This Privacy Policy explains how The Essence Way collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information in compliance with New Zealand's Privacy Act 2020.

Last updated: January 2026

1. Information i Collect

Information you provide directly:

• Name and contact details (email, phone) when you inquire about or book services

• Payment information when purchasing sessions or packages

• Any information you share in coaching sessions, companionship messaging, or other communications

Information collected automatically:

• Website usage data through cookies and analytics (IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent on site)

• Technical information about your device and connection

2. How I Use Your Information

Your information is used to:

• Provide coaching and companionship services

• Communicate with you about sessions, scheduling, and service delivery

• Process payments and maintain financial records

• Improve my website and services

• Send occasional updates about services (only if you've opted in)

• Comply with legal obligations

3. Legal Basis for Processing

Under the Privacy Act 2020, we process your personal information based on:

• Your consent when you book services or contact us

• Contractual necessity to deliver the services you've purchased

• Legitimate business interests in operating and improving our services

• Legal obligations for financial record-keeping and tax purposes

4. How We Store and Protect Your Information

Security measures:

• Secure, password-protected systems for client information

• Encrypted payment processing through Squarespace and Acuity

• Regular backups of data

• Limited access to personal information (only accessible by me, not shared with staff or third parties except as noted below)

Data retention:

• Client session notes and communications are retained for 7 years for continuity of care and legal compliance

• Financial records are retained for 7 years as required by NZ tax law

• Website analytics data is retained according to the analytics provider's policy

5. Third-Party Services

I use the following third-party services that may access your information:

Scheduling and Payment Processing: Acuity Scheduling - manages session bookings and processes payments securely. I do not store your full credit card details.

Website Hosting: Squarespace - hosts my website and may collect standard web analytics.

Email Communications: Google Workspace (Gmail) - used for all email communication including scheduling, session coordination, and general correspondence.

Video Sessions: Zoom - used for virtual coaching sessions. Session recordings are not made without your explicit consent.

Messaging: WhatsApp - may be used for asynchronous messaging with companionship clients. Messages are encrypted end-to-end by WhatsApp.

Analytics: Squarespace Analytics (built-in) - tracks basic website usage to help me improve the site. You can manage tracking preferences through your browser settings.

Each of these services has their own privacy policy governing how they handle data.

6. Cookies

My website uses cookies to:

• Remember your preferences

• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns

• Improve user experience

You can disable cookies through your browser settings, though this may affect website functionality.

7. Information Sharing

I do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

Your information may be shared only in these limited circumstances:

• With your explicit consent

• When required by law or legal process

• With payment processors as necessary to complete transactions

• In anonymized form for marketing or teaching purposes (with all identifying details removed)

8. Your Rights

Under the Privacy Act 2020, you have the right to:

• Access your personal information - request a copy of what we hold about you

• Correction - request corrections to inaccurate information

• Deletion - request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)

• Withdraw consent - stop receiving marketing communications at any time

• Complain - lodge a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner if you believe your privacy has been breached

To exercise these rights, please contact me using the details below.

9. Marketing Communications

If you opt in to receive updates about services or offerings:

• You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in any email

• I will never share your email with third parties for marketing purposes

• Marketing emails are sent infrequently and only contain relevant service updates

10. Children's Privacy

My services are intended for adults. I do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18 without parental consent.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information is stored within New Zealand. If you are accessing our services from outside New Zealand, please be aware that your information will be transferred to and processed in New Zealand.

12. Changes to This Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Significant changes will be communicated directly to active clients.

13. Contact

For any questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:

Jasmine McCracken
The Essence Way
Email: jasmine@theessence-way.com
92 Inland Road, Helensville, New Zealand

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

By using this website or engaging my services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.