Electrical Contract (New Zealand)
This Electrical Contract (the "Contract") is entered into on [Contract Date] between:
[Client Name], of [Client Address], [Client City], [Client Postcode] (the "Client"); and
[Electrician Name], of [Electrician Address], [Electrician City], [Electrician Postcode], holding Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) Contractor Licence No. [Electrician Licence] (the "Electrician").
The Client and the Electrician are referred to collectively as the "Parties".
1. SCOPE OF ELECTRICAL WORKS
1. SCOPE OF ELECTRICAL WORKS
1.1 The Electrician agrees to carry out the following electrical works (the "Works") at [Site Address], which is [Property Type]:
[Work Description]
1.2 The Electrician shall carry out all Works in a proper and workmanlike manner using materials of good quality, fit for their intended purpose, in accordance with the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (CCLA 2017).
1.3 All Works shall be designed, installed, and tested in accordance with the Electricity Act 1992, the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, and the New Zealand Wiring Standard AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring Rules).
1.4 The Electrician shall hold and maintain a valid Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) contractor licence at all times during the performance of the Works and shall ensure that all electrical workers engaged on the Works hold current EWRB registration and, where required, a current practising licence.
2. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
2. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND CERTIFICATION
2.1 The Electrician shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Electricity Act 1992, the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, and the Building Act 2004 (where electrical work forms part of building work requiring a Building Consent).
2.2 On completion of prescribed electrical work, the Electrician shall issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) to the Client in accordance with regulation 60 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010. The final payment under clause 4 shall be conditional upon the Client receiving the CoC.
2.3 Where the Works include electrical work that is associated building work requiring a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) under the Building Act 2004, the Electrician shall provide all documentation required by the Building Consent Authority (BCA) to support the CCC application.
2.4 The Electrician shall comply with all requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA 2015) and the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 regarding safe work practices on electrical systems.
3. CONTRACT PRICE AND PAYMENT
3. CONTRACT PRICE AND PAYMENT
3.1 The Client shall pay the Electrician the sum of $[Contract Price] NZD (the "Contract Price") for the Works. [Gst Status].
3.2 Payment shall be made in accordance with the following terms: [Payment Terms].
3.3 If the Client fails to make payment on the due date, the Electrician may charge interest on the overdue amount at the rate prescribed by the Interest on Money Claims Act 2016 and may (after giving 5 Working Days' written notice) suspend the Works pursuant to section 23 of the Construction Contracts Act 2002.
3.4 Additional works instructed by the Client that fall outside the scope of the Works described in clause 1 shall be priced and agreed in writing by both Parties before such additional works are carried out. Variations shall be subject to the same payment terms as the original Contract.
4. PROGRAMME AND COMPLETION
4. PROGRAMME AND COMPLETION
4.1 The Electrician shall commence the Works on or about [Start Date] and shall use reasonable endeavours to complete all Works, including testing and issue of the Certificate of Compliance, by [Completion Date].
4.2 The Client shall provide the Electrician with safe and unobstructed access to all parts of the property necessary for the Works and shall ensure that any preparatory work required prior to electrical installation has been completed before the agreed start date.
4.3 The Electrician shall notify the Client promptly of any anticipated delay and its cause. Delays caused by the Client, unavailability of materials or equipment, adverse weather, or other circumstances outside the Electrician's reasonable control shall entitle the Electrician to a reasonable extension of the programme, with no penalty.
5. HEALTH AND SAFETY
5. HEALTH AND SAFETY
5.1 The Electrician shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016, and the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010.
5.2 The Client shall disclose to the Electrician any known hazards at the property (including the location of existing circuits and switchboards, presence of asbestos, structural defects, or other hazards) before work commences.
5.3 The Electrician shall isolate relevant circuits before commencing work and shall not leave any electrical installation in a dangerous or non-compliant condition at any time, including between working periods.
5.4 The Electrician shall notify WorkSafe New Zealand of any notifiable event occurring during the Works in accordance with section 56 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
7. DEFECTS LIABILITY
6. DEFECTS LIABILITY
6.1 The Electrician warrants that the Works will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months following practical completion and issue of the Certificate of Compliance.
