Freelance Employee Contract Template for New Zealand

This Freelance Employee Contract template is designed for use in New Zealand business contexts where organizations seek to engage independent contractors for specific projects or ongoing services. The document ensures compliance with New Zealand's Employment Relations Act 2000 and related legislation while clearly establishing the contractor relationship. It's particularly useful when businesses need to formalize arrangements with freelancers, consultants, or independent professionals, providing comprehensive coverage of essential terms including services, payment, intellectual property, and confidentiality. The contract helps avoid misclassification issues by clearly distinguishing the contractor relationship from employment, incorporating specific provisions required under New Zealand law for independent contractor agreements.

1. Parties: Identifies the contracting company and the freelancer, including full legal names and contact details

2. Background: Establishes context for the agreement and confirms the intention to engage services as an independent contractor

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement for clarity and legal certainty

4. Engagement and Term: Specifies the nature of engagement, start date, and duration (fixed term or ongoing)

5. Services: Outlines the services to be provided by the contractor, including scope and deliverables

6. Contractor Status: Explicitly confirms independent contractor status and not an employment relationship

7. Payment Terms: Details fees, payment schedule, expenses, and invoicing requirements

8. Contractor Obligations: Lists key responsibilities, quality standards, and performance expectations

9. Client Obligations: Outlines what the client will provide to enable service delivery

10. Intellectual Property: Addresses ownership and rights to work created during the engagement

11. Confidentiality: Defines confidential information and obligations to maintain confidentiality

12. Liability and Indemnity: Sets out liability limitations and indemnification requirements

13. Termination: Specifies how either party can end the agreement and the consequences

14. General Provisions: Includes standard legal clauses like governing law, dispute resolution, and amendments