Independent Contractor Agreements
Professional contractor agreement templates for New Zealand businesses. Protect your interests and clarify working relationships.
Contractor vs Employee in New Zealand
Understanding the key differences helps determine the correct working relationship and legal requirements.
Independent Contractor
Control & Independence
Controls how, when, and where work is performed
Tools & Equipment
Provides own tools and equipment
Subcontracting
Can delegate or subcontract work to others
Business Risk
Bears financial risk and can make profit or loss
Tax Obligations
Responsible for own tax, GST, and ACC levies
Employee
Employer Control
Employer controls how work is performed
Employer's Equipment
Uses employer's tools and equipment
Personal Service
Must perform work personally, cannot delegate
Employment Benefits
Receives holiday pay, sick leave, and other entitlements
PAYE Tax
Employer deducts tax through PAYE system
Contractor Agreement Types
Choose the right contractor agreement template for your specific project or service requirements.
Professional Services
For consulting, legal services, accounting, marketing, and other professional expertise.
- • Hourly or project-based rates
- • Professional indemnity clauses
- • Intellectual property protection
Project-Based Work
Fixed-term contracts for specific projects with defined deliverables and timelines.
- • Clear project milestones
- • Payment on completion
- • Scope change procedures
Creative Services
For designers, writers, photographers, and other creative professionals.
- • Copyright ownership clauses
- • Usage rights definition
- • Creative approval processes
IT & Technology
Software development, IT support, web development, and technical services.
- • Code ownership rights
- • Support and maintenance terms
- • Data protection obligations
Trades & Construction
Building, maintenance, landscaping, and skilled trade services.
- • Health and safety requirements
- • Public liability insurance
- • Materials and equipment costs
Transportation & Delivery
Courier services, transport, logistics, and delivery contractors.
- • Vehicle insurance requirements
- • Delivery performance standards
- • Fuel and vehicle maintenance
Download Contractor Agreement Templates
Access comprehensive contractor agreement templates designed for New Zealand business requirements.
Free Template Package
- Basic contractor agreement template
- Payment and delivery terms
- Confidentiality and IP clauses
- Completion guide included
Professional Legal Review
- Lawyer review and customization
- Industry-specific modifications
- Compliance verification
- Risk assessment included
Essential Contract Clauses
Key provisions that should be included in every contractor agreement to protect both parties.
Scope of Work
Detailed description of services, deliverables, timelines, and performance standards.
Payment Terms
Rate structure, payment schedule, invoicing requirements, and late payment penalties.
Intellectual Property
Ownership of work product, copyright, trademarks, and confidential information.
Confidentiality
Protection of sensitive business information, client data, and trade secrets.
Termination Clause
Notice periods, termination conditions, and procedures for ending the contract.
Liability & Insurance
Limitation of liability, indemnification, and professional insurance requirements.
Dispute Resolution
Mediation, arbitration, or court procedures for resolving contract disputes.
Independent Status
Clear statement of contractor independence and non-employee status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about contractor agreements in New Zealand
What's the difference between a contractor and employee in New Zealand?
Contractors are self-employed, control how work is done, use their own tools, can subcontract work, and don't receive employee benefits. Employees are controlled by the employer, use company equipment, can't delegate work, and receive statutory entitlements like holiday pay and sick leave.
Do I need a written contractor agreement in New Zealand?
While not legally required, written contractor agreements are strongly recommended to clarify the working relationship, avoid disputes, establish payment terms, define scope of work, and protect intellectual property rights.
What should be included in a contractor agreement?
Essential elements include: scope of work and deliverables, payment terms and rates, project timeline, intellectual property ownership, confidentiality clauses, termination conditions, and dispute resolution procedures.
How do tax obligations work for contractors in NZ?
Contractors are responsible for their own tax obligations including GST registration if earning over $60,000, provisional tax payments, ACC levies, and maintaining proper business records. They don't have PAYE deducted by clients.
Can a contractor agreement be terminated early?
Yes, contractor agreements can include termination clauses specifying notice periods, conditions for early termination, payment for work completed, and return of confidential materials. Terms should be clearly defined to avoid disputes.
Important Legal Notice
These templates provide general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Misclassifying workers as contractors instead of employees can result in significant penalties, back payments, and legal liability. We strongly recommend having your contractor agreements reviewed by employment lawyers to ensure proper classification and legal compliance.
Need Professional Contract Review?
Connect with experienced employment lawyers who can review your contractor agreements and ensure proper worker classification.