Visionwest is committed to respecting the dignity of each individual in their journey story, and have established guidelines for interviewing whānau/ clients and sharing their stories in a way that is ethical, empowering, and preserves their mana.

Purpose

This policy provides guidelines for interviewing whānau/clients and sharing their stories in a way that is ethical, empowering, and preserves their mana. It applies to all Visionwest staff, including employees, volunteers, contractors, and trustees.

Core Principles

• Stories should inspire and promote Visionwest’s work while respecting the dignity and future aspirations of the whānau whose stories are told.
• Interviews and stories must reflect “mastery of crisis,” showing positive transformation and hope.

Permission and Consent

• Express permission from the whānau is required before any interview or filming. This must be recorded through the interviewee signing a Media Release Form.
• Interviewees must be informed:
  o Why their story is valuable to Visionwest.
  o Where and how their story will be used, including potential visibility (e.g., social media, news media).
• Stories cannot be used in any format other than what was agreed upon. Additional use requires new consent.
• Whānau can withdraw permission at any time, regardless of production effort.

Safety and Comfort

• The key worker of the whānau being interviewed should introduce the interviewer to the interviewee and remain present during the interview, especially when the whānau is female and the interviewer male.

Confidentiality and Reputation

• Whānau may choose to use their real name and photo or opt for a pseudonym and stock image.
• No other person or agency can be named without consent (except Visionwest staff first names when being praised for service delivery).
• Staff must avoid sharing any information that could harm the reputation or self-esteem of the whānau.

Location

• Filming at or near the home of the whānau being interviewed must avoid revealing identifiable locations, details or addresses.

Media Interviews by External Parties

• External media organisations must adhere to this policy and ensure consent forms are signed.
• A Visionwest representative (preferably from the Communications or Marketing team) should attend interviews and prepare whānau beforehand (If outside Auckland, the case worker of the whānau assumes this role).

Koha

• Visionwest acknowledges whānau participation with a non-monetary koha, such as photos or a small token of appreciation.

Need more information?

Please contact our Communications Manager for further details or copies of the full policy.

Email: communications@visionwest.org.nz