Contracts Articles
Expert articles and practical legal guides on contracts for new zealand businesses.
How Can I Be Released From My Contractual Obligations? (2026 Updated)
Signing a contract can feel like a big “locked in” moment - especially when your business changes direction, cashflow tightens, or the deal just isn’t working the way you expected. If you’re...
5 January 2025
Drag Along & Tag Along Clauses In Shareholders Agreements (2026 Updated)
If you’re building a company with other shareholders, it’s easy to focus on the exciting stuff (product, customers, growth) and put the “legal fine print” off until later. But when a shareholder...
5 January 2025
What Is The Legal Age To Sign A Contract? (2026 Updated)
If you’re running a business (or even just buying or selling something online), you’ll eventually wonder: what’s the legal age to sign a contract in New Zealand? It’s a common situation. You...
5 January 2025
How Can I Make Verbal Promises Legally Binding? (2026 Updated)
You’ve probably been there: you have a quick chat with a supplier, a customer, a potential co-founder, or even a mate helping you out - and you agree on something important. Then...
5 January 2025
How Can A Forward Contract Protect My Business? (2026 Updated)
If your business buys or sells overseas, imports stock, exports products, or relies on fluctuating input costs, you’ve probably felt the sting of prices changing at the worst possible time. A forward...
5 January 2025
The Importance Of Online Hire Agreements (2026 Updated)
If you hire out equipment, vehicles, tools, party gear, tech, or even short-term use of specialist assets, chances are your customers want to book quickly and pay online. That’s where online hire...
5 January 2025
When Is A Contract Unenforceable? (2026 Updated)
Most business owners assume that if something’s “in writing and signed”, it’s automatically legally binding. In reality, some contracts can be unenforceable in New Zealand - which means that even if you’ve...
5 January 2025
Thinking About A Loan For You Business? You Might Need A Loan Agreement (2026 Updated)
You’ve found a growth opportunity, a new supplier deal, or a piece of equipment that will pay for itself over time - but you need cash now. That’s where a business loan...
5 January 2025
How To Set Out Good Business Terms and Conditions (2026 Updated)
If you’re running a business in New Zealand, there’s a good chance you’ve already had the “do we actually need terms and conditions?” conversation - usually after a customer dispute, a late...
5 January 2025
How To Initial A Document (2026 Updated)
Initialling a document sounds simple - until you’re staring at a 40-page agreement, wondering where you’re meant to put your initials, why you’re doing it, and whether it actually matters if you...
5 January 2025
Owner Driver Contracts: What Are The New Laws? (2026 Updated)
If you run a transport business (or you’re a driver with your own vehicle), “owner driver” arrangements can feel like a win-win. You get flexibility, the work gets done, and everyone can...
5 January 2025
What Is An Authority To Act Form? (2026 Updated)
If you’re running a business, there will be times when you need someone else to deal with “official” matters on your behalf. Maybe you’re busy running day-to-day operations, you’re overseas, you’re unwell,...
5 January 2025
What Is An Exclusion Clause? (2026 Updated)
If you’re running a business, you’ve probably seen (or used) a clause that tries to limit what you’re responsible for when things go wrong. That’s where exclusion clauses come in. They can...
5 January 2025
What Is A Consultancy Agreement? (2026 Updated)
Hiring a consultant can be a game-changer for your business. Maybe you’re bringing in a marketing specialist to launch a new product, a software developer to build a platform, or a finance...
5 January 2025
I’m Selling Alcohol Online - What Terms And Conditions Do I Need? (2026 Updated)
Selling alcohol online can be a great business move. You can reach customers across New Zealand, build a loyal following, and run a store without the same overheads as a physical venue....
5 January 2025
What Is A Deed Of Accession? (2026 Updated)
If you’re bringing a new shareholder, investor, co-founder, or key team member into your business, you’ll usually be told they need to “sign a deed of accession”. That can sound intimidating, but...
5 January 2025
When Do You Need A Memorandum Of Understanding? (2026 Updated)
You’ve probably been in this situation: you’ve had a few good meetings, everyone seems aligned, and you’re ready to “put something in writing” before you spend more time (or money) on the...
5 January 2025
What Is A Sponsorship Agreement? (2026 Updated)
Sponsorship can be an amazing way to grow your brand, fund an event, or build long-term partnerships in your industry. But it can also get messy fast if expectations aren’t clear from...
5 January 2025
Do You Need A Coaching Agreement With Your Clients? (2026 Updated)
Coaching can be a genuinely rewarding business - you get to help people build skills, confidence and momentum, and you can often run your sessions in a flexible way (online, in-person, one-on-one,...
5 January 2025
Hiring A Venue? Make Sure You Have A Venue Hire Agreement. (2026 Updated)
You’ve found the perfect venue. The photos look great, the location works, and the dates are available. Then the questions start: What happens if the venue cancels? Who’s responsible if someone gets...
5 January 2025
Service Agreement or Terms & Conditions: What Should You Use For Your Business? (2026 Updated)
When you’re busy winning customers, delivering work, and keeping cashflow healthy, paperwork can feel like the last thing you want to deal with. But here’s the reality: if you don’t set the...
5 January 2025
What Are Stand Down Rates In A Hire Agreement? (2026 Updated)
If you hire equipment (or you supply it to customers), “stand down” time is one of those issues that can quietly turn into a big dispute. The machine is on site, your...
5 January 2025
Non-Disclosure Agreements In The Entertainment Industry (2026 Updated)
The entertainment industry runs on relationships, timing, and momentum. Whether you’re developing a new series, negotiating a brand collaboration, pitching a game concept, or bringing a live show to life, you’ll often...
5 January 2025
Labour Hire Agreements: What You Need To Know (2026 Updated)
Labour hire can be a game-changer when you need extra hands quickly, want to scale up for a busy season, or need specialist workers without hiring permanently. But here’s the catch: labour...
5 January 2025
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