6.2 During this defects liability period, the Electrician shall, at its own cost, remedy any defect arising from faulty workmanship or non-compliant materials within a reasonable time of receiving written notice from the Client.
6.3 This warranty does not cover defects caused by the Client's own acts or omissions, fair wear and tear, damage caused by third parties, or use of the electrical installation otherwise than in accordance with the Electrician's instructions or the requirements of AS/NZS 3000:2018.
8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
7. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
7.1 Any dispute or claim arising out of or relating to this Contract shall be resolved by [Dispute Resolution].
7.2 Nothing in this clause prevents either Party from seeking urgent interlocutory relief from the New Zealand courts where necessary to protect their interests.
9. GENERAL PROVISIONS
8. GENERAL PROVISIONS
8.1 This Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties in relation to the Works and supersedes all prior agreements, representations, and understandings.
8.2 No amendment or variation of this Contract shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by both Parties.
8.3 This Contract is governed by the laws of New Zealand, including the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 and the Construction Contracts Act 2002. The Parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.
8.4 A person who is not a party to this Contract has no right to enforce any of its terms.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Electrical Contract as of the date first written above.
THE CLIENT
Full name: [Client Name]
Address: [Client Address], [Client City], [Client Postcode]
THE ELECTRICIAN
Full name / Company name: [Electrician Name]
EWRB Licence No.: [Electrician Licence]
Address: [Electrician Address], [Electrician City], [Electrician Postcode]
Client
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Electrician
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Electrical Contract (New Zealand)?
An Electrical Contract in New Zealand is a legally binding written agreement between a client and a licensed electrical contractor that sets out the terms on which electrical works will be designed, installed, tested, and certified. New Zealand electrical contracts are subject to a thorough framework of legislation including the Electricity Act 1992, the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (CCA 2002), and the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (CCLA 2017).
The Electricity Act 1992 is the principal statute governing the supply and use of electricity in New Zealand. It establishes the licensing regime administered by the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) and creates criminal offences for carrying out prescribed electrical work without the required licence. The Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, made under the Electricity Act 1992, set out the detailed requirements for the safety of electrical installations, including the requirement that all prescribed electrical work be carried out by a registered electrical worker holding a current practising licence, and that a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) be issued under regulation 60 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 on completion.
All electrical installations in New Zealand must comply with the New Zealand Wiring Standard AS/NZS 3000:2018, which is the technical standard adopted by the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 as the benchmark for safe electrical installations. Where electrical work is also building work within the meaning of the Building Act 2004, a Building Consent from the relevant Building Consent Authority (BCA) may be required, and a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) must be obtained on completion.
The Construction Contracts Act 2002 applies to contracts for construction work, which includes electrical installation work. The CCA 2002 provides mandatory protections for both clients and contractors, including the right to make payment claims, the obligation to respond to payment claims with a payment schedule, and access to rapid adjudication for payment disputes. These protections cannot be contracted out of, and any contractual provision seeking to exclude or limit them is void under section 13 of the CCA 2002.
A well-drafted Electrical Contract provides both the client and the electrician with certainty about the scope of works, the price, the programme, and the documentation to be provided. For the client, a written contract establishes the electrician's obligations to comply with all applicable legislation and standards, to provide the Certificate of Compliance, and to remedy any defects. For the electrician, it sets out the payment terms and provides protection against scope creep and delayed payment. Given the safety-critical nature of electrical work — which can pose immediate risks to life and property if carried out incorrectly — and the significant financial investment involved, a thorough written contract is essential for any electrical project in New Zealand. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 also imposes duties on electrical contractors as PCBUs to manage workplace electrical risks, and disputes are adjudicated in the District Court or High Court of New Zealand.
When Do You Need a Electrical Contract (New Zealand)?
A written Electrical Contract should be put in place before any significant electrical work commences in New Zealand. There are numerous circumstances in which a formal contract is particularly important.
For major electrical installations — such as a full or partial rewire of a residential property, replacement of a switchboard, installation of new circuits for a kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor area, installation of an electric vehicle (EV) charging outlet, or installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system with battery storage — a written contract is essential. These works are likely to be prescribed electrical work under the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, meaning a Certificate of Compliance must be issued. The contract should make clear that final payment is conditional on receipt of the CoC.
