Terms of Service

1. Service Overview

NCEATutor NZ ("we", "our", "the platform") operates a tutoring marketplace connecting New Zealand students with qualified tutors for NCEA subjects. We facilitate introductions between students and tutors for a finder’s fee.

2. User Responsibilities

For Students/Parents:

• Provide accurate information when submitting tutor requests
• Pay the NZ$19 finder’s fee to unlock tutor contact details
• Arrange tutoring sessions and payments directly with tutors
• Treat tutors with respect and professionalism

For Tutors:

• Provide accurate qualifications and experience information
• Maintain current Police checks where applicable
• Respond promptly to student introductions
• Deliver quality tutoring services as agreed
• Handle session bookings and payments independently

3. Fees and Payments

• Finder’s Fee: NZ$19 per tutor introduction (one-time payment)
• Tutoring Fees: Arranged directly between students and tutors
• Refunds: Finder’s fees are non-refundable once contact details are provided

4. Satisfaction Policy

We strive to facilitate quality matches between students and tutors. Our "Satisfaction Focused" approach means:

• First Session Support: If you're not satisfied with your first tutoring session, we will work with you to find an alternative tutor match at no additional finder’s fee
• Eligibility: You must notify us within 48 hours of the first session
• Process: Contact our support team with specific concerns about the match
• Limitations: This policy applies once per student account and does not include refunds of the original NZ$19 finder’s fee. We facilitate new introductions but do not guarantee specific tutoring outcomes
• Exclusions: Policy does not apply to scheduling conflicts, personality preferences, or issues that can be resolved through direct communication with the tutor

5. Tutor Verification Process

During our Beta phase, we implement a streamlined verification process for tutors:

• Email Verification: All tutors must verify their email address using a 6-digit code
• Profile Review: We review tutor qualifications, experience, and NCEA subject expertise
• Application Assessment: Our team evaluates each application for completeness and quality
• Fast-Tracked Approval: Most tutors are approved within 2–3 business days
• Ongoing Monitoring: We monitor tutor profiles and respond to student feedback
• Important Note: We recommend parents/guardians meet tutors before the first session and supervise sessions with younger students. Final responsibility for tutor suitability rests with the student/parent

6. Beta Tutor Program

Selected tutors may be invited to join our Beta Tutor Program during our launch phase:

• Beta Period: October 2025 through March 2026 (subject to extension)
• Lifetime Benefits: Beta tutors receive permanent benefits including:
  • 20% reduction in platform fees (lifetime)
  • "Beta Pioneer" badge on profile
  • Priority customer support
  • Early access to new platform features
• Eligibility: Beta status is granted at our discretion based on qualification, experience, and application timing. Limited spots available
• Terms: Beta benefits are non-transferable and subject to maintaining good standing on the platform

7. Platform Responsibilities

• Facilitate introductions between students and tutors
• Implement our tutor verification process as described in Section 5
• Provide customer support for platform-related issues
• Maintain user privacy and data security
• Process payments securely through our payment provider

8. Limitations and Disclaimers

Important Legal Notices:

• No Guarantees: We do not guarantee specific tutoring outcomes, exam results, or grade improvements. Educational outcomes depend on many factors including student effort
• Independent Contractors: Tutors are independent contractors, not employees. We are not responsible for their actions, teaching methods, or conduct outside platform rules
• Disputes: Disagreements between students and tutors regarding sessions, payments, or service quality should be resolved directly. We may assist with mediation but are not liable
• Session Quality: While we verify qualifications, tutoring session content, teaching methods, and effectiveness are the tutor's responsibility
• Platform Availability: We strive for 24/7 availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted service. Maintenance and technical issues may occur
• Third-Party Services: Payment processing, email delivery, and other services rely on third parties. We are not liable for their failures or delays

9. Prohibited Conduct

Users must not:

• Provide false information or impersonate others
• Harass, abuse, or threaten other users
• Circumvent our platform to avoid fees
• Share login credentials or access unauthorized accounts
• Use the platform for illegal activities or fraud
• Scrape, copy, or misuse platform data
• Violate New Zealand law or regulations

10. Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts for violations of these terms, inappropriate behaviour, fraudulent activity, or failure to meet platform standards. Users may close their accounts at any time by contacting support.

11. Intellectual Property

• All platform content, design, and code are owned by NCEATutor NZ
• Users retain ownership of content they submit (profiles, reviews)
• By using the platform, users grant us license to display their content
• Unauthorized use of platform materials is prohibited

12. Indemnification

Users agree to indemnify NCEATutor NZ from claims arising from their use of the platform, violations of these terms, or disputes with other users.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by New Zealand law, NCEATutor NZ's liability is limited to the amount paid by the user (the NZ$19 finder’s fee). We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

14. Changes to Terms

We may update these terms periodically. Material changes will be notified via email or platform notice. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. The "Last updated" date is shown at the top of this page.

15. Fair Trading Act Compliance

We are committed to compliance with the New Zealand Fair Trading Act 1986. All claims made on our platform are accurate and substantiated. If you believe any representation is misleading, please contact us immediately.

16. Dispute Resolution

• Informal Resolution: Contact our support team first to resolve issues
• Mediation: Disputes may be referred to mediation before legal action
• Governing Law: These terms are governed by New Zealand law
• Jurisdiction: Disputes will be resolved in New Zealand courts

17. Severability

If any provision of these terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force and effect.

18. Contact Information

For questions about these terms, contact us at: info@nceatutor.co.nz