Driver Independent Contractor Agreement

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Driver Independent Contractor Agreement

Last updated: [06-01-2026]

This Driver Independent Contractor Agreement (“Agreement”) applies to all Drivers who access or use the [deliverymate.nz] platform in New Zealand.

By registering as a Driver, submitting bids, or accepting delivery requests, you agree to this Agreement.

1. Definitions

Platform means [deliverymate.nz], operated by [Small Bridge Ltd], a New Zealand business.

Driver means an individual who offers delivery services through the Platform.

Sender means an individual who requests delivery services through the Platform.

Delivery Contract means the contract formed directly between a Sender and a Driver for delivery services.

Platform Fee means the fee charged by the Platform for facilitating access to the marketplace and escrow services.

2. Independent Contractor Relationship

2.1 The Driver provides delivery services as an independent contractor, not as an employee, agent, or partner of the Platform.

2.2 Nothing in this Agreement creates an employment relationship under the Employment Relations Act 2000.

2.3 The Driver is responsible for:

Their own tax obligations

ACC obligations

Insurance obligations

All costs of providing delivery services

2.4 The Driver may provide services through other platforms or independently, without restriction.

3. Role of the Platform

3.1 The Platform provides an online marketplace that enables Drivers to connect with Senders.

3.2 The Platform does not:

Set or control delivery prices

Assign jobs

Require acceptance of any delivery request

Control routes, timing, or manner of delivery

3.3 The Platform is not a party to any Delivery Contract.

4. Delivery Contracts with Senders

4.1 When a Driver submits a bid or accepts a fixed-price offer, and the Sender accepts that offer, a binding Delivery Contract is formed directly between the Driver and the Sender.

4.2 The Driver is solely responsible for performing delivery services in accordance with the Delivery Contract and applicable law.

4.3 The Driver bears all risk associated with delivery performance, including loss, damage, or delay of parcels.

5. Pricing and Payment

5.1 Drivers set their own prices independently.

5.2 Payment for delivery services is processed through the Platform’s escrow system for administrative convenience only.

5.3 The Platform will release escrowed funds to the Driver following confirmation that delivery has occurred, in accordance with the Platform’s escrow process.

5.4 The Platform Fee is deducted automatically from payments to the Driver.

6. Driver Requirements and Warranties

The Driver warrants that they:

6.1 Hold a valid New Zealand driver licence.

6.2 Operate a roadworthy vehicle with a current Warrant of Fitness (WOF).

6.3 Hold valid vehicle insurance appropriate to their use of the vehicle.

6.4 Have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

6.5 Will comply with all applicable laws, including transport and safety laws.

6.6 Will not carry prohibited or illegal items.

6.7 Will not misrepresent their identity, qualifications, or insurance status.

The Platform does not verify these warranties and relies on Driver declarations.

7. No Platform Control

7.1 The Driver is free to:

Choose when to access the Platform

Accept or reject delivery requests

Determine delivery timing and routes

7.2 The Platform does not impose:

Minimum working hours

Performance targets

Exclusive service obligations

8. Prohibited Conduct

The Driver must not:

8.1 Carry prohibited or illegal items.

8.2 Handle parcels in a negligent or unsafe manner.

8.3 Use the Platform for unlawful purposes.

8.4 Represent themselves as an employee or agent of the Platform.

9. Liability and Indemnity

9.1 The Driver is solely liable for:

Loss, damage, or delay of parcels

Claims arising from delivery services

Third-party claims, including personal injury or property damage

9.2 The Driver indemnifies and holds the Platform harmless from any claims, losses, damages, costs, or expenses arising from:

Delivery services

Breach of this Agreement

Misrepresentation of warranties

This includes legal fees on a solicitor–client basis.

10. Insurance and Risk

10.1 The Platform does not provide insurance coverage for Drivers or parcels.

10.2 Drivers are responsible for maintaining appropriate insurance at all times.

11. Suspension and Termination

11.1 The Platform may suspend or terminate Driver access where there is:

Breach of this Agreement

Unsafe or unlawful conduct

False declarations

11.2 Termination does not affect any existing Delivery Contracts.

12. Privacy

12.1 The Platform collects and uses personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and the Platform’s Privacy Policy.

13. Governing Law and Disputes

13.1 This Agreement is governed by the laws of New Zealand.

13.2 Any disputes may be referred to the Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand, where appropriate.

14. Changes to This Agreement

14.1 The Platform may update this Agreement from time to time.

14.2 Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Agreement.

Acknowledgement

By using the Platform, the Driver acknowledges that:

They operate as an independent contractor

They bear delivery-related risks

The Platform facilitates contact and payment only

Nothing in the Platform’s operation restricts a Driver’s ability to accept or reject work or to provide services to others.