For new-build and renovation projects, an electrical contract is needed to define the interface between the electrical works and other trades on site, to establish a clear programme that integrates with the overall construction programme, and to set out who is responsible for coordinating the Building Consent and Code Compliance Certificate processes with the BCA. Where the principal contractor for the building project sub-contracts the electrical work, the electrical subcontract must comply with the CCA 2002's subcontract provisions.
For commercial and industrial clients, a written electrical contract is important to manage the risks associated with larger-scale electrical installations, including three-phase power systems, emergency lighting, fire alarm circuits, and specialised industrial equipment. The Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 impose additional requirements for high-voltage installations and other specialised electrical work.
An electrical contract is also important when the work involves emerging technologies, such as EV charging infrastructure, solar PV systems, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). These technologies are subject to evolving technical standards and grid connection requirements, and a well-drafted contract should address the specific standards and certifications applicable to the technology being installed, including any requirements imposed by the local lines company or by the Electricity Authority under the Electricity Industry Act 2010. Pair an Electrical Contract with a Construction Contract (New Zealand) for larger projects involving multiple trades, or with a Service Agreement (New Zealand) for ongoing electrical maintenance arrangements.
What to Include in Your Electrical Contract (New Zealand)
A thorough Electrical Contract for New Zealand should include the following key provisions.
Parties clause: the full legal names and addresses of the client and the electrical contractor, and the contractor's EWRB contractor licence number. Clients should verify the electrician's EWRB registration on the public register at www.ewrb.govt.nz before signing. Where the contractor is a company, its New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) from the Companies Office register should be included.
Scope of works: a detailed description of all electrical works, specifying circuits to be installed or modified, the type and rating of the switchboard, cable specifications, test and inspection requirements, and special installations such as EV charging outlets, solar PV connections, or battery energy storage systems. Works excluded from the contract price — such as making good after the electrician, plastering, or work by other trades — should be expressly identified to prevent scope creep disputes.
Regulatory compliance: a clause confirming the works will be carried out in accordance with the Electricity Act 1992, the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, and AS/NZS 3000:2018 (the New Zealand Wiring Rules), and that the electrician will issue a Certificate of Compliance under regulation 60 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 on completion. Where the works are also building work under the Building Act 2004, the clause should address Building Consent and Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) requirements with the relevant Building Consent Authority (BCA).
Price and payment: the total contract price in NZD, the GST treatment under the Goods and Services Tax Act 1985 (most electrical contractors are GST-registered and must charge 15% GST), and payment milestones compliant with the Construction Contracts Act 2002. Under the CCA 2002, the client must respond to a payment claim with a payment schedule within the contractually specified period (or 20 working days if not specified), failing which the full claimed amount becomes an immediately payable debt. The final payment instalment should be conditional on receipt of the Certificate of Compliance.
Programme: expected start and completion dates, and the procedure for extensions of time due to client delays, material shortages, consenting delays, or disruptions beyond the contractor's control.
Health and safety: the electrician's obligations as a PCBU under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, including the obligation to manage electrical risks, isolate circuits before work begins, and notify WorkSafe New Zealand of any notifiable event under section 56 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Defects liability: a defects liability period of at least 12 months after completion, during which the electrician will remedy defects in workmanship or materials at no cost to the client. Defects caused by client misuse or interference are excluded.
Dispute resolution: a mechanism for resolving disputes — CCA 2002 adjudication for payment disputes, and mediation or arbitration under the Arbitration Act 1996 for other disputes. The District Court or High Court of New Zealand has jurisdiction over contractual disputes.
The forms-legal.com Electrical Contract (New Zealand) provides a ready-to-use template covering all these provisions. Related documents include the Construction Contract (New Zealand) and the Independent Contractor Agreement (New Zealand).
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Electrical Contract (New Zealand) (New Zealand) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/business/construction/electrical-contract-new-zealand
"Electrical Contract (New Zealand) (New Zealand)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/business/construction/electrical-contract-new-zealand.
