Privacy Policy – Mike Nelson Guitar Lessons

About This Policy

This Privacy Policy outlines how Mike Nelson Guitar Lessons ("I," "me," "my") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use my services or visit https://mikenelsonguitarlessons.co.nz.

I respect your privacy and am committed to complying with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.

Information I Collect

I may collect the following personal information:

• Contact Details: Name, email address, phone number
• Student Address: Collected only if you request mobile lessons at your location
• Lesson Information: Instrument, musical experience, learning goals, and scheduling preferences
• Communications: Any emails, messages, or feedback you send
• Payment Information: I do not store credit card or banking information. Payments are handled securely through third-party processors
• Website Usage: See "Cookies and Website Tracking" below

How I Use Your Information

I use your personal information to:

• Provide Guitar Lessons: Schedule lessons, maintain progress records, and deliver a personalized learning experience
• Communicate With You: Send lesson reminders, respond to inquiries, and notify you of important updates or changes
• Legal Compliance: Fulfil legal obligations under New Zealand law (e.g., tax records)

Information Sharing

I do not sell or rent your personal information to anyone.

I may share your information only:

• When required by law (e.g., court order, tax obligation)
• To protect my rights or respond to legal claims

Data Protection

I protect your personal information through:

• Secure Storage: Password-protected systems and encrypted communications
• Limited Access: Only I have access to your personal information
• Regular Security Reviews: I update security practices regularly
• Trusted Third Parties: I use only reputable service providers with strong privacy and security policies

Your Rights Under the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Correction: Ask me to correct inaccurate or outdated information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data (unless I am legally required to retain it)
• Data Portability: Request your information in a machine-readable format
• Complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner if you have concerns about how your data is handled

Data Retention

I retain information for the following periods:

• Active and Former Students: Indefinitely, to maintain business records and support potential future lessons
• Inquiries: Retained for 1 year to allow follow-up
• Financial Records: Retained for 7 years, as required by New Zealand tax law

Cookies and Website Tracking

My website uses the following types of cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for site functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics is used (with privacy-friendly settings enabled) to understand how visitors use the site
• Performance Cookies: Help improve website speed and user experience

A cookie banner appears when you visit the site, allowing you to accept or manage your cookie preferences. You can also control or disable cookies through your browser settings.

Third-Party Services

I use the following third-party services, each with its own privacy policy:

• Google Analytics: Website traffic analysis
• Payment Processor: Stripe (secure online payment)
• Email Services: Gmail

I configure these services with privacy settings that limit data collection to what's necessary for business operations.

International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored in New Zealand. If I use international service providers, I ensure that your information is protected by appropriate safeguards in accordance with New Zealand privacy law.

Children's Privacy

My services are available to both adults and children, with additional safeguards in place for minors.

For students under the age of 18:

• I require consent from a parent or legal guardian
• Parents/guardians may access and control their child's personal information
• I collect only the information necessary to provide guitar lessons

Changes to This Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When I do:

• I will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• Significant changes will be posted on the website or communicated via email
• Continued use of my services after a policy change means you accept the updated policy

Contact Me

If you have questions, concerns, or would like to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:

You can also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner:
Website: https://privacy.org.nz
Phone: 0800 803 909

Legal Notice

By using my services, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.
This policy is governed by the laws of New Zealand.