CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES

As this winter issue of the magazine reaches readers, the franchising community is coming together in Wellington for three days of learning and connection at the 2026 National Franchise Conference and Legal Symposium. A cornerstone of the Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ) calendar for the past 30 years, the Conference has been attended by thousands of franchisors, franchisees and franchise advisors over three decades. 

A very significant milestone is being marked in style at this year’s Conference, with a 90s-themed 30th Birthday celebration dinner for FANZ itself.

The Franchise Association of New Zealand was incorporated on 2 July 1996, following its separation from the trans-Tasman FAANZ (Franchising Association of Australia and New Zealand).

Since then, the Association has evolved in many ways, through changes in membership, board and team personnel, and consistently delivering a wide range of conferences, awards, and education and connection events. Throughout, the focus has remained constant – building credibility and upholding high standards within the franchising sector.

Today, FANZ continues to regulate, advocate, educate, celebrate and communicate across the New Zealand franchising community, guided by a vision of franchising excellence. 

Katrina King, CEO of FANZ, offered these words of gratitude, “Thank you to everyone who has been part of FANZ’s journey over the past 30 years - from our founding members to those who have contributed to governance through the Board, and to every member, sponsor and partner who supports the work we do each day. 

“We couldn’t do it without you. Here’s to the next 30 wonderful years of FANZ.”

Celebrating World Franchise Day

The New Zealand franchising community celebrated the second commemoration of World Franchise Day (the inaugural day was in 2025) with an early morning breakfast event at FANZ member Columbus Coffee’s Mt Wellington café on 10 June. 

World Franchise Day is a global initiative led by the World Franchise Council. It is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contribution of franchising to economic growth, job creation, and community engagement through the innovation and hard work of both franchisors and franchisees.

Members of FANZ and the franchising community enjoyed great food, coffee, connection and insights from a lively panel discussion. Those who could not attend the breakfast were encouraged to celebrate their teams through their own events and social media activity.

2026 New Zealand Franchise Awards

The New Zealand Franchise Awards provide a platform to recognise innovation, leadership, and success in our franchising community. Entries remain open and member franchise systems, franchisees, support professionals and sector suppliers are encouraged to showcase their sucess, innovation and leadership through an awards submission. All entrants are reminded that entries must be submitted by Wednesday 8 July.

Finalists will be announced on Wednesday 23 September, with tickets to the gala dinner released for purchase at the same time via the FANZ website. The franchise community will come together to celebrate the 31st year of the Awards on Saturday 14 November at the Grand Millennium Hotel in Auckland. Adding to the excitement, this year will also see the presentation of two brand-new categories, with inaugural winners announced on the night.

Long tenure franchisee recognition

Following strong interest in 2025, recognition for long tenure franchisees will be offered again in 2026. Member franchise systems may nominate any franchisee with a tenure of 15 years or more. This includes franchisees who were eligible in 2025 but were not nominated.

Nominations for this recognition are free. This recognition will be celebrated at the Awards Gala Dinner on 14 November at the Grand Millennium Hotel in Auckland. You can find the link to the nomination form here on the FANZ website.

Is franchising right for you?

The Franchisee Pre Entry Training Course offers anyone interested in becoming a franchisee the chance to build their knowledge through a set of online learning modules. Covering everything from the fundamentals of franchising to finance, systems, start up considerations and due diligence, this free resource is available to the entire New Zealand franchise community - regardless of FANZ membership. You can access the programme here on the FANZ website.

New members and dates for your diary

We extend a warm welcome to new FANZ members FRANdata, Eversource, Mighty, Property Pioneers and Soul Origin.

The FANZ event calendar is regularly updated, so for the latest details of what’s on around the country, please see our events page or visit the Franchise Association website at www.franchiseassociation.org.nz, phone 09 274 2901 or email contact@franchise.org.nz 

For more information and advice on buying a franchise get your FREE copy of Franchise New Zealand magazine.