Legal Guides


We’ve created easy-to-understand guides to help start-ups and small businesses in New Zealand navigate legal issues more easily.

 

Guide to Consumer Law in NZ
This guide will help you understand your legal rights and obligations as a provider of products or services to consumers in New Zealand.
Guide to Intellectual Property in NZ
This guide will help you understand how Intellectual Property rights help protect “creations of the mind”, or expressions of those ideas.
Guide to Incorporating a Company in NZ
Registering (otherwise known as incorporating) a company in New Zealand is done online on the New Zealand Companies Office website. This guide will help you through the process and includes a checklist to collect the information you’ll need.
Guide to Business Structuring
This guide explains what a business structure is and the different types of business structures commonly used for SMEs. It explores the pros and cons, set up requirements and ongoing obligations for each, and helps you choose the best business structure for you.
Guide to Director's Obligations and Responsibilities
This guide explains the role, obligations and responsibilities of company directors in New Zealand. It outlines the liabilities directors can face if they fail to meet their responsibilities, and describes ways directors can reduce their risk of personal liability. A handy checklist is also included for directors to refer to.
FAQs
See your most Frequently Asked Questions
Blogs


Check here for regular updates on what's topical today in legal issues for SMEs in New Zealand.

By On Your Terms
Signing legal documents may not be the most exciting thing on your to-do list, but it's super important to get it right. Let's dive into this blog on how to sign legal documents in New Zealand.
By Klinkert Law
Resolve issues arising from a business relationship in a manner acceptable to the participants. Collaborative Legal Services ensure that you are in control of the process, the input, and the end result.
By Edwards Law
Before hiring any staff you should understand the difference between employees and contractors. The difference can be complicated, but it is important. Getting it wrong can expose your business to significant costs.
By On Your Terms
We’ve all seen those annoying pop-ups or banners on websites asking for our consent to place cookies or similar tracking technologies on our devices. But, what are cookies and do you need one of those pop-ups on your website?
By Edwards Law
When selling a business, the current owner’s main concern will be the commercial elements of the deal – the sale price, when the deal can be completed and disclosure of commercial information. But business owners must also keep in mind their legal obligations to their employees.
By On Your Terms
Can’t afford your rent? Need to downsize? Want to move premises? Closing your business? In this blog we explore your options to get out of your business lease early or reduce your rent so that you don’t spend thousands on a leased premises you don’t need.
By On Your Terms
In this blog, you’ll learn five legal essentials for launching your ‘bricks and mortar’ retail store to ensure long-term success and sustainability.
By On Your Terms
In this blog, we discuss the three essential legal documents that help provide crucial legal compliance and protection for your new or established business.
By On Your Terms
In this blog, we explain why a shareholders’ agreement (your business prenup) is essential for every business with multiple owners.
By On Your Terms
In this blog, we answer your most asked questions about shareholders’ agreements in simple terms to give you the knowledge to protect your interests and avoid unnecessary disputes with your business partners.
By On Your Terms
In this blog, we look at how maximise income in your salon, clinic or studio with a Rent-a-Chair arrangement.
By On Your Terms
This blog will help you understand when you’re legally required to accept a return or exchange and the type of remedy you need to provide your customer, so that you can make an informed decision on the return and exchange policy that works best for your business.
By On Your Terms
This blog looks at what’s included in a Confidentiality Agreement (or CA), who does (and doesn’t) need one, and the key benefits of putting one in place.
By On Your Terms
This blog explores why it’s crucial not to overlook or underestimate the significance of the legal fine print. Legal documents serve as invaluable tools to protect your intellectual property, prevent disputes, build trusting relationships, demonstrate commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices… and much more!
By Edwards Law
It’s a big commitment taking on a new employee, and it can be hard to determine the right candidate from an interview alone. Due to a recent law change, all employers can use trial periods, regardless of how many employees they employ. Learn more here.
By On Your Terms and Loft Legal
So how do you legally protect your brand? What rights do you get by registering your company name with the Companies Office? This blog discusses what legal brand protection is, how to put it in place and what to watch out for.
By On Your Terms
Is influencer marketing a good idea? What are the risks, and how do you go about hiring an influencer to ensure the best result for your business? Check out this blog to find out more.
By On Your Terms and Loft Legal
As a graphic designer or photographer in New Zealand, safeguarding your intellectual property is key. In this blog, we explain how copyright protection arises, how to stop others copying your work and why protecting your rights may allow you to charge more.
By On Your Terms
Whether your Kiwi company is taking on a new shareholder, one of your shareholders wants out, a shareholder dies or defaults under the shareholders’ agreement, or all the shares in your company are being sold, it’s critical to follow the correct process to ensure the shares are validly transferred. In this blog, we set out the key steps to correctly transfer shares and record the transaction.
By On Your Terms
You’re probably familiar with the idea of subleasing a space - it can be a great way for tenants to support a business change. However, if you’re considering sharing your space or after a more temporary option, a property licence agreement might be a great solution instead. This blog looks at the difference between the two, and how to decide what’s right for your business.
By On Your Terms
You’ve finally found the perfect commercial premises for your business, or maybe you’ve just had the thumbs up from the ideal tenant. What comes next? Do you need an agreement to lease, a deed of lease, or both? Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, understanding the differences between these documents is essential for a smooth leasing process.
By On Your Terms
Working as a consultant allows you to dictate your own hours, choose projects that interest you, and pass on your skills and knowledge to others in your industry. However, it also means you need to be aware of the appropriate safeguards you need to limit your risk. Here, we look at the key legal risks for your consulting business and how to mitigate them.
By On Your Terms
When you’re looking to hire, deciding whether to take on an independent contractor or an employee will depend on your business needs, stage and projections. Here, we look at 7 factors that might make hiring an independent contractor a great call for you, and the agreement you’ll need once you’ve found the perfect candidate.
By On Your Terms
The right T&Cs will legally protect your online course business, allow you to communicate clearly with your customers and help build that critical credibility and trust with your audience.
By On Your Terms
One of the most frustrating and disappointing parts of being a business owner is dealing with non-paying clients. So, what can you do to stop this happening, and if you’re already there, how do you recover your money?
By On Your Terms
The legal documents and practices investors expect to see in your NZ company before coming on board.
By On Your Terms
A written employment agreement is mandatory under New Zealand employment law. Find out what it needs to contain and your options to create one.
By On Your Terms
Learn the importance of Terms of Trade and Product Supply Agreements with your customers, as well as which document type is right for your business.
By On Your Terms
Reduce the overwhelm and follow these 10 steps to get your business started on the right foot.
Videos

