Caregiver Contract Template for New Zealand

The Caregiver Contract is essential for establishing formal caregiving relationships in New Zealand, whether in private homes, healthcare facilities, or community settings. This document is designed to comply with New Zealand employment legislation, including the Employment Relations Act 2000 and specific healthcare-related regulations. It should be used when engaging caregivers in any professional capacity, whether full-time, part-time, or casual basis. The contract covers crucial aspects such as duties, responsibilities, work hours, remuneration, leave entitlements, and professional standards required in caregiving roles. It includes specific provisions for health and safety, confidentiality, and care recipient rights, making it suitable for various caregiving scenarios while ensuring compliance with New Zealand legal requirements and industry standards.

1. Parties: Identification of the employer and the caregiver, including full legal names and contact details

2. Background: Context of the agreement, including the purpose of engaging a caregiver and general nature of the care required

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement, including specific caregiving terminology

4. Nature of Employment: Specifies whether the position is permanent, fixed-term, casual, full-time or part-time

5. Duties and Responsibilities: Detailed description of the caregiver's role, responsibilities, and expected standard of care

6. Hours of Work: Regular working hours, roster arrangements, break entitlements, and overtime provisions

7. Place of Work: Primary location where care will be provided and any requirements for travel between locations

8. Remuneration: Base salary/wages, payment frequency, allowances, and any additional benefits

9. Leave Entitlements: Annual, sick, bereavement, and public holiday leave provisions as per NZ law

10. Health and Safety: Health and safety obligations, including specific caregiving-related safety requirements

11. Confidentiality: Obligations regarding personal and medical information of the care recipient

12. Training and Qualifications: Required qualifications, ongoing training requirements, and professional development

13. Reporting Requirements: Documentation and reporting obligations regarding care provided

14. Termination: Notice periods and grounds for termination of employment

15. Dispute Resolution: Process for resolving employment-related disputes

16. General Provisions: Standard contract clauses including variation, entire agreement, and governing law