In The News 
OCR drops further 9th October 2024
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand cuts the OCR by 50bps to 4.75%, meeting Westpac and market expectations.
Business leaders' optimism at highest level since 2016 2nd October 2024
The annual Mood of the Boardroom report published by the New Zealand Herald today shows reasons for optimism, in some sectors...
And the 2024 awards finalists are... 27th September 2024
The Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards recognise the best among our nation's franchising folk. This year’s finalists have been named…
Foodstuffs North Island claims facial recognition success 24th September 2024
Supermarkets' trial of facial recognition technology credited for reduction in crime.
Having it all - is it a myth? 12th September 2024
Family and personal commitments are pushing women out of their own businesses, says Auckland University research.
AI Activator to support businesses adopt transformative tech 11th September 2024
AI tech competence boost for businesses launched at 11 September summit
Paying with your face: ready or not? 4th September 2024
Are your customers ready to embrace facial recognition payment technology?
From teen pizza maker to big cheese 23rd August 2024
Domino's appoints first female CEO of Aus-NZ region
New FANZ board elected at AGM 22nd August 2024
Franchise Association of New Zealand held its AGM yesterday, at which a new board was appointed.
'Rolling maul' recession nearing finish line 6th August 2024
So says the New Zealand Economic Overview August 2024, Westpac's outlook for the New Zealand economy, fiscal policy, the global economy, financial markets, and the primary sector
Consultation on reduction of card payment fees 25th July 2024
Commerce Commission sees potential for over $250m reduction in payment fees for New Zealanders.
Work/life balance over pay? 12th July 2024
Shift in Kiwi employee priorities: 45% say work-life balance comes before salary, study finds
Franchisors - have your say 11th July 2024
New Zealand franchisors are being encouraged to participate now in the Franchising NZ 2024 survey
Sad loss to the franchise community 8th July 2024
8 July 2024 - Franchise New Zealand is saddened to learn of the death of David Munn, one of New Zealand's franchise pioneers
Bacon ice cream? Voice bot ditch after glitch 2nd July 2024
Fast food giant reverts to humans for drive-thru ordering across USA after three-year trial of AI tech reveals clangers.
Matariki: Your rights and responsibilities 25th June 2024
With Matariki being marked this Friday 28 June, it's a timely reminder for employers and employees to refresh their understanding of their rights and responsibilities during this public holiday.
MBIE Labour Inspectorate Compliance Manager - Northern David Milne says it’s important for employees to know their minimum rights on public holidays, and for employers to understand their obligations.
'If a public holiday falls on a day that employees would otherwise be working, the employer must still pay them a full paid day off,' says David. 'If employees are working on a public holiday, then they’re entitled to be paid time and a half, and they may also get an alternative day off.'
Unlike Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and until 1pm on Anzac Day, there are no trading restrictions for Matariki or other public holidays.
Employees can only be made to work on a public holiday if it falls on a day that they would normally be working, or if their employment agreement confirms that they should be working on the public holiday.
For further information on public holidays, employers’ responsibilities and employee rights, see Public Holidays - Employment New Zealand.
Former CEO of McDonald's NZ dies 24th May 2024
24 May 2024 – Franchise New Zealand is very sorry to learn of the death of Al Dunn, the former CEO of McDonald's from 1993-2004.
Wendy's NZ sold to world's largest franchisee 21st May 2024
Wendy’s NZ has been bought by American franchise giant Flynn Group for an undisclosed sum. The New Zealand master licence for the American burger chain was put up for sale in 2022 by the Lendich family, who have operated the business here since 1988. The company has over 20 restaurants in New Zealand, all operated directly by the master franchisee.
The USA-based Flynn Group has more than 2,600 units globally with a combined turnover of US$4.5 billion. It has franchises for Applebees, Arby's, Panera Bread, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Wendy's and Planet Fitness. Flynn Group first entered the Wendy’s system in 2021 with the acquisition of 190+ restaurants in the USA, and in 2023 acquired Wendy’s master licence for Australia with the goal of building 200 restaurants by 2024.
Date announced on visa changes for franchisees 16th May 2024
16 May 2024 – Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme (AEWV) announced on 7 April will come into force next month, it was announced today. Franchisees will then be treated equally to other employers.
Economic outlook – spring will come … 15th May 2024
15 May 2024 – The latest Economic Overview from Westpac says spring will come for New Zealand, although we need to do the hard yards through winter first. How will this affect prospects for franchisors and franchisees?
