THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

A multi-level franchise organisation, Aramex New Zealand truly understands the importance of providing a valued courier and logistics service to parcel receivers and business owners across the country. It’s a commitment to excellence that extends throughout the entire network. From the national Franchise Support Office, through each of the 18 Regional Franchises and the fleet of hundreds of Courier Franchisees, Aramex strives to ensure everyone shares the same commitment to delivering a reliable, high-quality service.

As Aramex Oceania Regional Director Mark Little says, “The secret to Aramex’s success is that we have franchisees who really care about their customers and take pride in being part of the Aramex network. They follow the Aramex franchise system and are supported by an exceptional team at the franchise support office. At every step of the way we celebrate outstanding leadership, initiative and commitment from the people who make up the Aramex franchise network.”

In excellent company

At the 2026 Aramex New Zealand Regional Franchise Conference in Christchurch, an elegant Gala Awards celebration was held to recognise outstanding achievements. During the dinner, the Aramex New Zealand community continued its tradition of giving back, raising over $50,000 for Camp Quality New Zealand. 

We spoke to Mark Little to find out who were the winners on the night, and what made them stand out as exceptional franchisees, employees and linehaul contractors.

Regional Franchise of the Year  

The 2026 Regional Franchise of the Year Award is one of Aramex’s most prestigious honours, recognising a region that combines strong business performance with exceptional leadership and sets a benchmark across the network.

Based on its performance throughout 2025, Aramex Canterbury was a standout, delivering its most successful year to date and achieving strong results across the business.

The region led from the front in implementing Aramex’s Everyone Home Safe Every Day programme, embedding safety as a core part of its culture. Its achievements were also recognised with a separate workplace safety award on the night.

The team maintained a disciplined focus on operating costs, delivered consistent sales growth, embraced opportunities and strengthened profitability.

Behind these results is a culture where people grow, teams collaborate, and capability continues to strengthen. Canterbury’s success is reflected not only in its results, but in the pride, professionalism and commitment of its people.

For its exceptional performance, leadership and resilience, Aramex Canterbury was proudly named the 2026 Regional Franchise of the Year.

Regional Franchise of the Year (Runner Up)     

Aramex Waikato is a Regional Franchise built on heart, unity and a strong commitment to doing things the right way.

What truly distinguishes the region is its family-oriented culture, where loyalty, trust and teamwork are lived values. It’s a team that supports one another and shows up every day with a shared sense of purpose.

Aramex Waikato’s enthusiastic participation in the Aramex Kiwi Walk Run Trail Series also reflects its strong connection to the community and commitment to giving back.

This recognition celebrates the spirit of Aramex Waikato – its people, teamwork and continual drive to be better.

Courier Franchisee of the Year 

The Courier Franchisee Award is one of Aramex’s most prestigious honours, recognising the qualities at the heart of the Aramex franchise model and brand.

During his time with Aramex, Richie Mudaliar has worked alongside three Regional Franchisees and is based in Tauranga.

During the annual Aramex Google Superstars campaign, Richie earned an outstanding 174 five-star Google reviews – a testament to the exceptional service he provides and the relationships he has built with his customers.

Richie lives and breathes his courier franchise business. He has often said that even if he won Lotto, it would still be “business as usual” the next day – an attitude that perfectly captures his dedication, reliability and pride in what he does.

Richie is an outstanding example of what it means to be an Aramex Courier Franchisee.

Courier Franchisee of the Year (Runner Up)     

The Courier Franchisee runner-up this year, Chinthaka Harendre Biyanwilage (Chinthy), found his first day on the road incredibly tough – he managed just 27 deliveries and went home unsure if he was cut out to be a courier franchisee. 

But instead of giving up, he made a choice: he returned the next day determined to try again. That single decision became the turning point in his journey. With persistence, focus, and a willingness to learn, Chinthy steadily developed into a highly reliable and respected Courier Franchisee. He consistently goes the extra mile, keeps his customers happy, and continually seeks ways to improve.

One of Chinthy’s greatest achievements occurred in 2023, when he successfully handled 300 pickups from a single location – a clear sign of how far he has come since that first challenging day.

Chinthy is now preparing to purchase his second franchise, further cementing the success he has built through commitment and perseverance. His story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t always start strong – it starts with determination, resilience, and the choice to keep going.

Regional Franchise Employee of the Year         

Hazel Duncan Harwood demonstrates outstanding customer service and teamwork within her regional franchise in Hawkes Bay, as a trusted point of contact for many key customers, who speak incredibly highly of her and genuinely value the support she provides.

Hazel has built strong, lasting relationships with courier franchisees and staff, and has extended those connections throughout the wider Aramex network. She brings people together, fosters trust, and creates a positive experience for everyone she works with.

Franchise Support Office Employee of the Year   

This award category is very important because it shines a light on the team member who is making a positive impact on the network and supporting Regional Franchise teams, doing their part to ensure the Aramex operation runs smoothly and efficiently.

When it comes to commitment, Adam Dames is in a league of his own. His legendary golf drive extends to his work life, where he works diligently every day to support his colleagues and all regions across Oceania to stay connected. 

Regional Franchise Customer Delight award      

Known across the Aramex network for her ‘heart of gold’, Suman Lata receives countless peer nominations for her incredible work and dedication. Suman builds a culture of warmth and professional excellence that makes her an invaluable part of the Customer Service team in Auckland and the wider Aramex network.

Regional Franchise Local Area Marketing and Community Service award

Aramex Otago has shown exceptional passion in promoting Aramex across their region, sponsoring local business awards and trialling new promotions. They were very successful in advertising Aramex to thousands of university students with the “Send-A-Box” program.

Operational Excellence (OPEX) award

Aramex Taranaki is a team whose operational discipline, pride and consistency set them apart. They are fiercely committed to keeping freight moving through their depot, with a strong focus on ensuring every parcel is processed and out for delivery as quickly as possible.

Their passion for providing exceptional service to local businesses shines through every day, while their disciplined approach and unwavering focus consistently place them among the network’s top performers across key operational measures.

Aramex Linehaul Contractor of the Year 

Linehaul is the backbone of the Aramex business. While most of the country sleeps, Aramex linehaul contractors keep the network moving, connecting 18 regions and ensuring freight flows seamlessly across New Zealand.

Nik & Vik Singh operate one of Aramex New Zealand’s largest and most significant linehaul operations, delivering the consistency, reliability and professionalism an operation of this scale demands. Their strong communication, pride in their work and commitment to keeping freight moving on time, every time, set them apart.

This year’s award recipients are just some of the great people behind the Aramex New Zealand network.

Ready to be part of it? Contact the team today to find out more about Aramex Courier Franchise opportunities across New Zealand.  

See this advertorial on page 23 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 35 Issue 03

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