E-signature Legality in New Zealand
Electronic signatures are generally accepted in New Zealand, for many types of business contracts, those involving real estate, and for contracts between individuals, among other types.
The requirements for an electronic signature to be valid include the following, among others:
- The means of creating the electronic signature must be linked to the signatory and no other person.
- The means of creating the electronic signature must have been under the control of the signatory and no other person.
- Any alteration to the electronic signature made after the time of signing is detectable.
- Where the purpose of the legal requirement for a signature is to assure the integrity of the information to which it relates, any alteration made to that information after the time of signing must be detectable.
Note: In some cases, a traditional “wet” signature may be required.
Resources:
- The Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017(CCLA).