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author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Electrical Contract (New Zealand) (New Zealand)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/business/construction/electrical-contract-new-zealand}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Electricity Act 1992}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Electrical work in New Zealand is primarily regulated by the Electricity Act 1992 and the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010. The Regulations set out who may carry out electrical work (only licensed electrical workers and contractors registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board, or EWRB), what constitutes prescribed electrical work, and what documentation must be issued on completion. All electrical installations must be designed, installed, and tested in compliance with the New Zealand Wiring Standard AS/NZS 3000:2018 (commonly called the Wiring Rules). For work on buildings that also constitutes building work, the Building Act 2004 may also apply, requiring a Building Consent and ultimately a Code Compliance Certificate from the relevant Building Consent Authority. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 impose duties on electrical workers and their employers to manage the risks associated with electrical work, including the mandatory isolation of circuits before work begins. Engaging an unlicensed person to carry out prescribed electrical work is a criminal offence under the Electricity Act 1992.
A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a formal document issued by a licensed electrical inspector or an electrical contractor who has carried out prescribed electrical work, confirming that the work complies with the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 and AS/NZS 3000:2018. Under regulation 60 of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, a CoC must be issued for all prescribed electrical work before the installation is energised. The CoC must be provided to the owner of the installation within 20 working days of completion of the work. A copy of the CoC should be retained by the property owner as evidence of compliance, and it is required by insurers, mortgage lenders, and prospective purchasers when the property is sold. Failure to issue a CoC is a serious breach of the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 and may result in disciplinary action by the EWRB. An electrical contract should make final payment conditional upon the client receiving the CoC, as the CoC is the primary evidence that the work has been carried out safely and in compliance with the law.
Yes. The Construction Contracts Act 2002 (CCA 2002) applies to contracts for the carrying out of construction work, which includes electrical installation work. This means that electrical contracts in New Zealand are subject to the CCA 2002's mandatory provisions regarding payment claims, payment schedules, and adjudication. Under the CCA 2002, an electrician may issue a payment claim for work carried out, and the client must either pay the claimed amount or issue a payment schedule disputing some or all of the claim within the time limit specified in the contract (or 20 Working Days if not specified). If the client fails to respond to a payment claim with a payment schedule, the full claimed amount becomes a debt immediately due. The CCA 2002 also gives the electrician a statutory right to suspend work if payment is not made on time, and provides for rapid adjudication of payment disputes. Contractual provisions that seek to remove or reduce these rights are void under the CCA 2002. An electrical contract should clearly specify how and when payment claims may be made to comply with the CCA 2002 regime.
Under the Electricity Act 1992 and the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010, only registered electrical workers and licensed electrical contractors may carry out prescribed electrical work in New Zealand. Electrical workers must be registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) and hold a current practising licence in the relevant class (e.g., Electrician, Craftsman Electrician, Inspector). Electrical contractors (companies or sole traders who carry out electrical work for reward) must hold a current electrical contractor licence issued by the EWRB. Before engaging an electrician, the client should verify that both the contractor and the individual workers hold current EWRB registration and licensing. This can be done through the EWRB public register at www.ewrb.govt.nz. Hiring an unlicensed person to carry out prescribed electrical work is an offence under the Electricity Act 1992, and work carried out by unlicensed persons is unlikely to be covered by insurance. An electrical contract should require the electrician to confirm and maintain EWRB registration and licensing throughout the project.
If electrical work carried out in New Zealand is defective or does not comply with the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 or AS/NZS 3000:2018, the client has several avenues for redress. Under the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017 (CCLA 2017), the client may be entitled to cancel the contract, claim damages, or require the electrician to remedy the defect, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. If the electrician is a member of a trade association such as Master Electricians New Zealand (MENZ) or the Electrical Contractors Association of New Zealand (ECANZ), the association may have a disputes process. A complaint may also be made to the EWRB, which has the power to discipline registered electrical workers and contractors, including by suspension or cancellation of registration or licence. For payment disputes, either party may initiate adjudication under the Construction Contracts Act 2002. In cases where defective electrical work poses an immediate safety risk, the Electricity Act 1992 empowers enforcement officers to require immediate remediation or to disconnect the unsafe installation.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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