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Every business relationship needs a written agreement.
Handshakes build trust. Contracts protect it. When money changes hands, expectations need to be written down.
Agreements your business needs.
Different relationships require different contracts. We draft agreements that reflect how your business actually operates.
Terms of Trade
For Your Customers
Payment terms, liability limits, and your rights when payment is late. The foundation of every customer relationship.
Supply Agreements
From Suppliers
Quality standards, delivery obligations, pricing terms, and what happens when suppliers fail to perform.
Service Agreements
Ongoing Engagements
Scope, deliverables, fees, and performance standards. Clear expectations prevent scope creep and disputes.
Distribution Agreements
Channel Partners
Territory rights, exclusivity, pricing controls, and termination provisions. Protect your brand in the market.
Manufacturing Contracts
Production
Quality control, IP protection, liability allocation, and supply terms for outsourced production.
Confidentiality & NDAs
Information Protection
Protect sensitive business information before discussions begin. Essential for partnerships, sales, and investments.
The clauses that matter most.
These five elements separate contracts that protect you from contracts that fail when tested.
Payment Terms
When payment is due, consequences for late payment, and your security rights.
Liability Caps
Limit your exposure to proportionate amounts. Without caps, small jobs create unlimited risk.
Termination
Clear exit rights. Know how you can end relationships that are not working.
Dispute Process
Steps to resolve disagreements before they become court battles.
IP Ownership
Who owns what is created; critical for design, software, and creative work.
"A good contract is not about preparing for failure. It is about setting clear expectations so both parties can succeed."
Drafting
Bespoke agreements tailored to your business. We capture the commercial deal in terms that protect your interests. Where appropriate we use standard agreements, changing only what you need and saving you time and money.
Review
Identifying risks and negotiation points in contracts presented to you. Know what you are committing to.
Updating
Refreshing your standard terms to reflect current law, industry practice, and lessons from past disputes.
Negotiating
Working with the other party to reach acceptable terms. Preserving relationships while protecting interests.
Enforcement
After thorough negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or court proceedings, we help you enforce your position.
Contracts for Hawke's Bay industries.
We understand the industries that drive our region and the specific contract needs they create. Our templates and advice reflect real Hawke's Bay business practices.
Discuss your industryWine Industry
Grape supply agreements, distribution contracts, cellar door terms, export arrangements, and vintage variation clauses.
Horticulture
Packing house agreements, export contracts, seasonal supply arrangements, land lease terms, and orchard management.
Construction
Subcontractor agreements, supplier terms, retention provisions, defects liability clauses, and variation protocols.
Professional Services
Engagement letters, service agreements, fee arrangements, liability limitations, and IP ownership clauses.
The best contract dispute is the one that never happens.
Good contracts prevent disputes. Here is what we build into every agreement.
Clear Scope Definition
Precisely define what is included and excluded. Most disputes start with "I thought that was included."
Variation Procedures
Written process for changes. Informal agreements to "sort it out later" create problems later.
Escalation Steps
Mandatory discussion before legal action. Most issues resolve when principals talk directly.
Mediation Clauses
Structured mediation before litigation. Courts are expensive and slow. Mediation resolves most disputes.
What Our Clients Say
"Prompt, friendly & efficient service"
"I have always received excellent service from Carlile Dowling."
"A pleasure to work with."
To ensure candour, all feedback was collected anonymously.
Related Reading
Limitation Periods in New Zealand: Time Limits for Legal Claims
Understanding time limits for legal claims. Covers contract (6 years), tort (6 years), employment (90 days), and when time starts running.
New Zealand Disputes Tribunal: A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about the Disputes Tribunal. Covers jurisdiction limits, types of disputes, process, costs, and when to use it.
Company vs Trust: Which Structure for Your Business?
Companies and trusts serve different purposes. Understanding when each is appropriate helps you choose the right structure for your situation.
Your Contract
Team
Practical commercial advice from senior business lawyers.
Common Questions
We work with businesses of all sizes across Hawke's Bay, from startups and family businesses to established enterprises. Our clients include vineyards, orchards, professional services, hospitality, retail, trades, and many others.
Many business issues require legal advice, even for small businesses. Getting structures and agreements right from the start often prevents costly problems later. We are happy to discuss whether legal help would benefit your situation.
Accountants and lawyers complement each other. Your accountant advises on financial and tax issues. Working alongside your accountant, we handle legal structures, contracts, financing, securities, employment and more.
Any existing documents relevant to your situation: company records, contracts, agreements you are considering, or details of issues you are facing. But if you are just at the thinking stage, that is fine too.
