What type of employment agreement does Horizons offer in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, Horizons primarily offers permanent (unlimited) employment agreements in line with local employment law and best practices. These agreements are designed for both full-time and part-time roles and are the standard arrangement for employees engaged through our Employer of Record (EOR) services.


Permanent (Unlimited) Employment Agreements

All employment relationships are presumed to be of indefinite duration unless a valid reason exists for a fixed-term arrangement.

Key Features:

  • Available for full-time and part-time positions

  • Remuneration is based on actual hours worked

  • Social Security contributions are calculated on the salary actually received

  • Notification Requirement: For part-time roles, the employer must notify the Public Employment Service within 10 days of hire

  • Overtime: Not permitted under standard part-time agreements

    • Any additional hours must be explicitly stated in the employment agreement

    • Additional hours cannot exceed 15% of the ordinary hours worked


Fixed-Term Employment Agreements

Fixed-term contracts are rarely used by Horizons in New Zealand due to strict legal requirements and limited applicability within EOR arrangements.

Permitted Use Cases:

A fixed-term contract may only be used in specific and justified situations, such as:

  • Temporary or seasonal projects

  • Replacement of an employee on leave (e.g., maternity leave)

Terms and Conditions:

  • Must include both a start and end date (or an event that defines the end, such as project completion)

  • No legal limit on duration or renewals, provided the justification remains valid

  • Early termination is not allowed before the agreed end date

    • Terminating early without cause may be considered unfair dismissal

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