Ƶ

Retention Bonus Agreement for New Zealand

Retention Bonus Agreement Template for New Zealand

A comprehensive agreement governed by New Zealand law that establishes the terms and conditions under which an employer will pay a retention bonus to a key employee. The document outlines the bonus amount, retention period, payment conditions, and obligations of both parties. It ensures compliance with New Zealand employment legislation, including the Employment Relations Act 2000 and relevant tax laws, while protecting both the employer's interests in retaining valuable staff and the employee's rights to receive the promised compensation upon meeting specified conditions.

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

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

Download a Standard Template

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5
Access for free
OR

Alternatively: Run an advanced review of an existing
Retention Bonus Agreement

Let Ƶ's market-leading legal AI identify missing terms, unusual language, compliance issues and more - in just seconds.

What is a Retention Bonus Agreement?

The Retention Bonus Agreement is a critical document used by organizations in New Zealand to incentivize key employees to remain with the company during important periods such as mergers, acquisitions, major projects, or other significant business transitions. This agreement type is particularly valuable when employee retention is crucial for business continuity or project completion. The document complies with New Zealand employment law and tax regulations, providing a legally sound framework for offering and paying retention bonuses. It typically includes specific details about the bonus amount, retention period, payment conditions, and consequences of early termination. The agreement helps protect both employer and employee interests by clearly documenting the terms of the retention bonus arrangement and ensuring all parties understand their rights and obligations under New Zealand law.

What sections should be included in a Retention Bonus Agreement?

1. Parties: Identifies and defines the employer and employee who are party to the agreement

2. Background: Sets out the context of the agreement, including the purpose of offering the retention bonus

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Retention Bonus Amount: Specifies the total amount of the retention bonus and any conditions affecting the amount

5. Retention Period: Defines the period during which the employee must remain employed to receive the bonus

6. Payment Terms: Details when and how the retention bonus will be paid

7. Conditions for Payment: Outlines the specific conditions that must be met to receive the bonus

8. Tax Treatment: Explains how the bonus will be treated for tax purposes

9. Termination Provisions: Describes what happens to the bonus if employment ends before the retention period

10. Confidentiality: Requirements for keeping the terms of the agreement confidential

11. Governing Law: Specifies that New Zealand law governs the agreement

12. Execution: Signature blocks and execution requirements

What sections are optional to include in a Retention Bonus Agreement?

1. Clawback Provisions: Include when the employer wants the right to recoup the bonus under certain circumstances

2. Performance Requirements: Include when the bonus is partially contingent on meeting specific performance metrics

3. Non-Competition/Non-Solicitation: Include when the retention bonus is tied to post-employment restrictive covenants

4. Dispute Resolution: Include when specific dispute resolution procedures are desired beyond standard legal channels

5. Multiple Payment Installments: Include when the bonus will be paid in multiple installments rather than a single payment

6. Integration with Other Benefits: Include when describing how the retention bonus interacts with other compensation or benefits

7. Change of Control: Include when addressing what happens to the bonus in case of company sale or merger

What schedules should be included in a Retention Bonus Agreement?

1. Schedule 1 - Bonus Calculation: Details the formula or methodology for calculating the bonus amount, particularly if variable components exist

2. Schedule 2 - Payment Schedule: If multiple payments are involved, details the timing and amounts of each installment

3. Schedule 3 - Performance Metrics: If applicable, detailed description of any performance requirements tied to the bonus

4. Appendix A - Defined Terms: Comprehensive list of defined terms if too extensive for the main agreement

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Ƶ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

New Zealand

Publisher

Ƶ

Document Type

Agreement Contract

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions


























Clauses
























Relevant Industries

Technology

Financial Services

Manufacturing

Professional Services

Healthcare

Retail

Construction

Mining

Energy

Telecommunications

Education

Transport and Logistics

Agriculture

Real Estate

Media and Entertainment

Relevant Teams

Human Resources

Legal

Finance

Executive

Operations

Information Technology

Sales

Research and Development

Engineering

Product Development

Customer Service

Manufacturing

Quality Assurance

Business Development

Marketing

Relevant Roles

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Technology Officer

Senior Manager

Project Manager

Technical Lead

Senior Developer

Financial Controller

Operations Manager

Sales Director

Account Manager

Senior Engineer

Department Head

Regional Manager

Principal Consultant

Research Director

Senior Scientist

Key Account Executive

Product Manager

Business Unit Head

Industries







Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

Find the exact document you need

Videography Contract

A New Zealand-compliant contract governing professional videography services, outlining service terms, deliverables, and legal obligations between videographers and clients.

find out more

Warrant Agreement

A New Zealand-governed agreement establishing terms for the purchase of securities at a predetermined price and time period, compliant with local financial markets legislation.

find out more

Triple Net Lease Agreement

A New Zealand-compliant commercial lease agreement where tenant pays all property operating expenses including taxes, insurance, and maintenance in addition to base rent.

find out more

Surety Agreement

A New Zealand law-governed agreement where a guarantor assumes responsibility for another party's obligations or debts to a creditor.

