Five tips to ensure your contracts are legally enforceable

Five tips to ensure your contracts are legally enforceable
Sometimes a handshake is enough, but it is safer to get contracts confirmed in writing. (Image: Getty)
Georgina Toomey
Contracts are the backbone of any business deal or transaction. A legally binding contract helps ensure that each party upholds their end of the bargain. If a party fails to fulfil their contractual obligations, you can initiate legal action to enforce the contract. However, to be enforceable, contracts must contain five key elements: a clear offer, acceptance, valid consideration, intent to form legal relations and certainty in terms. In New Zealand, contracts do not have to be in writing. Provided the key elements of a contract...

More Law & Regulation

Westpac NZ eyes monetary policy reform for change-laden RBNZ
Economy

Westpac NZ eyes monetary policy reform for change-laden RBNZ

Westpac NZ puts monetary policy voting in the spotlight.

Staff reporters 05 Sep 2025
Absenteeism: When can you fairly cry halt?
Law & Regulation

Rachael Judge: Absenteeism: When can you fairly cry halt?

Even with strong justification for dismissal, employers can let themselves down.

Rachael Judge 05 Sep 2025
New deal to improve gas market transparency
Law & Regulation

New deal to improve gas market transparency

Fast-dwindling gas supplies are creating new challenges for electricity production.

Staff reporters 04 Sep 2025