– From the Employment Advocates at Sacked Kiwi
Why Understanding Your Employment Agreement Matters
When you start a new job, it’s tempting to sign quickly and focus on making a good impression. But under New Zealand law, you have specific rights around signing employment agreement, overlooking them could leave you vulnerable to unfair terms or dismissal.and understanding them is key to protecting your job security.
At Sacked Kiwi, we’ve helped hundreds of Kiwis protect their rights in the workplace. Here’s what you need to know before you sign an employment agreement—and what to do if something doesn’t feel right.
Your Legal Rights Under the Employment Relations Act 2000
Under the Employment Relations Act 2000, your employer must provide you with a written employment agreement. This is not optional—whether you’re full-time, part-time, casual, or fixed-term, it’s the law.
That agreement must:
-
Be provided to you before you start work
-
Be signed by both you and your employer
-
Be kept on file by both parties
More importantly, the law requires that you are given a reasonable opportunity to seek independent advice before signing. This protects you from being pressured into agreeing to terms you don’t understand or haven’t had time to consider.
At Sacked Kiwi, we can review your employment agreement, explain any concerning clauses, and help you push back if necessary. You don’t have to sign alone.
🚩 Red Flag: Being Asked to Sign on Your First Day
If you’re handed an employment agreement on your first day and told to sign it before you can begin work, this is a major red flag.
Why? Because this likely breaches your legal right to take time and get advice.
When you’re rushed into signing:
-
You don’t have time to properly understand key clauses
-
You may inadvertently agree to trial periods that strip you of unfair dismissal protections
-
You may miss non-compete clauses, zero-hour expectations, or harsh termination conditions
Employers know most people are too afraid to say “no” on their first day—and many take advantage of this. Don’t be one of them. Know that the law is on your side.
What to Do If You’re Pressured to Sign Immediately
If you’re forced to sign your contract on the spot, don’t panic. Here’s how to protect yourself in the moment:
-
Sign it only if necessary, so you don’t lose the opportunity
-
Write the actual date you sign the agreement—not the date your employer says to use
-
Contact Sacked Kiwi immediately—we’ll talk you through your options and help you respond.
Even if you’ve signed the agreement, it doesn’t mean all is lost. If the employer denied you your legal right to review the contract, we may be able to help challenge unfair clauses or actions.
Why Reviewing Before You Sign Is So Important
Once you sign, your contract becomes legally binding. That means any clause—no matter how unfair—can be used against you unless it breaches the law.
For example:
-
A 90-day trial period could mean you have no right to bring a personal grievance if dismissed
-
A non-competition clause could stop you from working in your field for months
-
A one-sided termination clause might let your employer fire you with little notice
These are not just technicalities—they’re real risks. That’s why getting help from an experienced employment law advocate, like the team at Sacked Kiwi, can make all the difference.
Sacked Kiwi: Your Employment Agreement Experts
At Sacked Kiwi, our employment law advocates specialise in reviewing employment agreements and helping workers across New Zealand stand up for their rights.
We understand how intimidating it can be to push back or ask questions, especially when starting a new job. But you don’t need to do it alone.
Whether you’ve just received a contract or have already signed one under pressure, we’re just a phone call or an email away. We’ll:
✔️ Review your contract for any red flags
✔️ Explain your rights in plain English
✔️ Help you respond to unfair clauses
✔️ Support you if a dispute arises down the track
🟢 Final Checklist Before You Sign
Here’s what you should always do when you receive an employment contract:
✅ Read it in full—no skipping the fine print
✅ Ask for time to review and seek advice
✅ Look for trial periods, notice periods, and restrictive clauses
✅ Contact Sacked Kiwi to get professional insight before you sign
Need Help? Let’s Talk.
Don’t risk your future by signing blind. If you’ve been asked to sign on your first day, weren’t given time to review, or just want a second opinion—get in touch with Sacked Kiwi.
📞 Call us now or
📧 Fill out our contact form today for fast, expert advice.
Know your rights. Defend your future. Let Sacked Kiwi help.
Please note: While we operate on a No Win, No Fee model for employment dispute advocacy and personal grievance services, this does not always extend to employment agreement advice. In some cases, standard consultation fees may apply.
Legal Disclaimer
The content posted on the Sacked Kiwis website should not be considered or relied upon as legal advice or opinion. The information presented here is not intended to serve as legal guidance. Over time, laws and regulations evolve, potentially altering the accuracy of previously shared information. Updates in jurisprudence or legislation (for example, changes to the Employment Relations Act), which could happen without immediate notice, may render the legal information on this platform outdated or obsolete. Seeking legal advice is always advisable.