We've created easy-to-understand videos on useful legal topics for small Kiwi businesses and solopreneurs. 

The three most important legal documents for your business.

How to protect your business name and logo.

How to use a rent-a-chair arrangement to your business advantage.

How to choose your business structure - company, sole trader or partnership?

Other Resources

 

There are many resources (some free!), tools and lots of support available to New Zealand business owners. Sometimes it’s hard to find what you need, so we have pulled together some of the best in one place.

The Companies Office is where you can register your company, search and maintain company records.

NZBN is where to get your free business number, from sole traders to big corporations.

PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) is the place to search and register security interests.

IPONZ grants and registers IP rights in NZ, provides general information about protecting IP.

Business.govt.nz has all the free tools, videos, quizzes and guides from the government on a range of topics relevant to small businesses.

Digital Boost provides free training, information and insights for small Kiwi businesses wanting to become more digital.

Stats.govt.nz is great for tools and data to help start and grow a business.

The IRD has information on your tax obligations and how to get tax sorted.

Check out these seminars and workshops on tax related topics for those new to business.

NZ Story has free access to photos, infographics, videos, toolkits and other professional resources you can use to boost your business offshore. You can also download research into what works best in different countries and regions.

ONECheck is a free search to see if your business name, web domain, trade mark and social media usernames are available.

MBIE supports SMEs by delivering and coordinating the government support services for small businesses.

MBIE support for Maori businesses provides tools, support and information to help Maori businesses grow. 

Work and Income can help if you are out of work and want to start your own business but need some support, with options like Flexi-wage for Self-employment.

Xero provides articles, guides and infographics to help small businesses understand accounting.

MYOB has a great range of tools and resources for small businesses.

Callaghan Innovation can help with networks, advice, R&D funding and grants.

Regional Business Partners connects SMEs to the right advice, people and resources.

Business Mentors match experienced business professionals (mentors) with small business owners.

Digital Boost Alliance connects organisations working to improve the use and knowledge of digital technology.

NZTE has events, resources and support to help New Zealand businesses grow internationally.

Retail.kiwi provides resources for kiwi retailers and business owners.

ASB has built a business hub of SME resources.

Hnry.co.nz provides guides, tips and tricks for freelancers and contractors.

Afirmo A small business tax tool for sole traders, partnerships and companies.

NZ Entrepreneur NZ's online magazine for entrepreneurs, startups, and SME business builders.

Business, But Better A digital membership and community for mission-led brands led by Brianne West.

Beyond The Hourly Rate Learn the business skills you need to turn your expertise into a profitable business - approved for co-funding with RBP.

LS Virtual Recruits offers a team of remote administrative, technical, and creative assistance to individuals, entrepreneurs, and SMEs.

Solo - provides practical guides and tools to help New Zealand sole traders confidently manage their taxes.