find out more

Subscription Agreement

New Zealand-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for subscription-based services, detailing service delivery, payment terms, and mutual obligations.

find out more

Sub Tenancy Agreement

A legal agreement under New Zealand law that enables a tenant to rent out all or part of their rental property to a subtenant, establishing rights and obligations for all parties involved.

find out more

Short Term Contract

New Zealand-compliant contract template for fixed-term employment or temporary service arrangements, incorporating all essential elements required under NZ employment law.

find out more

Scheduling Agreement

A New Zealand-governed agreement that establishes terms and conditions for scheduled services or deliveries between parties, including timing, performance requirements, and operational procedures.

find out more

Production Contract

A New Zealand-law governed agreement setting out terms and conditions for production of goods or content, including specifications, quality standards, and delivery requirements.

find out more

Probationary Contract

A New Zealand-compliant employment agreement establishing a probationary period for new employees, outlining terms, conditions, and evaluation criteria.

find out more

Private Road Maintenance Agreement

A New Zealand-compliant agreement establishing maintenance responsibilities and cost-sharing arrangements for shared private roads.

find out more

Purchase Proposal

A formal New Zealand business document outlining proposed terms and conditions for purchasing assets, businesses, or properties under NZ law.

find out more

One Year Contract

A one-year contract template compliant with New Zealand law, designed for fixed-term business relationships.

find out more

Novation Agreement

A New Zealand law-governed agreement that transfers contractual rights and obligations from one party to another with the consent of all involved parties.

find out more

Material Contract

A New Zealand law-governed agreement setting out terms and conditions for the supply of materials, including specifications, quality standards, and commercial terms.

find out more

Installment Contract

A New Zealand-compliant agreement for the purchase of goods or services through scheduled installment payments.

find out more

Labor Contract

A New Zealand-compliant employment agreement establishing terms and conditions between employer and employee under NZ employment law.

find out more

Lease Deed

A New Zealand lease deed establishing formal property rental terms between lessor and lessee under NZ property law.

find out more

Informal Contract

A simplified contract template compliant with New Zealand law, designed for basic commercial and service agreements.

find out more

Individual Contract

New Zealand-compliant individual employment agreement establishing terms and conditions between employer and employee.

find out more

Franchise Agreement

A New Zealand-governed agreement establishing the rights and obligations between a franchisor and franchisee for operating a franchised business.

find out more

Form For Independent Contractor

A New Zealand-compliant agreement establishing terms and conditions for engaging independent contractors, defining services, payments, and maintaining contractor status.

find out more

Encroachment Agreement

A New Zealand law-governed agreement that establishes rights and obligations between property owners regarding structural or physical encroachment on neighboring property.

find out more

Executive Contract

A New Zealand-compliant employment agreement for executive-level appointments, establishing comprehensive terms and conditions for senior management roles.

find out more

Deed Of Lease

A formal legal document under New Zealand law establishing the terms and conditions between a landlord and tenant for the lease of property, executed as a deed.

find out more

Contingency Contract

A New Zealand-governed agreement that establishes conditions for payment or performance based on specific triggering events or outcomes.

find out more

Contractor Form

A New Zealand-compliant agreement establishing terms and conditions for engaging independent contractors, including service scope, payment terms, and legal obligations.

find out more

Consent Agreement

A New Zealand-compliant agreement establishing explicit consent for data handling and specific rights between parties under NZ privacy laws.

find out more

Common Agreement

A standardized legal agreement template for business relationships under New Zealand law, suitable for various commercial transactions.

find out more

Business To Business Contract

A New Zealand-governed business-to-business contract template for establishing commercial relationships between organizations.

find out more

Barter Agreement

A New Zealand-compliant agreement facilitating the direct exchange of goods and/or services between parties without monetary payment.

find out more

Agreement To Lease

A New Zealand-compliant preliminary agreement that establishes the terms and conditions for a future lease between landlord and tenant.

find out more

Master Contract

A New Zealand-law governed framework agreement establishing core terms for ongoing business relationships and future transactions.

find out more

Land Lease Agreement Form

A New Zealand-compliant legal agreement establishing terms and conditions for land lease arrangements between landlord and tenant.

find out more

Basic Ordering Agreement

A New Zealand-governed framework agreement establishing terms and conditions for future orders between parties, streamlining recurring procurement processes.

find out more

Franchise Agreement Draft

A New Zealand-governed agreement establishing the rights and obligations between a franchisor and franchisee for operating a franchised business.

find out more

Engagement Contract

A New Zealand-governed contract establishing an independent contractor relationship between a principal and contractor, defining services, terms, and obligations.

find out more

Contract Agreement Form

A standard contract agreement template compliant with New Zealand law, establishing terms and conditions for business relationships.

find out more

Cross Purchase Buy Sell Agreement

A New Zealand-governed agreement establishing terms and procedures for business owners to purchase each other's interests upon specified trigger events.

find out more

Written Agreement

A formal Written Agreement under New Zealand law that establishes legal rights and obligations between parties, ensuring clear terms and enforceable commitments.

find out more
See more related templates

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

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

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