New Zealand: Contract of Employment

An employee works within your business under an employment agreement and receives statutory rights and protections, while a contractor is self-employed and provides services independently under a contract for services. The key difference lies in the nature of the working relationship, including the level of control, integration into the business, and legal obligations owed, and misclassification can expose your business to legal and financial risk.

This guide explains employment agreements for New Zealand business owners, including required terms and how they operate in practice.

This article explains the differences between each payment type.

Expect a considerable shift in the employment law landscape during this National-Act-NZF Government term.

Trial periods can used by all employers, regardless of the size of their business and the number of employees.

Behind the Employment Court's decision to uphold the Employment Relations Authority's determination.

Employers should consider all reasonable options before deciding to dismiss via a force majeure or other clause.

Despite Level 3 restrictions only in Auckland, the third wage subsidy extension will be for businesses nationwide.

Organisations who contract workers through labour hire companies could be liable for grievances raised by those workers.