New podcast: FANZ Chair Brad Jacobs 14th May 2024
Listen as Brad discusses his origins in franchising, why he joined the Franchise Association of New Zealand’s board, the state of franchising in New Zealand, how the Franchise Association of New Zealand advocates for New Zealand franchisors and franchisees, and so much more. This is one of a series of podcasts on franchising produced by Franchise New Zealand's new owners, Eden Exchange.
UPDATE: Fair deal for franchisees delayed 3rd May 2024
Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme to disestablish the special franchisee accreditation category have been delayed. Sources say that the delay is owing to 'IT issues'. No firm date has been given for the resolution of these; estimates given have ranged from mid-June to up to three months.
Fast food brands show strong growth in NZ 3rd May 2024
2 May 2024 – Restaurant Brands’ sales in New Zealand were up by more than 15 percent in the first quarter of 2024
New faces at Franchise New Zealand 30th April 2024
March 2024 – Meet the growing team behind Franchise New Zealand
Franchise conference registrations open now 29th April 2024
With an expanded speaker line up and innumerable networking opportunities, this year's National Franchise Conference promises plenty as early bird registrations open.
Declining job market could be good news for franchising 26th April 2024
Figures released this week show a significant dip in the jobs market in Aotearoa - but what does this mean for franchise opportunities across the country?
Clean break - franchisee retires after 24 years 23rd April 2024
After a career with CrestClean spanning three decades, Christchurch franchisee Grant Holland is taking many memories away from his work as he finally packs up his cleaning equipment.
Fair deal for franchisees as Government announces visa changes 7th April 2024
7 April 2024 updated 2 May 2024 – Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme to disestablish the special franchisee accreditation category have been delayed. Once enacted, the changes will enable franchisees to apply to bring in workers from overseas through the standard, high-volume, or triangular employment accreditation.
NZ real estate franchise set to expand to Australia 5th April 2024
Kiwi firm Bayleys is set to expand into Australia if a joint bid with Knight Frank for Sydney's McGrath real estate agency is approved. The business comprises a franchise arm, company-owned operations, project marketing and a mortgage broking business, Oxygen Home Loans.
Knight Frank is one of the largest residential specialist agencies in Europe but less so in Australia, while the New Zealand-based Bayleys is keen to expand into the east coast of Australia. Bayleys managing director Mike Bayley told the Brisbane Times that he views the partnership with McGrath and Knight Frank as a 'collaboration of leading real estate companies servicing markets on both sides of the Tasman whilst providing unprecedented global reach.'
More penalties for employers who exploit migrant workers 2nd April 2024
3 April 2024 – New infringement penalties for employers who take advantage of migrant workers could see them lose accredited employer status, face fines over $1000, or even face criminal charges
Training programmes - improving franchisee performance 28th March 2024
Four training programmes being held in May/June/July 2024 are designed to address the needs of the owners and managers of franchise systems, field managers and support office staff
Niche retailer to close 20th March 2024
21 March 2024 – Vacuum cleaner retailer Godfreys will close all stores across Australia and New Zealand by the end of May after failing to find a buyer for the business. Godfreys appointed administrators in late January to both the Australian parent company and its New Zealand subsidiary. It had 25 stores in New Zealand, 9 of which were franchised. Franchisees were informed Godfreys could no longer support them and had until the end of March to sell existing stock or return stock sold to them during the administration.
Top US names for NZ franchise conference 14th March 2024
March 2024 – International visitors will take centre stage at connectXperience – the 2024 National Franchise Conference
What happens after you enquire about a franchise? 12th March 2024
Meredith Taylor and Nathan Bonney outline what to expect from the moment you first contact a franchise and say, ‘I’m interested in your opportunity’
Splat! When media hits the fan 12th March 2024
News stories show need for franchises to be ready to handle hostile social and professional media
NZ home services group hits half-billion height 12th March 2024
March 2024 – Kiwi franchise group Traffic has reached a major milestone this March, with over half a billion dollars of work completed and a new franchise brand opportunity being unveiled amid global expansion plans
Beer boss goes to Hell 6th March 2024
7 March – Hell’s new CEO, Josh Drake, is swapping craft beer for pizza as the former Panhead GM takes on the challenge of leading one of New Zealand’s best-known franchise brands
Franchise Lending Summit for Auckland 5th March 2024
Franchising continues to exceed expectations in US 5th March 2024
March 2024 – New data from a highly-respected research company has shown that franchises in the US are continuing to defy economic hurdles with higher-than-expected growth
Defaulting franchisee in breach again 5th March 2024
A Christchurch entrepreneur who was stripped of three real estate franchises in 2017 owing to breaches of the franchise agreement has now had two gyms closed because she failed to pay franchise fees. She had also allegedly failed to pay rent.
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