Internship Job Offer Letter Template for New Zealand

An Internship Job Offer Letter is your formal gateway to establishing a legally compliant and professionally structured internship relationship in New Zealand. This document serves as both a welcoming introduction to your organization and a protective legal framework that ensures all parties understand their rights and obligations under New Zealand employment law.

When do you need this document?

You need an Internship Job Offer Letter whenever you're extending an internship opportunity to a candidate, whether paid or unpaid. This applies when recruiting university students for semester-long programs, offering summer internships to recent graduates, establishing work experience placements for career changers, or creating structured learning opportunities within your organization. The letter is essential for both short-term placements lasting a few weeks and extended internships spanning several months, ensuring clear communication from the outset.

Key legal considerations

Your internship offer letter must clearly distinguish between genuine training opportunities and employment relationships that require full employment protections. Under New Zealand law, if an intern performs productive work that benefits your business, they may be entitled to minimum wage and other employment rights. The letter should specify whether the position is paid or unpaid, outline the educational objectives and learning outcomes, define working hours and supervision arrangements, and include health and safety obligations. You must also address confidentiality requirements, intellectual property rights, and termination procedures to protect both parties throughout the internship period.

Legal requirements in New Zealand

New Zealand's Employment Relations Act 2000 requires good faith obligations between all workplace parties, including interns who may be considered employees. If your intern performs work rather than pure training, the Minimum Wage Act 1983 applies, potentially requiring payment of at least the starting-out minimum wage. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 mandates that you provide a safe working environment for all interns, regardless of their employment status. Under the Human Rights Act 1993, you must ensure your internship program doesn't discriminate based on prohibited grounds. Additionally, if the intern is considered an employee, the Holidays Act 2003 may grant them entitlements to leave provisions, making proper classification crucial for legal compliance.