Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017

Introduction

You could also call this:

"Modernising and simplifying business and trade rules"

This act aims to update and make more accessible certain laws about different areas of business and commerce.

You'll find information about contracts, which are agreements between people or businesses. It also covers how goods are sold and bought.

The act includes rules about electronic transactions, which are business deals done using computers or the internet. It also talks about how goods are transported from one place to another.

Lastly, the act covers other business matters. This includes rules about mercantile agents (people who buy or sell things for others) and bills of lading (documents that list goods being shipped).

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This page was last updated on 22 April 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM6844000.

Highlights from this law

12: Deed or contract for benefit of person who is not party to deed or contract

Promises made in contracts can help people who didn't sign them

24: Relief may be granted if mistake by one party is known to another party or is common or mutual

Courts can help if you made a mistake when agreeing to a contract

36: Party may cancel contract if another party repudiates it

You can end a deal if someone else shows they won't do their part

37: Party may cancel contract if induced to enter into it by misrepresentation or if term is or will be breached

You can stop a deal if someone fooled you or breaks the rules

73: Illegal contracts have no effect

Contracts that break the law don't count and can't be used

76: Court may grant relief

The court can help make things fair when there's a problem with a contract

86: Contracts unenforceable against minors but otherwise have effect

Contracts don't work against kids, but still count for grown-ups

120: Contract of sale of goods

Agreeing to sell something you own for money

Topics:

Business > Fair tradingBusiness > Industry rulesMoney and consumer rights > Consumer protection

1: Title, or

"This law's name is the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017"

Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017

Reprint as at:: 2025-03-30
Assent:: 2017-03-01
Commencement:: see section 2

The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.

Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.

This Act is administered by the Ministry of Justice.