Employment Agreement Templates
Professional employment contract templates for New Zealand businesses. Ensure legal compliance and protect your interests.
Employment Agreement Types
Choose the right employment agreement template for your hiring needs.
Permanent Employment
Standard ongoing employment with no fixed end date. Suitable for regular full-time and part-time positions.
- • Ongoing employment relationship
- • Full employment protections
- • Standard notice periods apply
Fixed-Term Contract
Employment for a specified period or until completion of a specific task or project.
- • Specific end date or event
- • Must have genuine reason
- • Automatic termination clause
Casual Employment
Flexible employment with no guaranteed hours, suitable for irregular work patterns.
- • No guaranteed hours
- • Flexible scheduling
- • Suitable for relief work
Senior Executive
Comprehensive agreement for senior management roles with additional clauses and benefits.
- • Executive compensation packages
- • Restraint of trade clauses
- • Performance incentives
Probationary Period
Standard employment with initial probationary period for performance assessment.
- • 90-day trial period option
- • Performance evaluation criteria
- • Reduced notice requirements
Remote Work
Employment agreement tailored for remote or hybrid work arrangements with specific clauses.
- • Home office requirements
- • Equipment and technology
- • Health and safety obligations
Download Employment Templates
Access professional employment agreement templates that comply with New Zealand employment law.
Free Template Package
- Basic employment agreement template
- Essential clauses included
- Word document format
- Completion guide included
Professional Review Service
- Lawyer review of your template
- Industry-specific customization
- Legal compliance verification
- Risk assessment included
New Zealand Employment Law Requirements
Mandatory Terms
Employee Details
Full name, address, and contact information
Job Description
Clear description of duties and responsibilities
Workplace Location
Primary place of work and any travel requirements
Working Hours
Regular hours of work and arrangements for overtime
Pay & Benefits
Wages/Salary
Rate of pay and frequency of payment
Leave Entitlements
Annual leave, sick leave, and other statutory leave
Notice Periods
Required notice for resignation or termination
Training & Development
Professional development arrangements and costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about employment agreements in New Zealand
Is an employment agreement legally required in New Zealand?
Yes, under the Employment Relations Act 2000, all employees in New Zealand must have a written employment agreement. This must be provided within the first month of employment and include essential terms like duties, location, hours, wages, and leave entitlements.
What must be included in a New Zealand employment contract?
Essential elements include: employee's name and address, employer details, job description and duties, place of work, hours of work, wages/salary and pay periods, holiday and leave entitlements, notice periods for termination, and any applicable collective agreement terms.
Can I use a template for employment agreements?
Yes, employment agreement templates can be used as a starting point, but they should be customized for your specific business needs and reviewed by an employment lawyer to ensure compliance with current NZ employment law.
What's the difference between permanent and fixed-term employment agreements?
Permanent agreements have no set end date and continue until terminated by either party. Fixed-term agreements have a specific end date or event and can only be used for genuine reasons like covering temporary work, seasonal work, or specific projects.
How much notice is required to terminate employment in NZ?
Minimum notice periods are: less than 6 months employment - 1 week notice, 6 months to 2 years - 2 weeks notice, 2-5 years - 4 weeks notice, over 5 years - 4 weeks notice. Employment agreements can specify longer notice periods.
Important Legal Notice
These templates provide general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Employment law in New Zealand is complex and changes regularly. We strongly recommend having your employment agreements reviewed by qualified employment lawyers before use. Each business situation is unique and may require specific clauses or modifications.
Need Professional Employment Law Advice?
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