TERMS & CONDITIONS - Hokianga Community Educational Trust (HCET)
Dated: 25th January 2026
1. Overview
This website is operated by Hokianga Community Educational Trust (HCET).
Throughout the site, the terms “we”, “us”, and “our” refer to HCET and its operating arms, including Hokianga Publishers and Ako Hokianga.
By accessing our website or purchasing products or services from us, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions and all policies referenced within them. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not use our website or services.
2. Price, Availability & Product Information
All prices, availability, and product details listed on our website are subject to change without notice.
Prices are listed in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) unless otherwise stated.
Availability of books, courses, and resources may be limited.
Pre-orders or out-of-stock items may have extended fulfillment times.
If an item or service you have ordered is affected by a stock or scheduling issue, we will contact you as soon as reasonably possible.
PART A — HOKIANGA PUBLISHERS
3. Products & Publications
Certain products may be available exclusively online and in limited quantities. All descriptions,
pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice.
We reserve the right to discontinue any product at any time.
4. Colour & Image Representation
We make every effort to display product images and colours as accurately as possible. However, colours may vary slightly due to differences in screens, devices, and display settings. We cannot guarantee that the colours shown on your device will exactly match the physical product.
5. Shipping & Freight Policy
Physical Books & Publications
Orders are shipped within New Zealand using standard postal or courier services. Dispatch is typically within 3–7 working days, subject to availability. Shipping costs (if applicable) are displayed at checkout
We are not responsible for delays once items have been handed to the delivery service.
Digital Products
Where offered, digital publications are delivered electronically and do not incur shipping fees.
6. Hokianga Publishers — Refunds & Exchanges
Change of Mind
We do not offer refunds for change-of-mind purchases. Please choose carefully before placing your order.
Faulty or Incorrect Items
If an item is faulty, damaged, or not as described, we will meet our obligations under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, which may include a repair, replacement, or refund.
Stock Issues
If an item becomes unavailable due to stock error, loss, or damage, you will be offered:
A replacement (where possible), or a full refund.
Exchanges
Exchanges may be offered for store credit only. Items must be unused and returned in pristine condition. Requests must be made within 30 days of purchase. Proof of purchase is required.
Cash refunds are not provided for exchanges.
PART B — AKO HOKIANGA
7. Courses, Workshops & Events
Ako Hokianga delivers education through in-person, online, or blended formats. Course details, schedules, and delivery methods are provided at the time of enrollment.
8. Ako Hokianga — Refunds, Withdrawals & Cancellations
Minimum Numbers & Course Cancellations
Most courses require a minimum of five (5) participants to proceed.
Ako Hokianga reserves the right to cancel any course or event where insufficient enrollments are received. In some cases, a course may proceed with fewer participants at the discretion of the tutor or management.
If a course or event is cancelled by Ako Hokianga, a full refund will be provided.
Student Withdrawals
Refunds are assessed based on the notice period provided prior to course commencement:
10 or more business days before commencement
→ Full refund
6–9 business days before commencement
→ 50% refund
5 business days before commencement or after commencement
→ No refund
Students may transfer their enrollment to another person prior to commencement, subject to notification and approval.
This policy reflects financial commitments already made for administration, materials, venues, and tutor costs, and recognises that late withdrawals may affect the viability of a course for other participants.
However, some workshops will have certain conditions that apply and these will be communicated on the course information page.
Exceptional Circumstances
In cases of serious illness, bereavement, or other exceptional circumstances, Ako Hokianga may, at its discretion, offer a partial refund or credit. Supporting documentation may be requested.
GENERAL TERMS
9. Use of Website
You agree not to use this website or its content for unlawful purposes, to infringe intellectual property rights, or to upload harmful or misleading material.
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate access where these Terms are breached.
10. Accuracy of Information
Content on this website is provided for general information only. While we make reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy, we do not guarantee completeness, timeliness, or suitability for individual circumstances.
11. Third-Party Websites, Products & Services
Our website may include links to, references to, or integrations with third-party websites, products, services, tools, or resources that are not owned or controlled by Hokianga Community Educational Trust.
We are not responsible for, and do not warrant, the content, accuracy, availability, policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services. Any purchase, engagement, or use of third-party goods or services is undertaken at your own discretion and risk.
We are not liable for any loss, harm, or damages arising from transactions or interactions with third-party providers. Complaints, claims, concerns, or questions regarding third-party products or services should be directed to the relevant third-party provider.
12. Intellectual Property
All content on this website, including text, images, publications, and educational materials, is owned by or licensed to HCET unless otherwise stated.
Unauthorised reproduction or commercial use is prohibited without written permission.
13. Disclaimer of Warranties & Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by New Zealand law, all products, services, and content provided by Hokianga Community Educational Trust (including Hokianga Publishers and Ako Hokianga) are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.
While reasonable care is taken, we do not guarantee that:
- Services will be uninterrupted or error-free
- Educational outcomes will meet individual expectations
- Materials will be free from minor errors or variations
Education & Training Services
Participation in courses, workshops, and events is undertaken at the participant’s own discretion. Information provided does not constitute professional, medical, legal, or financial advice unless explicitly stated.
Products & Publications
We are not liable for minor variations in printed materials, including colour, texture, or finish, nor for normal wear and tear.
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, HCET will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages, including loss of income, opportunity, data, or emotional distress.
Where liability cannot be excluded, our liability is limited to either:
- Re-supplying the goods or services, or
- Refunding the amount paid
In-Person Participation
Participants attend in-person courses, workshops, and events at their own risk and are responsible for ensuring they are physically able to participate safely.
Consumer Rights
Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 or other applicable New Zealand legislation.
14. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Hokianga Community Educational Trust, its trustees, officers, employees, contractors, volunteers, tutors, service providers, and affiliates from any claim, demand, loss, or expense (including reasonable legal costs) arising from:
- Your breach of these Terms & Conditions
- Your misuse of the website, products, or services
- Your violation of any applicable law or the rights of a third party
15. Severability
If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be unlawful, invalid, or unenforceable, that provision will be severed to the extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
16. Privacy
Personal information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Privacy Act 2020.
17. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of New Zealand.
18. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
19. Contact Information
For questions relating to these Terms & Conditions, please contact: