Legalities of Working as a Yoga Teacher

Here are the main legal obligations around working as a yoga teacher in NZ:
NZ is the one of the best and easiest place to be a yoga teacher.

Work Permit and IRD Number – if you are not a NZ national check your right to work in NZ.  Before working in the NZ you will probably need a IRD number, IRD had made it very simple by contacting them.

IRD registration – when you become self employed can register with IRD at anytime, but it’s generally best to do this as soon as possible.  This way you will be more prepared when come to tax time.

Some gyms/studios will treat you as an employee, thats to say “on the payroll”.  In this instance Self Employment registration with IRD is not necessary.

Professional Memberships – there is no requirement to be a member of a professional organisation, e.g. Yoga Alliance US, but some gyms or studios may require it, or other accreditation as part of their internal rules.

Insurance – there is no legal requirement to hold insurance, but again some gyms or studios may insist on it.

If you are working for a gym or studio, then check whether you are covered by their insurance and if not whether they insist you have your own teachers liability insurance.

If you run your own classes then a teachers liability insurance policy although not mandatory you need to weigh the whether get insurance or not.

Tax - if you teach as an employee then there is nothing you need to you, your employer should collect the tax from you and pay to IRD. If you teach as self-employment then after 31st March each year it’s your responsibility to file your tax return.

Disclaimer: The above article is general in nature and you can contact me for advice tailored to your specific personal situation.