Ƶ

Free Director Services Agreement Template for New Zealand

Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5

Let's create your document

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Get your first 2 documents free

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Key Requirements PROMPT example:

Director Services Agreement

I need a director services agreement for a newly appointed director who will serve on the board of a mid-sized company, with responsibilities including strategic oversight and governance. The agreement should include provisions for quarterly board meetings, a fixed annual retainer, reimbursement for travel expenses, and a confidentiality clause.

What is a Director Services Agreement?

A Director Services Agreement sets out the formal relationship between a company and its director, much like an employment agreement but tailored specifically for director roles. It covers key aspects like duties, remuneration, confidentiality, and intellectual property rights under NZ's Companies Act 1993.

These agreements protect both parties by clearly defining governance responsibilities, board meeting obligations, and performance expectations. For listed companies on the NZX, they help ensure compliance with listing rules and corporate governance requirements. Many private companies also use them to establish clear boundaries between director and management roles.

When should you use a Director Services Agreement?

You need a Director Services Agreement when appointing new directors to your company's board or formalizing arrangements with existing directors. This becomes especially important when transitioning from informal handshake agreements to proper governance structures, or when scaling up operations requires clearer accountability.

Many NZ companies implement these agreements during key business moments: when seeking investment, preparing for sale, adding independent directors, or updating governance following regulatory changes. The agreement helps prevent disputes by clearly documenting director duties, meeting commitments, remuneration terms, and confidentiality obligations before issues arise.

What are the different types of Director Services Agreement?

  • Standard Board Director agreements focus on governance duties, meeting attendance, and strategic oversight
  • Executive Director versions include additional operational responsibilities and management duties alongside board obligations
  • Independent Director agreements emphasize autonomy requirements and specific expertise contributions
  • Non-Executive Director agreements typically cover part-time commitments and advisory roles
  • Nominee Director versions address reporting obligations to appointing shareholders while maintaining company duties

Who should typically use a Director Services Agreement?

  • Company Boards: Set terms and approve agreements to protect company interests and ensure proper governance
  • Directors: Review and sign agreements before taking up board positions, ensuring clear understanding of duties
  • Company Secretaries: Manage documentation, updates, and compliance tracking for director agreements
  • Legal Counsel: Draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with NZ Companies Act requirements
  • Shareholders: May review agreements when appointing nominee directors or during major company decisions

How do you write a Director Services Agreement?

  • Director Details: Gather full legal name, contact information, qualifications, and any existing roles
  • Appointment Terms: Define start date, duration, meeting commitments, and any specific role expectations
  • Remuneration Package: Document fees, expenses, insurance coverage, and any share-based compensation
  • Company Information: Include company details, registered office, and relevant board policies
  • Compliance Requirements: Check NZ Companies Act obligations and industry-specific governance rules
  • Review Process: Our platform generates customized agreements ensuring all essential elements are included

What should be included in a Director Services Agreement?

  • Appointment Details: Precise role description, term length, and reporting relationships
  • Duties and Powers: Specific responsibilities under Companies Act 1993, board obligations, and decision-making authority
  • Remuneration Terms: Director fees, expense policies, and any performance-based compensation
  • Confidentiality: Protection of company information during and after directorship
  • Conflicts of Interest: Disclosure requirements and management procedures
  • Termination Provisions: Notice periods, grounds for removal, and post-directorship obligations
  • Insurance and Indemnity: D&O coverage details and liability protection scope

What's the difference between a Director Services Agreement and a Director Appointment Agreement?

A Director Services Agreement differs significantly from a Director Appointment Agreement. While both deal with director roles, they serve distinct purposes and contain different elements.

  • Scope and Detail: Director Services Agreements are comprehensive documents covering ongoing duties, remuneration, and relationships, while Appointment Agreements focus mainly on the initial appointment process and basic terms
  • Timing and Duration: Appointment Agreements handle the formal installation of a director, whereas Services Agreements govern the entire term of service
  • Legal Coverage: Services Agreements include detailed provisions for confidentiality, intellectual property, and performance expectations; Appointment Agreements typically only confirm eligibility and acceptance
  • Regulatory Focus: Services Agreements address ongoing Companies Act compliance and governance requirements, while Appointment Agreements primarily satisfy initial regulatory filing needs

Get our New Zealand-compliant Director Services Agreement:

Access for Free Now
*No sign-up required
4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5

Find the exact document you need

No items found.

Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal

By providing your email address you are consenting to our Privacy Notice.
Thank you for downloading our whitepaper. This should arrive in your inbox shortly. In the meantime, why not jump straight to a section that interests you here: /our-research
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

ұԾ’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security

You retain IP ownership of your documents

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it

Innovation in privacy:

Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London

Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts

Want to know more?

Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.