General Contractor Contract for New Zealand

General Contractor Contract Template for New Zealand

This General Contractor Contract is a comprehensive legal agreement designed for use in New Zealand's construction industry. It establishes the legal relationship between a principal/client and a general contractor, incorporating requirements under New Zealand law including the Construction Contracts Act 2002 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. The document covers essential aspects such as scope of works, payment terms, project timelines, contractor obligations, and dispute resolution mechanisms, while ensuring compliance with New Zealand's building regulations and construction industry standards.

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What is a General Contractor Contract?

The General Contractor Contract serves as a foundational legal document for construction projects in New Zealand, establishing the terms and conditions between a principal/client and a general contractor. This document is essential for any construction project where a contractor is engaged to perform building works, whether for commercial, residential, or industrial purposes. It incorporates requirements from key New Zealand legislation including the Construction Contracts Act 2002, Building Act 2004, and Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. The contract provides comprehensive coverage of project specifications, payment terms, timelines, quality standards, and risk allocation, while ensuring proper mechanisms for variations and dispute resolution. It is designed to protect both parties' interests while facilitating efficient project delivery within New Zealand's legal framework.

What sections should be included in a General Contractor Contract?

1. Parties: Identification of the Principal/Client and the Contractor, including full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Context of the agreement and general purpose of the construction project

3. Definitions and Interpretation: Definitions of key terms used throughout the contract and rules for contract interpretation

4. Scope of Works: Detailed description of the construction work to be performed by the Contractor

5. Contract Price and Payment Terms: Agreed price, payment schedule, and payment claim procedures complying with the Construction Contracts Act 2002

6. Time for Completion: Project timeline, completion date, and provisions for extensions of time

7. Contractor's Obligations: Key responsibilities including workmanship, compliance with laws, and site management

8. Principal's Obligations: Client's responsibilities including site access, approvals, and information provision

9. Health and Safety: Safety obligations and procedures complying with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

10. Insurance and Liability: Required insurance coverage and liability allocation between parties

11. Variations: Process for requesting, approving, and pricing changes to the scope of works

12. Defects Liability: Defects notification period and contractor's obligations to remedy defects

13. Termination: Grounds and procedures for contract termination by either party

14. Dispute Resolution: Process for resolving disputes, including mediation and arbitration procedures

15. General Provisions: Standard contract clauses including notices, assignment, and governing law

What sections are optional to include in a General Contractor Contract?

1. Performance Security: Requirements for bank guarantees or bonds, used for high-value projects

2. Intellectual Property: IP rights provisions, needed when custom designs or innovative methods are involved

3. Confidentiality: Confidentiality obligations, important for sensitive commercial projects

4. Resource Management: Environmental management requirements for projects with significant environmental impact

5. Subcontracting: Rules for engaging subcontractors, needed when subcontracting is anticipated

6. Liquidated Damages: Pre-agreed damages for delay, useful for time-critical projects

7. Force Majeure: Provisions for unforeseen events, particularly relevant in long-term or complex projects

8. Materials and Equipment: Specific requirements for materials supply and equipment use, needed for specialized construction

9. Quality Assurance: Detailed quality control requirements for projects requiring specific standards

What schedules should be included in a General Contractor Contract?

1. Schedule 1 - Project Specifications: Detailed technical specifications, drawings, and project requirements

2. Schedule 2 - Price Schedule: Breakdown of contract price, rates, and payment milestones

3. Schedule 3 - Program of Works: Detailed project timeline, milestones, and completion dates

4. Schedule 4 - Site Information: Site details, access requirements, and existing conditions

5. Schedule 5 - Key Personnel: Details of key staff from both parties involved in the project

6. Schedule 6 - Insurance Requirements: Specific insurance types and coverage levels required

7. Schedule 7 - Health and Safety Requirements: Specific safety procedures and requirements

8. Schedule 8 - Forms and Certificates: Standard forms for variations, completion certificates, and payment claims

9. Appendix A - Drawings: Construction drawings and design documents

10. Appendix B - Special Conditions: Any project-specific conditions or requirements

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

New Zealand

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Agreement Contract

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
Clauses
Relevant Industries

Construction

Real Estate Development

Infrastructure

Commercial Property

Residential Property

Industrial Construction

Civil Engineering

Building Services

Property Management

Urban Development

Relevant Teams

Legal

Operations

Construction

Commercial

Procurement

Risk Management

Compliance

Project Management

Contract Administration

Business Development

Relevant Roles

Construction Manager

Project Manager

Contract Administrator

Legal Counsel

Quantity Surveyor

Site Manager

Operations Director

Commercial Manager

Risk Manager

Procurement Manager

Construction Director

Development Manager

General Contractor

Chief Operating Officer

Compliance Officer

Industries
Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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