RESPECT

A special moment at the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards is when the sector recognises its often unsung heroes. This year, the Franchise Association appointed two new Life Members and inducted a new name to the Franchising Hall of Fame.

Lorraine Lord – Life Member

Lorraine Lord’s 50 years in franchising have seen her work as a franchisor, manage a franchisee business, and become a highly-respected service provider. 

FANZ Chair Brad Jacobs hailed Lorraine as “a true pioneer, mentor and quiet driving force behind the success of franchising in New Zealand. Few people can claim such a complete understanding of what franchising is really about – and even fewer have given so much to its success.”

Working with three top franchise brands in the UK, Lorraine developed a strong foundation in operations, training and business growth. After coming to New Zealand with husband Simon in 1991, she became the co-publisher of Franchise New Zealand. She was a driving force in building it into a respected voice that has informed, educated, and inspired everyone involved in franchising for more than 30 years. Her writing – including the widely-referenced 250 Questions to Ask a Franchisor – has guided and encouraged thousands of Kiwis to make better business decisions.

Lorraine hosted Peer Group sessions in Auckland for 17 years, creating a safe space where franchise people could share ideas, solve challenges, and learn from one another. She has chaired panels and conference sessions, and freely shared her insight and experience with franchisors and franchisees alike. 

“A warm, wise ambassador for the values of FANZ, Lorraine is deeply respected for her integrity, intelligence, compassion, and humbleness,” Brad commented. “Many of us know her as a mentor, a confidante, and a friend – someone who has quietly lifted others up while never seeking the spotlight herself. 

“Tonight, we’re delighted to shine that spotlight on her. For her massive contribution, her tireless support of franchisors and franchisees, and her lifelong dedication to the advancement of franchising in New Zealand, it is our privilege to induct Lorraine Lord into FANZ Life Membership.”

Dean Madsen – Life Member 

Dean Madsen is a founding force in franchise banking in New Zealand. Brad described him as “a man whose integrity, professionalism, and lifelong commitment to franchising have shaped the very foundation of our industry.”

In 1997 Dean became one of the first specialist franchise bankers in the country with Westpac. Over the next 25 years, his foresight and leadership helped define franchise finance as a core enabler of the sector’s growth. Through his work, hundreds of franchisors and franchisees were supported to establish, expand, and strengthen their businesses – funding not just cafés, stores, and service outlets, but the dreams and livelihoods behind them.

Dean has been a great supporter of FANZ, serving on the Board, judging franchise awards, and sharing his knowledge through seminars, education programmes and industry publications. His willingness to mentor, guide, and connect others has had a lasting impact on the professionalism and sustainability of franchising in New Zealand.

His clients and colleagues speak not only of his technical expertise but of his genuine care for people and his belief in the power of franchising to create opportunity and success. Widely respected, he has inspired a generation of professionals who now follow in his footsteps.

“Dean has always embodied what it means to be both a leader and a supporter to the franchising community,” said Brad. “For his pioneering work, his decades of service, and his enduring contribution to the growth and integrity of franchising in New Zealand, we are proud to induct Dean Madsen into FANZ Life Membership.”

Dean is now taking on another challenge – swimming 40kms across Lake Taupō to raise funds for Parkinson's New Zealand.

Greg Nathan – Hall of Fame

Greg Nathan is the pioneer of applying psychology to the franchisor/franchisee relationship. Brad described him as, “A cornerstone of the franchising community and one of franchising’s most respected voices worldwide for his integrity, generosity, and thought leadership.”

Greg’s franchise journey began in 1975 as a bakery worker. He went on to become a multi-store Brumby’s Bakery franchisee, and later served as their National Marketing and Operations Manager. Seeing franchising from both the franchisee and franchisor side gave him a rare insight and led to him founding the Franchise Relationships Institute in 1989.

A qualified psychologist, Greg’s work has transformed the way franchising thinks about relationships, culture, and communication. Through his best-selling books, research, workshops, and practical tools, Greg has helped thousands of franchise systems in over 40 countries.

He created frameworks that are now industry standard to help guide franchisees and franchisors to work better together, resolve conflict and achieve sustainable success. His philosophy is simple but powerful: put people first, build trust, and the business will follow.

Greg’s ongoing support of the New Zealand franchise community has left a lasting and transformative impact with regular visits to provide workshops and guidance to many franchise systems. He has also shared his experience and even his musical prowess at over 20 National Franchise Conferences in Aotearoa.

“Greg is not just admired for what he has achieved,” said Brad, “but for who he is – respected for his integrity, humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. Through his vision, he has fundamentally changed franchising – not just in Australia and New Zealand, but across the world. It is with enormous pride and gratitude that we induct Greg Nathan into the Franchising Hall of Fame.”

See the full list of FANZ Life Members and Hall of Fame inductees at www.franchiseassociation.org.nz/life-members-hall-of-fame