Casual Employment Agreement – Updated January 2025

Are you looking for a reliable and legally compliant permanent employment agreement template for your casual employees? The Restaurant Association, in partnership with leading New Zealand law firm Hesketh Henry, has developed professionally drafted employment agreement templates specifically tailored to the hospitality industry.

Casual employment is where an employee is employed when and if needed. There should be no particular expectation of continuing employment.

Some hospitality businesses do legitimately have a selection of casual employees. However, due to misunderstandings, these agreements can often be misused by employers. Using a casual agreement for an employee who in reality is not a genuine casual can result in costly consequences for your business.

To ensure that this is the correct agreement to use for your employment situation, it is imperative that you read the Employment Types guide. You will also receive this when you download the Casual Employment Agreement. We also ask that you please contact our helpline team on 0800 737 827 to discuss before you use.

Using a professionally prepared employment agreement not only protects your business but also provides clarity and transparency for your employees. It outlines key terms such as hours of work, wages, leave entitlements, and workplace expectations.

You could expect to pay upwards of $5,000 if a law firm to drafted a similar customised agreement. However, these templates are provided free of charge as part of your membership with the Restaurant Association.

Whether you operate a small café or a large restaurant, a food truck, or food to go operation, having the right employment agreements in place is a critical step in managing your team effectively and reducing legal risk.

If you have any questions, need help using the template our dedicated helpline team is here to assist. Contact us on 0800 737 827 to speak with an advisor and ensure your employment documentation is set up correctly. We also have agreements for permanent or fixed-term employees.

Find out more about our Restaurant Association Helpline and services here.