Independent Contractor Agreement Information
Why do I need an NZ Independent Contractor Agreement?
If you're not ready for the commitment of an employee, our Independent Contractor Agreement ensures you own any intellectual property created by the contractor, your confidential business information and goodwill are protected, and the expectations around scope of work, fees and payment terms are clear.
To understand the difference between an Independent Contractor Agreement and Employment Agreement, see our blog here.
Who is this NZ Independent Contractor Agreement for?
Any business hiring a person (or a company with just one employee) who would like greater flexibility than with an employee. If, instead, you are looking to take on an employee (full or part-time) – see our Individual Employment Agreement.
If you’re looking to purchase a particular service from a business with one or multiple employees, our Services Agreement may be a better option. See our customised services agreements for a creative or consultant.
What’s in this NZ Independent Contractor Agreement?
Our Independent Contractor Agreement lets you choose how long the services will be provided, the scope and details of the services, the contractor's remuneration, payment terms, optional key performance indicators or targets, and any specific policies, industry standards, or codes the contractor must comply with. It also protects your confidential information and intellectual property and has optional non-compete and non-solicitation restraints (to stop the contractor from taking your clients or employees or competing with your business).
How to create your agreement
Once you've purchased it, you'll be asked a series of questions about who you're hiring and what they'll be doing for you. It will take around 10 minutes to answer. During the Q&A you can save your progress to come back later, or repeat the Q&A to change an answer or produce a new version of a document.
The agreement is ready to sign as soon as you have downloaded it. Both parties must sign for it to be legally enforceable, ideally before the independent contractor starts work. For signing advice, read our helpful blog here.
Information you'll need to complete the Q&A:
- The name and contact details of the hirer and the independent contractor
- The scope and details of the work, its duration, location and hours, the fees, payment terms, any insurance requirements, any key performance indicators or targets, rights to cancel, and any specific policies, industry standards or codes the contractor must comply with
- If the independent contractor is a company, any employee of the company required to perform the work and agree to any non-compete and non-solicitation restraints
- The duration and area of any non-competition and non-solicitation restraints
What if I need help?
If you’re unsure whether this agreement is what you need or have you any questions, reach out to us at hello@onyourterms.co.nz – we’re happy to help!
On Your Terms has also teamed up with Luminate Legal to offer its customers the option of obtaining legal advice from a lawyer to provide extra assurance and peace of mind. Contact Luminate Legal for legal advice.
Other useful info:
- Check out these blogs: 90 Day trial periods are now an option with any new employee, Do I really need T&Cs?, What's the difference between an independent contractor and an employee?
- You may also find these bundles or documents useful for your business: Term Sheet for Project, Services Agreement, Individual Employment Agreement, Creative Services Essentials Bundle, Consultancy Services Essentials Bundle.
- Check out our FAQs here
Money back guarantee - If you’re not satisfied with your purchase of this product for any reason, let us know why within 10 days of your purchase and we’ll provide a full refund.
Disclaimer: On Your Terms was created to provide fast, easy and affordable access to legal information and documentation. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. The information and documents we provide are of a general nature, designed for common situations, and may not be suitable for your needs or circumstances. If you need legal advice, we have a network of specialist law firm partners able to help you here.