Hourly Employment Contract Template for New Zealand

This Hourly Employment Contract is designed for use in New Zealand employment relationships where workers are paid on an hourly basis rather than an annual salary. It should be used when engaging employees who will be paid by the hour, whether part-time, full-time, or casual, and complies with all relevant New Zealand employment legislation including the Employment Relations Act 2000, Holidays Act 2003, and Minimum Wage Act 1983. The contract includes mandatory provisions required by New Zealand law, such as hours of work, hourly rate, leave entitlements, and statutory protections. It's suitable for various industries and roles, providing flexibility while ensuring legal compliance and protection for both employer and employee interests. Regular updates may be required to reflect changes in employment law or minimum wage rates.

1. Parties: Identification of the employer and employee with full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Brief context of the employment relationship and purpose of the agreement

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

4. Position and Duties: Job title, reporting relationships, and key responsibilities

5. Nature of Agreement: Specifies this is an hourly employment arrangement and any trial period if applicable

6. Hours of Work: Agreed working hours, breaks, overtime arrangements, and flexibility provisions

7. Place of Work: Primary work location and any flexibility arrangements

8. Remuneration: Hourly rate, payment frequency, method of payment, and any additional allowances

9. Holidays and Leave: Annual leave, public holidays, sick leave, and bereavement leave entitlements

10. Health and Safety: Health and safety obligations and procedures

11. Confidentiality: Protection of confidential information and trade secrets

12. Company Property: Rules regarding use and return of company property

13. Termination: Notice periods and grounds for termination

14. Employee Protection Provision: Protection in case of restructuring as required by NZ law

15. Resolution of Employment Relationship Problems: Process for resolving workplace disputes

16. General Provisions: Entire agreement, variations, governing law, and other standard contractual terms