When establishing or running a clothing business in New Zealand, it’s important to ensure you’ve met all the legal requirements. Our legal team specialises in helping small clothing businesses with all their legal needs, from contracts to intellectual property protection and privacy. Get in touch today!
To establish a clothing business in New Zealand, you will need to prepare and register a variety of legal documents. Key requirements include:
- Registering your business name with the New Zealand Companies Office (https://www.companiesoffice.govt.nz/).
- Obtaining Workers' compensation insurance and business insurance (e.g. public liability, professional indemnity).
- Securing Council approval (if operating from a commercial premise) and a lease agreement (if renting premises).
- Having Health and safety policies and procedures in place, in accordance with WorkSafe New Zealand (https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/).
- Complying with privacy and data protection policies and procedures, as outlined by the Privacy Commissioner (https://www.privacy.org.nz/).
- Obtaining a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) and registering for Goods and Services Tax (GST) with Inland Revenue (https://www.ird.govt.nz/).
If you have suppliers for your clothing business in New Zealand, it's crucial to document the specifics of your arrangement in writing. This ensures that if any issues arise in the supply chain, you have a formal agreement to refer to, which can help resolve any disputes or concerns efficiently.
A Supply Agreement in New Zealand will typically include details on payment terms, the goods being supplied, expectations regarding quality, delivery timeframes, termination rights, and warranties.
For more information on drafting a Supply Agreement in New Zealand, you can visit the New Zealand Business website at https://www.business.govt.nz/ or consult with a legal professional who specializes in New Zealand commercial law.
Starting a business on Instagram isn't as simple as making an account and posting. There's lots to consider, such as how to protect users' personal information in line with privacy laws, and what information you are legally required to disclose when advertising on Instagram.
If you're working with ambassadors, it's best to set out the details of your arrangement in a Brand Ambassador Agreement.
Further, you need to comply with the New Zealand Fair Trading Act, which is designed to protect consumers from misleading and deceptive conduct and unfair trade practices. Put simply, you should not mislead or deceive online users about what your business provides.
It's best to chat to an expert lawyer who can advise you on the regulations that apply to you and guide you through your options.
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