Unpaid invoices are one of the biggest financial risks facing tradespeople and small construction businesses in New Zealand. The work is done, the invoice is sent, and then nothing. Most tradespeople do not pursue unpaid debts because they do not know how, or because they assume it will cost more than it is worth.

It does not have to be that way.

The framewrk Trades Debt Recovery Pack gives you what you need to protect your right to be paid before work starts, and to recover what you are owed if a customer does not pay. The pack covers the entire process from the first conversation through to enforcement of a Disputes Tribunal order.

The pack includes five documents:

1. Payment Terms Clause Pack
Six payment clauses ready to insert into your quotes, job agreements, and invoices. Establishes your right to be paid, when payment is due, interest on overdue amounts under the Interest on Money Claims Act 2016, recovery of debt collection costs, retention of title over materials, suspension of work for non-payment, and a personal guarantee clause for when the customer is a company. You choose which clauses apply to your business.

2. Quote / Job Acceptance Form
A one page form the customer signs before work starts. Records the scope, price, and payment terms in writing and eliminates the most common defences a non-paying customer will raise. The signed form is your most important document if a dispute goes to the Disputes Tribunal. Includes fields for fixed price or estimate, deposit, materials, insurance, and variations.

3. Overdue Invoice Letter Pack
Three escalating demand letters for recovering an unpaid invoice – first reminder, formal letter of demand, and final notice before Disputes Tribunal. Each letter increases in formality and consequence. Research consistently shows that a clear, professional final demand letter resolves the majority of unpaid debts without any Tribunal involvement. Guidance notes explain when to send each letter and how to escalate effectively.

4. Disputes Tribunal Application Guide and Checklist
A step by step guide to filing a debt recovery claim in the Disputes Tribunal. Covers the $60,000 jurisdiction limit, current filing fees, a pre-filing preparation checklist, how to calculate your total claim including interest, how to file online, how to prepare your evidence bundle, what to expect at the hearing, and what happens after. Includes a document organiser for the hearing itself.

5. Post-Judgment Enforcement Guide
What to do after you win at the Disputes Tribunal but the other party still does not pay. Explains all enforcement options available under New Zealand law, including attachment orders over wages, charging orders over property, distress warrants for seizure of goods, bankruptcy and liquidation proceedings, and debt collection agencies. Explains when each option is most effective and what the process involves.

All five documents reflect current NZ law. Delivered as editable Word documents.

Important: This is a general purpose legal template pack, not legal advice. It does not create a lawyer-client relationship. You should satisfy yourself that these documents are appropriate for your situation before use. For complex matters or significant amounts, seek advice from a qualified NZ lawyer. Licensed for single-business use only.