Where to begin

If the preliminary work to define the role and the terms of the offer are already clear, then the accompanying employment agreement will be straightforward. This step is vital, no matter how short or long term the position may be. Every employee must have a written employment agreement.

How we can help

We can advise on the type of agreement you need, whether permanent, part-time, fixed or flexible.  It is essential that any flexibility in an employment relationship, such as staff being on-call, casual shifts or fixed-term projects is clearly articulated in the offer and the agreement.

Every agreement is personalised and gives you the ability to protect yourself, your business and your staff.

Get started today

To make life easy, we have an online form that enables us to create an employment agreement and letter of offer that suits your needs.  All you need to do is provide us with some key information, then, one of our specialist employment lawyers will create these documents for you.

After contacting you to complete our mandatory on-boarding process, we will present you with these documents and provide you with any accompanying advice.

Before we get too far down the track, we need to check whether the arrangement you are wanting is an employment relationship or one of an independent contractor.

Employment agreement evaluation tool

 

If you are ready to begin working on an Employment Agreement you can start here.

Employment Agreement questionnaire

 

Our team

This is the team that ensures you get paid on time, employ people properly and handle the issues that arise out of business. This team offers strategic advice and business mentor services 

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Abi Borrows

Abi Borrows

Associate

Abi was raised in Taranaki but moved to Christchurch in 2009 where she completed her law degree. While studying, Abi gained experience working in employment law which is where her passion lies.
Learn more
Janice

Janice Hughes

Director
Janice opted out of joining the family horticultural enterprise to become a lawyer and over the last 25 years has become a respected specialist in property, business, trusts, will and estate matters.
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Stephen Slade

Stephen Slade

Consultant

Stephen has over 30 years’ experience working as a Barrister and Solicitor in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He was the Director of Suburban Law Cashmere and Parklands, now part of Aspiring Law.
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Zoe Summerville

Zoe Summerville

Associate

Zoe made the big move from Auckland to Wanaka in 2023 and hasn’t looked back.. She is relishing the community vibe and slower pace of life we’re lucky enough to enjoy in these parts.
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Articles and Events

Employment: Trial vs probation

Trial vs Probationary Provision

If you are looking to hire new staff, you will no doubt be grappling with what specific terms should be included in your employment agreements. This will likely include thinking about the inclusion of a trial or probationary provision. If not, please do consider using one as they are super handy.
Employment & HR Employment agreements
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Genuine reasons for fixed-term employment

Fixed-term employment agreements are a useful tool when, as an employer, you do not require a permanent employee but need an employee for a stated period of

Employment & HR Employment agreements
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Visa variations: what you need to know about changes to temporary work visas

Migrants in New Zealand on temporary work visas have been badly affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Employment & HR Employment agreements
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COVID no excuse to ignore employment law

If your business had to close, or has been operating at reduced capacity, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the law requires that wages still be paid to employee

Employment & HR Employment agreements Team changes
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Volunteer labour laws: What you need to know

New Zealand has become a Mecca for travellers from all over the world, drawn here by our incredible scenery and adventure-filled lifestyle. But many of the people who come here on tourist visas end up working on farms and orchards, or in bars and backpackers.
Employment & HR Defining the role Recruitment & selection Employment agreements Workplace policies Team changes
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Are restraint of trade clauses worth the bother?

​Restraint of trade clauses are common in the sale and purchase of a business and in some employment agreements. In a business context, they offer protection to a buyer who has acquired a business and prevent the seller from directly competing against the buyer. A restraint provision in an employment context is designed to protect the employer’s business interests when key employees leave. There’s a general perception that these clauses are difficult to enforce, so why bother?​​
Business & Commercial Buying & Selling a business Employment & HR Employment agreements
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Employers – are you up with the major changes?

If you’re in business and employ staff, there is a raft of newly-implemented and incoming employment changes – and, you need to be not only across them, but actively prepared.
Business & Commercial Employment & HR Employment agreements Team changes Workplace policies
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Pre-employment 101: a checklist for employers

Your business is growing and heading in the right direction – but at the same time you have new responsibilities and risks.
Business & Commercial Employment & HR Defining the role Employment agreements Onboarding & Inductions Recruitment & selection Workplace policies
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Employers face instant $1k fine for common oversight

Employers have a thousand new reasons to ensure all employment agreements are in writing as of May 6.
Business & Commercial Employment & HR Employment agreements Workplace policies
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Receivership of construction companies

In light of recent difficulties in the construction industry, not taking protective measures opens subcontractors up to recovery and enforcement issues. If you are a subcontractor, you should think about how to prevent your tools and equipment (including cranes and scaffolding) from being seized and sold by a receiver, and to ensure you have the best chance of getting paid.
Business & Commercial Employment & HR Employment agreements