Joint Employment Agreement Template for New Zealand

A Joint Employment Agreement creates a formal legal structure when you work for multiple employers simultaneously in New Zealand. This arrangement allows two or more employers to share your services under a coordinated framework that complies with New Zealand employment law while protecting your rights and clearly defining each employer's responsibilities.

When do you need this document?

You need a Joint Employment Agreement when participating in shared service arrangements between related companies, working on joint ventures where multiple organizations require your expertise, or when employers want to split your time and costs between different projects or departments. This is particularly common in consulting arrangements, specialized technical roles, or when companies collaborate on specific initiatives requiring shared human resources. The agreement is also essential in group company structures where you might provide services across multiple entities within the same corporate family.

Key legal considerations

The agreement must clearly establish which employer is the primary employer for statutory purposes, as New Zealand law requires one entity to take primary responsibility for employment obligations. You need explicit provisions covering how annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays are calculated and administered between multiple employers, ensuring compliance with the Holidays Act 2003. The document should address wage protection requirements under the Wages Protection Act 1983, specifying payment responsibilities and preventing unauthorized deductions. Health and safety obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 must be clearly allocated, with each employer understanding their duties for workplace safety. Privacy considerations under the Privacy Act 2020 require careful handling of your personal information shared between employers.

Legal requirements in New Zealand

Under the Employment Relations Act 2000, all employment agreements must be in writing and include specific mandatory clauses about wages, hours of work, leave entitlements, and dispute resolution procedures. The agreement must demonstrate good faith obligations between all parties and include clear processes for consultation and communication. Each employer must comply with minimum wage requirements and ensure proper record-keeping for their portion of your employment. The agreement should specify how collective bargaining rights apply if relevant, and ensure compliance with human rights legislation prohibiting discrimination. You have the right to seek independent advice before signing, and the agreement must include dispute resolution procedures that comply with New Zealand employment law. The document should also address how employment relationship problems will be resolved between multiple employers and specify which employer bears responsibility for various statutory obligations.