No Employment Contract Template for New Zealand

This No Employment Contract serves as the primary legal framework for engaging independent contractors in New Zealand. It is specifically designed for situations where organizations need to engage external expertise or services without creating an employment relationship. The document is essential for businesses operating in New Zealand who wish to clearly establish and maintain contractor relationships that comply with local legislation, including the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 and related regulations. It should be used when engaging individuals or entities for specific projects, temporary assignments, or ongoing services where the contractor maintains independence in their work methods and business operations. The agreement covers crucial elements such as service scope, payment terms, GST considerations, intellectual property rights, and liability allocation, while explicitly distinguishing the arrangement from an employment relationship to avoid potential legal complications.

1. Parties: Identifies the contracting parties - the principal and the contractor, including full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Outlines the context of the agreement and confirms the intention to create a contractor rather than employment relationship

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

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

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

6. Contractor Obligations: Details the contractor's key responsibilities, standards of work, and compliance requirements

7. Principal's Obligations: Outlines the principal's responsibilities, including provision of information and access

8. Fees and Payment: Specifies payment terms, rates, invoicing procedures, and expenses policy

9. GST and Taxation: Addresses GST registration requirements and tax responsibilities

10. Relationship of Parties: Explicitly confirms independent contractor status and non-employment relationship

11. Intellectual Property: Covers ownership and rights to intellectual property created during the engagement

12. Confidentiality: Protects confidential information of both parties

13. Liability and Insurance: Addresses liability allocation and required insurance coverage

14. Termination: Details circumstances and procedures for ending the agreement

15. General Provisions: Includes standard legal provisions like governing law, dispute resolution, and assignment