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Starting and leaving a job

Different types of employment agreements and arrangements

Fixed-term agreements

What is a fixed-term agreement?

Employment Relations Act 2000, s 66 

This is when you and your employer agree that your employment agreement will end on a specific expiry date or when a specific event occurs or when a specific project is completed.

When fixed-term agreements are allowed

A fixed-term agreement is allowed only if:

  • there’s a genuine reason, based on reasonable grounds, for having a fixed term (for example if you’re filling in for a permanent employee who’s on leave, or doing seasonal work like fruit picking), and
  • the employer tells you this reason before employing you and tells you how and when your fixed-term agreement will end.

If your fixed term agreement is being extended (“rolled over”) more than once, it is more likely you’re a permanent employee (see: “Identifying whether you’re a casual or permanent worker”).

Note: It won’t be a “genuine reason” if your employer uses a fixed-term agreement to exclude or limit your rights under the Employment Relations Act or the Holidays Act, or to find out whether you’re suitable for a permanent job.

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Starting and leaving a job

Where to go for more support

Community Law

Your local Community Law Centre can provide you with free initial legal advice.

Find your local Community Law Centre online: www.communitylaw.org.nz/our-law-centres

Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

The Employment website of the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment publishes a range of information on employment relations and minimum rights at work.

Website: www.employment.govt.nz
Phone: 0800 20 90 20
Starting a job: www.employment.govt.nz/starting-employment/
Leaving a job: www.employment.govt.nz/ending-employment/

Te Kauae Kaimahi/
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions

Te Kauae Kaimahi is the umbrella body for affiliated unions covering every job and industry in New Zealand. It can provide information about which union may cover the type of work you do.

Website: www.union.org.nz
Email: info@nzctu.org.nz
Phone: (04) 385 1334

New Zealand Prostitutes Collective

The New Zealand Prostitutes Collective is a nationwide organisation run by sex workers for sex workers. They provide information and services for people who are doing sex work or thinking about doing sex work.

Website: www.nzpc.org.nz
Email: info@nzpc.org.nz
Phone: 04 382 8791
Instagram: www.instagram.com/_nzpc/

Union Network of Migrants (UNEMIG)

UNEMIG or Union Network of Migrants is an association of migrant workers within FIRST Union.

Website: www.unemig.org.nz
Email: unemig@firstunion.org.nz 
Phone: 0800 863 477

Migrant Workers Association

The Migrant Workers Association NZ fights for migrant workers’ rights and against injustice and exploitation in the workplace.

Website: migrantworkers.org.nz
Email: help@migrantworkers.org.nz
Phone: 0800 863 477
Facebook: www.facebook.com/migrantworkersassociationaotearoa/

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