Privacy Statement

Who we are

G.A.I.A Digital Studio is operated by Cathryn Ash in New Zealand.

G.A.I.A Digital Studio provides websites, digital tools, AI-supported workflows, professional documents, presentations and related digital services.

For the purposes of this statement, “G.A.I.A”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Cathryn Ash trading as G.A.I.A Digital Studio.

Information we may collect

We may collect personal information that you choose to provide when you:

• submit a project enquiry
• request a discovery call
• contact us about a service
• provide information needed to discuss or complete a project
• communicate with us by email, telephone or another agreed method

This information may include:

• your name
• business or organisation name
• email address
• telephone number
• location
• preferred contact method
• project requirements
• approximate budget or timeframe
• any other information you choose to include in your enquiry

Please do not include sensitive or confidential information in the initial enquiry form unless it is necessary.

Why we collect this information

We collect personal information only where it is reasonably necessary to:

• respond to your enquiry
• understand your project or business needs
• arrange a discovery conversation
• prepare a proposal, estimate or quote
• provide requested services
• communicate with you about a current or potential project
• manage our business records and meet legal obligations
• improve the clarity and usefulness of our services

Providing information through the enquiry form is voluntary. However, if you do not provide enough contact or project information, we may not be able to respond effectively or assess your request.

How we use your information

Your personal information will only be used for the purpose for which it was collected, or for a directly related purpose that you would reasonably expect.

We do not currently use information submitted through this website to send newsletters or unrelated marketing messages.

We do not sell or rent personal information.

We will not disclose your information to another person or organisation unless:

• it is reasonably necessary to provide a service you have requested
• you have authorised us to do so
• a trusted service provider is assisting with website, form or business administration
• disclosure is required or permitted by law
• it is necessary to protect the rights, property or safety of G.A.I.A or another person

Where a service provider processes information on our behalf, we will take reasonable steps to ensure the information is handled appropriately.

Website enquiry forms

Information entered into the website enquiry form will be transmitted to G.A.I.A so that we can respond to your request.

The form may be processed or stored using the website platform, hosting provider or another technical service used to operate the website.

Cookies and website analytics

At this stage, G.A.I.A Digital Studio does not intentionally use:

• Google Analytics
• Meta Pixel
• advertising or remarketing pixels
• behavioural advertising cookies
• newsletter tracking
• customer login tracking

The website platform or hosting provider may use cookies or collect limited technical information required for security, performance and normal website operation. This may include:

• IP address
• browser or device type
• approximate location derived from technical information
• date and time of access
• pages requested
• security or diagnostic information

Payment information

The website does not currently process payments directly.

If payment services are added later, payment information will be processed through the relevant payment provider rather than stored directly by G.A.I.A, wherever practical. This statement will be updated before any such service is introduced.

Business email, bookings and other services

The website does not currently use:

• a newsletter subscription service
• an online booking platform
• a client login area
• downloadable forms that collect personal information
• an online payment gateway

If any of these services are introduced later, this statement will be updated to clearly identify the provider and explain any relevant collection, use, storage or overseas processing of personal information.

Storage and security

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information against:

• loss
• unauthorised access
• misuse
• alteration
• disclosure

Information may be stored through the website platform, hosting provider, email service or secure business systems used by G.A.I.A.

No online service can guarantee absolute security. However, reasonable technical and organisational safeguards will be used based on the nature of the information held.

How long information is kept

We will retain personal information only for as long as it is reasonably required for:

• responding to an enquiry
• completing or administering a project
• maintaining appropriate business and financial records
• resolving a dispute
• meeting legal obligations

Information that is no longer required will be securely deleted, anonymised or disposed of where reasonably practical.

Accessing or correcting your information

You may ask whether G.A.I.A holds personal information about you.

You may also request:

• access to your personal information
• correction of information that is inaccurate or incomplete
• deletion of information where it is no longer required, subject to any legal or legitimate business need to retain it

To make a privacy request, use the website project enquiry or contact form and select or write: Privacy request.

Identity verification may be required before personal information is released or changed.

Overseas service providers

Some website, hosting, cloud or communication providers may process or store information outside New Zealand. Where this occurs, we will take reasonable steps to use reputable providers and to ensure personal information is handled with appropriate safeguards.

Third-party links

The website may include links to external websites or services. G.A.I.A is not responsible for the privacy practices, security or content of external websites. Visitors should review the privacy information provided by those services.

Changes to this statement

This privacy statement may be updated when:

• G.A.I.A’s services change
• new website functions are added
• different technology providers are introduced
• legal or regulatory requirements change

The latest version will be published on this page with its updated date.

Contact

Privacy enquiries may be made through the G.A.I.A website contact or project enquiry form.

Address the request to:

This privacy statement is a practical guide to how information is handled through this website. It is not formal legal advice.