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Templates for hiring, working with people, and meeting NZ employment obligations — as your team grows.
This page covers the documents founders need once people enter the picture — whether as employees, contractors, advisors, or directors.
NZ employment and director obligations apply earlier than many founders expect. These templates help you bring people in properly, set expectations, and avoid avoidable compliance issues later.
🚨 Disclaimer: The resources on this page are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Use of these materials does not create a lawyer–client relationship. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified New Zealand lawyer.
Core Team & HR Templates (NZ-Prioritised)
* International templates are included for reference and adaptation but may require localisation for New Zealand legal and commercial context.
Template | What it Is | Use When | Link / Full URL |
Employee Handbook / Workplace Policies (NZ) | A collection of internal policies covering conduct, leave, health & safety, and workplace expectations. | When hiring employees or building beyond the founding team. | https://wpb.business.govt.nz/workplacepolicybuilder/ |
Employment Agreement Explainer (NZ) | A written explainer of agreement types, setting out role, pay, hours, and employment terms. | Before employing anyone or as reference to the full scope of what is required under NZ law. | https://www.employment.govt.nz/starting-employment/employment-agreements/ |
Employment Agreement Builder (NZ) | This tool helps you create tailored employment agreements for your staff. | Once you have workers or contractors. | https://eab.business.govt.nz/employmentagreementbuilder/startscreen |
Independent Contractor Agreement (NZ) | A contract defining scope, deliverables, and payment for contractors. | When engaging freelancers or contractors. | https://www.legalvision.co.nz/documents/nz-contractors-agreement/ |
Confidentiality Agreement (NDA) (NZ) | A contract protecting sensitive business information. | Before sharing proprietary information with hires, contractors, or advisors. | https://www.legalvision.co.nz/documents/confidentiality-agreement/ |
Founder / Advisor Agreement (International) | A simple agreement defining the role, expectations, and (if applicable) compensation for advisors. | When engaging advisors outside formal employment. | https://fi.co/fast |
Director Appointment Letter (NZ) | A formal letter appointing someone as a director and outlining responsibilities. | When appointing a director or formal advisor to the board. | https://www.iod.org.nz/resources-and-insights/guides-and-resources/letter-of-appointment/ |
Health & Safety Policy (NZ) | An editable NZ-focused workplace health & safety policy template. | Once you have workers or contractors. | https://employmenthero.com/nz/resources/whs-policy-template |
Offer Letter (NZ) | A short written offer outlining role, pay, start date, and key conditions before the full employment agreement is signed. | When making a job offer prior to issuing a formal employment agreement. | https://employmenthero.com/nz/resources/employment-offer-letter-email-template/ |
Employee Onboarding Checklist (NZ) | A practical checklist covering legal setup, payroll, policies, and access required when a new employee starts. | When onboarding your first employee or standardising onboarding as the team grows. | https://www.xero.com/nz/guides/hiring-employees/employee-onboarding/ |
Employee Exit / Termination Checklist (NZ) | A checklist outlining the steps required to manage employee exits in line with NZ employment obligations. | When an employee leaves the business, whether through resignation or termination. | https://www.business.govt.nz/browse-our-resource-library/employee-exit-toolkit |