Privacy Policy:

The Story Studio

Effective Date: 12/7/26

At The Story Studio, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you provide to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information.

By enrolling in a workshop, course, or programme, or by using our website, you acknowledge this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

Depending on the service you use, we may collect:

Personal Information

• Participant name

• Parent or guardian name (where applicable)

• Email address

• Phone number

• Postal address (if required)

Participant Information

• Date of birth

• Age

• School

• Emergency contact details

• Medical information or learning support needs that are relevant to participation

Workshop Information

• Attendance records

• Enrolment details

• Workshop bookings

• Payment information (payments may be processed through a secure third-party provider)

Online Sessions

For online workshops, we may collect:

• Zoom display name

• Chat messages submitted during sessions

• Audio and video participation

• Session recordings (where applicable)

Promotional Information

Where you have provided consent, we may collect:

• Photographs

• Video recordings

• Anonymised writing samples

• Testimonials

2. Why We Collect Information

We collect personal information to:

• Process enrolments and bookings.

• Communicate with participants and families.

• Deliver workshops and courses.

• Ensure participant safety and wellbeing.

• Provide learning support where appropriate.

• Improve our workshops and services.

• Meet legal obligations.

• Send important workshop information.

• Send occasional updates about future workshops and courses (unless you opt out).

3. Recording of Online Sessions

For safeguarding and professional protection purposes, online Zoom sessions may be recorded.

Recordings may also be used to:

• review teaching quality;

• improve workshop content;

• provide feedback to participants;

• maintain professional records.

Recordings will not be publicly shared without separate consent.

Click on this link to view the full Recording Consent Policy.

4. Promotional Material

We will only use photographs, videos, testimonials, or student writing for promotional purposes where appropriate permission has been provided.

Where writing samples are used, they may be anonymised unless additional consent has been obtained.

Participation in workshops is not affected if you choose not to provide promotional consent.

5. Storage and Security

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

Information is stored using secure electronic systems and, where applicable, secure physical records.

Access is limited to authorised representatives of The Story Studio.

6. Sharing Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

Information may only be shared:

• where required by law;

• where necessary to protect the safety of a participant or another person;

• with trusted service providers who help us deliver our services (such as secure payment processors or online learning platforms).

Any third-party providers are expected to manage personal information appropriately.

7. Accessing or Correcting Your Information

Under the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you and to request corrections if you believe it is inaccurate.

Requests can be made by contacting The Story Studio.

8. Retention of Information

Personal information is retained only for as long as it is reasonably necessary to:

• deliver our services;

• meet legal obligations;

• resolve disputes;

• maintain business records.

When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or destroyed where reasonably practicable.

9. Website Information

Our website may collect limited technical information, such as cookies or website analytics, to help improve the user experience.

You can choose to disable cookies through your web browser, although some website features may not function correctly.

10. Changes to This Policy

The Story Studio may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

The most current version will always be available on our website.

11. Contact Us

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

The Story Studio

Email: meganholden@thestorystudio.biz

Website: www.thestorystudio.biz

We are committed to handling your personal information responsibly and in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand).