration with analytics and other tools

  • Testing across devices for smooth performance

  • Assistance with a Privacy Policy

Get in touch with us if we can do this for you.

Why are they called “cookies” anyway?

Good question!

Because no website topic should ever be boring, and while these cookies won’t melt in your mouth, they will help your business run better.

The term “cookies” in tech comes from an earlier programming concept known as a “magic cookie”, a small piece of data passed between programs that helps them remember or track something.

Here’s a short breakdown of why web cookies got their name:

Origin of the Term “Cookie”

  • “Magic cookie” was used in Unix systems (dating back to the 1970s) to describe a token or packet of data that was sent and then returned unchanged.

  • When web browsers started needing a way to store small bits of data (like user preferences or session info), developers adapted this idea.

  • The name “cookie” stuck, likely because it was a familiar, whimsical term that reflected the idea of “leaving a little treat” for the browser to hold onto.

Fun Analogy

Think of a cookie like a note left on the fridge:

  • You (the website) write a note (data)

  • The fridge (browser) holds onto it

  • The next time someone opens the fridge (visits the site), they see the note again (your data is remembered)

So yes, while we handle your website cookies compliance, you can reward yourself with a real cookie. Preferably chocolate chip. Or maybe something with sprinkles.