Agreements your business needs.
Different relationships require different contracts. We draft agreements that reflect how your business actually operates.
Terms of Trade
For Your Customers
Payment terms, liability limits, and your rights when payment is late. The foundation of every customer relationship.
Supply Agreements
From Suppliers
Quality standards, delivery obligations, pricing terms, and what happens when suppliers fail to perform.
Service Agreements
Ongoing Engagements
Scope, deliverables, fees, and performance standards. Clear expectations prevent scope creep and disputes.
Distribution Agreements
Channel Partners
Territory rights, exclusivity, pricing controls, and termination provisions. Protect your brand in the market.
Manufacturing Contracts
Production
Quality control, IP protection, liability allocation, and supply terms for outsourced production.
Confidentiality & NDAs
Information Protection
Protect sensitive business information before discussions begin. Essential for partnerships, sales, and investments.
The clauses that matter most.
These five elements separate contracts that protect you from contracts that fail when tested.
Payment Terms
When payment is due, consequences for late payment, and your security rights.
Liability Caps
Limit your exposure to proportionate amounts. Without caps, small jobs create unlimited risk.
Termination
Clear exit rights. Know how you can end relationships that are not working.
Dispute Process
Steps to resolve disagreements before they become court battles.
IP Ownership
Who owns what is created. Critical for design, software, and creative work.
"A good contract is not about preparing for failure. It is about setting clear expectations so both parties can succeed."
Drafting
Bespoke agreements tailored to your business. We capture the commercial deal in terms that protect your interests.
Review
Identifying risks and negotiation points in contracts presented to you. Know what you are committing to.
Updating
Refreshing your standard terms to reflect current law, industry practice, and lessons from past disputes.
Negotiating
Working with the other party to reach acceptable terms. Preserving relationships while protecting interests.
Enforcement
When the other party is not meeting their obligations, helping you enforce your position through negotiation or legal action.
Contracts for Hawke's Bay industries.
We understand the industries that drive our region and the specific contract needs they create. Our templates and advice reflect real Hawke's Bay business practices.
Discuss your industryWine Industry
Grape supply agreements, distribution contracts, cellar door terms, export arrangements, and vintage variation clauses.
Horticulture
Packing house agreements, export contracts, seasonal supply arrangements, land lease terms, and orchard management.
Construction
Subcontractor agreements, supplier terms, retention provisions, defects liability clauses, and variation protocols.
Professional Services
Engagement letters, service agreements, fee arrangements, liability limitations, and IP ownership clauses.
The best contract dispute is the one that never happens.
Good contracts prevent disputes. Here is what we build into every agreement.
Clear Scope Definition
Precisely define what is included and excluded. Most disputes start with "I thought that was included."
Variation Procedures
Written process for changes. Informal agreements to "sort it out later" create problems later.
Escalation Steps
Mandatory discussion before legal action. Most issues resolve when principals talk directly.
Mediation Clauses
Structured mediation before litigation. Courts are expensive and slow. Mediation resolves most disputes.
What Our Clients Say
"Prompt, friendly & efficient service"
"I have always received excellent service from Carlile Dowling."
"A pleasure to work with."
To ensure candour, all feedback was collected anonymously.
Related Reading
Limitation Periods in New Zealand: Time Limits for Legal Claims
Understanding time limits for legal claims. Covers contract (6 years), tort (6 years), employment (90 days), and when time starts running.
New Zealand Disputes Tribunal: A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about the Disputes Tribunal. Covers jurisdiction limits, types of disputes, process, costs, and when to use it.
Company vs Trust: Which Structure for Your Business?
Companies and trusts serve different purposes. Understanding when each is appropriate helps you choose the right structure for your situation.
Your Contract
Team
Practical commercial advice from senior business lawyers.
Common Questions
We work with businesses of all sizes across Hawke's Bay, from startups and family businesses to established enterprises. Our clients include vineyards, orchards, professional services, hospitality, retail, trades, and many others.
Many business issues require legal advice, even for small businesses. Getting structures and agreements right from the start often prevents costly problems later. We are happy to discuss whether legal help would benefit your situation.
Accountants and lawyers complement each other. Your accountant advises on financial and tax issues. Working alongside your accountant, we handle legal structures, contracts, financing, securities, employment and more.
Any existing documents relevant to your situation: company records, contracts, agreements you are considering, or details of issues you are facing. But if you are just at the thinking stage, that is fine too.
Ready to discuss your needs? We're here to help.