Free Release of Liability Template for New Zealand

A Release of Liability is a legal agreement that protects you or your business from being sued if something goes wrong. When someone signs this document, they give up their right to make legal claims against you for specific risks or incidents, even if they get hurt or suffer damages.

Under New Zealand common law, these agreements are widely used in sports clubs, adventure tourism, and business activities where risks exist. While they don't protect against gross negligence or deliberate harm, they're valuable tools for managing legal risk. The courts generally uphold them when they're clearly written and the risks are well explained to the person signing.

Use a Release of Liability when your business involves activities that carry inherent risks. This is especially important for adventure tourism operators, sports facilities, fitness centers, and event organizers across New Zealand. It's essential before letting customers participate in activities like bungee jumping, skiing, rock climbing, or high-intensity fitness classes.

The document becomes vital when renting equipment, hosting special events, or running team-building activities. Many insurance providers require these releases as part of their coverage terms. Having participants sign before they start helps protect your business from legal claims while clearly communicating potential risks to everyone involved.

• Release Of Liability Agreement: The standard comprehensive form covering general liability releases, adaptable for most business situations
• Horse Liability Waiver: Specialized for equestrian activities, addressing specific risks of horse riding and handling
• Participation Waiver: Focused on event participation and recreational activities, commonly used by sports clubs and event organizers
• Property Damage Waiver Form: Specifically covers potential damage to property during rentals or facility use
• Legal Waiver Of Liability: A more detailed version with stronger legal language for high-risk activities or complex situations

• Adventure Tourism Operators: Use these releases to protect their businesses when offering activities like bungy jumping, skydiving, or white-water rafting
• Sports and Recreation Facilities: Require signed releases from members and casual users before allowing access to gyms, climbing walls, or swimming pools
• Event Organizers: Get participants to sign releases before races, competitions, or high-risk entertainment events
• Property Owners: Protect themselves when allowing others to use their facilities or equipment
• Legal Professionals: Draft and review releases to ensure they meet New Zealand legal requirements and provide adequate protection
• Insurance Companies: Often require businesses to use liability releases as a condition of coverage

• Activity Details: List all specific risks and hazards participants might encounter during the activity
• Party Information: Gather full legal names and contact details of all parties involved, including your business entity name
• Time and Location: Specify when and where the activity takes place, including any relevant facility details
• Clear Language: Use simple terms to describe risks and responsibilities - our platform helps ensure this automatically
• Signing Protocol: Plan how and when participants will sign, allowing adequate time to read and understand
• Document Storage: Set up a secure system to store signed releases and maintain clear records
• Emergency Contacts: Include space for participant emergency contact information

• Party Details: Full legal names and addresses of both the releasor and releasee, with clear business entity information
• Activity Description: Detailed explanation of activities covered and specific risks being waived
• Risk Acknowledgment: Clear statement that the signing party understands and accepts the risks involved
• Scope of Release: Precise terms outlining what claims are being waived and any exclusions
• Duration: Clear timeframe for which the release remains valid
• Governing Law: Explicit reference to New Zealand law and jurisdiction
• Signature Block: Space for dated signatures, witness details, and acknowledgment of understanding
• Emergency Provisions: Authorization for medical treatment if needed during activities

A Release of Liability is often confused with a Release of Claims, but they serve different purposes in New Zealand law. While both documents involve giving up legal rights, their timing and scope differ significantly.

• Timing of Use: A Release of Liability is signed before an activity or event to prevent future claims, while a Release of Claims is used after an incident to settle existing disputes
• Scope of Coverage: Release of Liability covers potential future incidents within specific activities, while Release of Claims settles known, specific incidents that have already occurred
• Legal Effect: Release of Liability acts as preventive protection against possible future claims, while Release of Claims permanently resolves existing disputes, often involving compensation
• Common Applications: Release of Liability is standard for adventure sports and recreational activities, while Release of Claims typically follows accidents, employment disputes, or property damage incidents