top of page

Privacy Policy

Waihi Counselling & Co Services

​

Last updated: 6 January 2026

Waihi Counselling & Co Services (“we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020, the Health Information Privacy Code, and relevant ethical standards for counselling services.

By using our website, booking an appointment, or contacting us, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

​

We only collect the information necessary to provide counselling and administrative services. This may include the following:

​

a. Booking Information

​

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Preferred session time

  • Selected service type

​

b. Intake Information (Minimal)

​

We may collect limited information to assist with arranging your appointment, such as:

  • General reason for seeking counselling

  • Accessibility needs

  • Consent to contact you

We do not collect detailed medical or mental health history through this website.

​

c. Communication Information

​

If you contact us via email, website forms, or messaging, we may collect:

  • Information you voluntarily provide

  • Records of communications for administrative purposes

​

d. Payment Information

​

For manual or offline payments, we may record:

  • Payment status

  • Payment confirmation details

We do not collect or store credit card numbers.

​

e. Website Analytics

​

Our website host (Wix) automatically collects standard technical data, such as:

  • IP address

  • Pages viewed

  • Device type

  • Browser type

This information helps improve website performance and is not used to personally identify clients unless legally required.

​

2. How We Use Your Information

​

Your information is used only for the following purposes:

  • Scheduling and managing appointments

  • Communicating with you about bookings

  • Providing counselling services

  • Maintaining accurate administrative records

  • Processing manual or offline payments

  • Improving website functionality

  • Meeting legal and ethical obligations

We do not use your information for marketing without your explicit consent.

​

3. How Your Information Is Stored

​

We take confidentiality seriously and store all information securely.

​

a. Website Storage (Wix)

​

Booking details, form submissions, and contact messages are stored on secure Wix servers protected by:

  • Encrypted databases

  • SSL/TLS secure data transmission

  • Restricted platform access

Wix complies with international privacy and security standards. Your data may be stored on servers located outside New Zealand but is protected by contractual safeguards.

​

b. Internal Access

​

Only authorised staff of Waihi Counselling & Co Services may access:

  • Booking information

  • Intake details

  • Email communications

No external parties have access unless required by law.

​

4. Confidentiality and Counselling Standards

​

As a counselling service, we follow strict confidentiality obligations.

We will only disclose personal information:

  • With your explicit written consent

  • Where required by law, including:

    • Risk of harm to yourself or others

    • Court orders

    • Child protection concerns

  • Where clinically necessary (e.g. supervision or safety planning), and only in a limited or de-identified manner

Your privacy is always respected.

​

5. Sharing of Information

​

We do not sell, trade, or distribute your personal information to third parties.

The only third party involved in data storage is Wix, our website host. Wix does not access your data except for technical maintenance or legal compliance.

​

6. Cookies and Tracking

​

Our website may use cookies to support:

  • Basic site functionality

  • Website analytics

  • Performance improvements

You may disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note that some website features may not function correctly if cookies are disabled.

​

7. Your Rights Under the New Zealand Privacy Act

​

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you

  • Request correction of inaccurate information

  • Request deletion of information where legally appropriate

  • Withdraw consent for communications

  • Ask how your information is used and stored

To request access or corrections, please contact us at:
Email: info.waihicounselling@gmail.com

​

8. Data Retention

​

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to meet:

  • Counselling service requirements

  • Legal and ethical obligations

  • Administrative record-keeping needs

Any counselling notes kept offline are stored securely and separately from the website.

​

9. Security Measures

​

We use appropriate safeguards, including:

  • Password-protected access to client and booking information

  • Role-restricted internal access

  • Encrypted data transmission

  • Regular security reviews

While no online platform can guarantee absolute security, we take all reasonable steps to protect your information.

​

10. Contact Us

​

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

Waihi Counselling & Co Services
Email: info.waihicounselling@gmail.com

​

11. Updates to This Policy

​

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time.
Any changes will be published on this page with an updated “Last updated” date.

bottom of page