Privacy Policy

Te Ara Hou Wellbeing

Last updated: March 2026

 
1. Introduction

Te Ara Hou Wellbeing is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in a safe, respectful, and lawful manner.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, store, use, and protect your personal information when you engage with our services, visit our website, or communicate with us.

Our practices align with the requirements of the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand) and relevant health information privacy principles.

 
2. Information We Collect

We may collect personal information that is necessary to provide our services. This may include:

Personal Details

• Name

• Date of birth

• Contact information (phone number, email, address)

• Emergency contact details

Health and Wellbeing Information

• Relevant health history

• Information relating to physical or mental wellbeing

• Information shared during consultations or therapy sessions

• ACC claim details (where applicable)

Administrative Information

• Appointment history

• Payment records

• Notes related to service delivery

Website Information
When you visit our website, limited technical information may be collected automatically such as:

• IP address

• Browser type

• Pages visited

• Cookies or analytics data

This information helps us improve our services and website functionality.

 
3. How Your Information Is Used

We collect and use your information only for purposes related to providing safe and effective services. These purposes may include:

• Providing therapeutic or wellbeing services

• Managing bookings and appointments

• Communicating with you about your care

• Processing payments

• Meeting legal or regulatory requirements

• Improving our services and client experience

Your information will never be sold or shared for marketing purposes without your consent.

 
4. Confidentiality

Your privacy and confidentiality are fundamental to our work.

All information shared during sessions is treated as confidential. Practitioners at Te Ara Hou Wellbeing maintain professional ethical standards to ensure your information remains private.

Confidential information will only be disclosed in the following circumstances:

• With your explicit consent

• When required by law

• When there is a serious and imminent risk of harm to yourself or others

• When required for ACC administration or insurance purposes

• When records are required by a court or legal authority

Where possible, we will always discuss any required disclosures with you.

 
5. How We Store and Protect Your Information

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorized access, or disclosure.

Information may be stored in:

• Secure electronic client management systems

• Password-protected computers or cloud services

• Secure physical files where necessary

Only authorized practitioners or administrative staff have access to client records.

 
6. Third-Party Services

To support our operations, we may use secure third-party systems for:

• Appointment scheduling

• Client record management

• Payment processing

• Telehealth services

These services are selected for their compliance with appropriate privacy and security standards.

 
7. Accessing and Correcting Your Information

You have the right to access the personal information we hold about you and request corrections if it is inaccurate.

Requests can be made by contacting us directly. We may require verification of identity before releasing information.

 
8. How Long We Keep Information

Client records may be retained for a period required by law or professional practice standards.

Health and therapy records are typically retained for at least 10 years after your last session unless legal requirements specify otherwise.

After this period, records may be securely destroyed.

 
9. Website Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use cookies or analytics tools to help us understand how visitors use our site. These tools collect anonymous data and do not personally identify you.

You can disable cookies through your browser settings if you prefer.

 
10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or business practices. The latest version will always be available on our website.

 
11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:

Te Ara Hou Wellbeing
Email: admin@tearahouwellbeing.co.nz
Website: www.tearahouwellbeing.co.nz