Moa skeleton fossil on display at the Waitomo Caves Museum extinct species gallery.

POLICIES

Our Policies and Commitments

At the Waitomo Caves Museum, we are committed to transparency, safety, and sustainability. Here you’ll find our key policies, designed to protect our visitors, staff, collections, and environment.

**Privacy Policy – Waitomo Caves Museum** The Waitomo Caves Museum and Discovery Centre (“we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard personal information when you interact with our website or services. **1. Information We Collect** - Personal details provided (name, email, phone) for bookings, donations, education room hire, theatre or contact forms. - Payment details processed securely by third-party providers (e.g., Stripe, Wix Payments, PayPal). - Information automatically collected by Wix (e.g., cookies, browser details, IP address). **2. How We Use Your Information** - To process bookings, donations, ticket sales, and room hire agreements. - To communicate with you about your visit, hire, or enquiry. - To improve our website, services, and visitor experience. **3. Cookies** Our website uses cookies through Wix to improve functionality and track analytics. You can manage cookies through your browser settings. **4. Data Security** Data is securely stored by Wix and payment providers. We do not store or process payment card information on our servers. **5. Sharing of Information** We only share your information with service providers (e.g., Wix, Stripe, PayPal) to complete transactions and comply with legal obligations. **6. Your Rights** You may request access, correction, or deletion of your personal data at any time under the NZ Privacy Act 2020. **7. Contact** For privacy-related enquiries, contact: info@waitomodiscovery.org

**General Terms and Conditions of Use – Waitomo Caves Museum** By using our website and facilities, you agree to the following terms: **1. Use of Website** This website is provided for general information, ticket booking, donations, theatre and education room hire enquiries. Misuse of the site is prohibited. **2. Intellectual Property** All content, including text, images, and logos, belongs to Waitomo Caves Museum unless otherwise stated. You may not copy, distribute, or reproduce without permission. **3. Accuracy** We aim to ensure all information is accurate, but we do not guarantee that content is free from errors or omissions. **4. Liability** We are not liable for any loss or damages arising from use of this website or services. **5. Governing Law** These terms are governed by New Zealand law. --- **Terms and Conditions for Hire of Education Room and Theatre – Waitomo Caves Museum and Discovery Centre** **1. Bookings and Payment** - All bookings must be confirmed in writing (email accepted). - A booking is only secured once a confirmation is sent and payment is received in full or as agreed. - A bond or deposit may be required and will be advised at the time of booking. **2. Hire Fees and Duration** - Hire fees are charged by the hour or day as outlined in our current price list. - Setup and pack-down times must be included in the booked hire period. - Overtime will be charged if the room is not vacated at the agreed time. **3. Cancellations and Refunds** - Cancellations made more than 7 days before the booking will receive a full refund. - Cancellations made within 7 days will incur a 50% cancellation fee. - No refunds for cancellations within 48 hours of the booking. **4. Room Use and Conduct** - The hirer is responsible for the behaviour of all attendees and for ensuring respectful use of the facilities. - No smoking, vaping, or alcohol is permitted on the premises. - The room must be left clean and tidy. Additional cleaning fees may apply if the space is left in an unacceptable condition. **5. Equipment and Technical Use** - Basic furniture (tables, chairs) is included in the hire. - Use of AV equipment in the theatre must be requested in advance and may incur an additional fee. - Hirers are responsible for any damage to equipment or facilities during the hire period. **6. Health and Safety** - All fire exits must remain unobstructed. - The hirer is responsible for ensuring all attendees are aware of emergency exits and procedures. - Children must be supervised at all times. **7. Liability** - The Waitomo Caves Museum and Discovery Centre is not responsible for personal injury, damage, or loss of property incurred during the hire. - The hirer agrees to indemnify the Centre against any claims arising from the event. **8. General** - We reserve the right to refuse or cancel a booking at our discretion. - By confirming a booking, the hirer agrees to abide by these terms and conditions.

**Online Ticketing & Payment Policy – Waitomo Caves Museum** **1. Payments** All transactions are processed in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) via secure providers (Stripe, PayPal, or Wix Payments). This applies to ticket sales, donations, theatre and education room hire payments. **2. Confirmation** You will receive confirmation of your booking, donation, or hire agreement via email once payment is processed. **3. Refunds and Cancellations** - Ticket cancellations made 48 hours before your booking are eligible for a full refund. - No-shows and late arrivals are non-refundable. - Donations are non-refundable. - Education room hire cancellations follow the Education Room and Theatre Hire Terms. **4. Museum Rights** The Museum reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or reschedule events.

**Refund & Cancellation Policy – Waitomo Caves Museum** **1. General Bookings (Tickets and Tours)** - Full refunds available for cancellations made 48 hours before the scheduled booking. - Cancellations within 48 hours or failure to attend are non-refundable. **2. Education Room and Theatre Hire** - Cancellations made more than 7 days before the booking will receive a full refund. - Cancellations made within 7 days will incur a 50% cancellation fee. - No refunds for cancellations within 48 hours of the booking. **3. Donations** All donations are final and non-refundable. **4. Museum Closures** If the Museum cancels an event, booking, or hire due to weather, emergencies, or operational issues, a full refund or reschedule will be offered.

**Accessibility & Inclusion Statement – Waitomo Caves Museum** Waitomo Caves Museum is committed to accessibility and inclusivity for all visitors. **1. Website Accessibility** Our Wix-hosted website is designed to meet WCAG accessibility standards where possible. We continue to improve our site for all users. **2. Physical Accessibility** The Museum provides wheelchair access and staff assistance where required. Please contact us prior to visiting if you have specific accessibility needs. **3. Inclusivity** We strive to create a welcoming environment for all visitors, respecting cultural diversity and individual needs.

**Cookie Policy – Waitomo Caves Museum** **1. What Are Cookies?** Cookies are small files stored on your device to improve user experience and website functionality. **2. How We Use Cookies** Our Wix-hosted website uses cookies for: - Analytics and performance tracking - Booking and payment functionality - Security and fraud prevention **3. Managing Cookies** You may control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Please note some site features may not work correctly if cookies are disabled. **4. Consent** By continuing to use our website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy.