In The News 
The state of franchising in Australia 14th August 2023
August 2023 – New report shows strengths and concerns of Aussie franchise sector
NZ economy undergoing rebalancing? 14th August 2023
August 2023 – How fast will the New Zealand economy recover? The latest Westpac Economic Overview looks at the pros and cons, and we offer some key points for franchising
Visa scheme enables migrant scams while penalising franchisees 10th August 2023
11 August 2023 - The Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme introduced last year is open to abuse, making migrant exploitation more rather than less easy, according to immigration advisor Ankur Sabharwal.
Restaurant Brands price increases not keeping up with inflation 7th August 2023
8 August 2023 – Keeping customer loyalty costs Pizza Hut, KFC, Carl’s Jr. and Taco Bell operator
Inflation drops, property sales rise 19th July 2023
Latest data on the Consumer Price Index has shown inflation dropped in the second quarter of 2023, from 6.7 percent to 6.0 percent. Food prices remained the biggest problem, and were the largest contributor to the June 2023 annual inflation rate. That was due to rising prices for vegetables, ready-to-eat food, milk, cheese, and eggs. Vegetable prices increased 23.3 per cent in the year to June 2023, affected especially by labour shortages, erratic weather, and increases in wage and fuel costs.
The overall 6 percent figure is broadly on a par with the Euro Zone and the USA (whose published figure of 3 percent is based on different criteria), and below that of the UK (8.7 percent) and Australia (7 percent).
When it comes to tackling inflation, Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold told the New Zealand Herald, ‘A lot of the market participants would say the US and New Zealand have done some of the better jobs.’ (paywall content)
Meanwhile, CoreLogic NZ’s latest Monthly Housing Chart Pack shows residential sales figures increased 17 percent in the 12 months to June, hot on the heels of the 8 percent annual bump recorded in May. ‘It’s important to note that this increase has started from a low base, but as pent-up demand starts to emerge it’s likely we’ll see more increases in sales activity in the remainder of 2023,’ said CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson.
Clear as mud? Franchise terms you need to know 19th July 2023
July 2022 – Franchising has its own jargon which can be pretty confusing to the newcomer. Here’s a guide to help you understand what it all means.
Reporter questions BK portion size value 7th July 2023
7 July 2023 – A self-confessedly 'unscientific study' by a reporter of portion sizes at three Auckland Burger King restaurants has revealed considerable differences, with all weights falling below those published by the company. The V-shaped fries scoop first invented in the 1960s for McDonald's fills a bag in one easy motion and even aligns the fries in the same direction. However, it does not measure weight.
A spokesperson for Burger King’s parent company in New Zealand, Antares Restaurant Group, said it would be reviewing the weights on all fry sizes . Variation in weight was normal, but the company blamed the weather for potatoes with 'poor structure'. 'In the last two years, there’s been huge potato shortages due to extreme weather events. Often during wet weather periods, you will not have the same dense potato quality as you get during prime growing conditions.'
All Burger King restaurants are company-owned by Antares as master licensee,, rather than being sub-franchised to individual operators.
Franchisees miss out as visa policy review delayed 4th July 2023
4 July 2023 – MBIE has delayed an expected review of its treatment of franchisee-owned businesses under its Accredited Employer Work Visa programme
NZ ranked best in world for work/life balance 28th June 2023
29 June 2023 – A new index ranks New Zealand as the most attractive country in the world for those seeking a balanced lifestyle
Australia honours franchise leaders 19th June 2023
June 2023 – Two leading figures in the world of franchising have been recognised in Australia’s King’s Birthday Honours List
More speakers announced for Franchise Conference 19th June 2023
June 2023 – The impact of AI and Chat GPT on franchising will be among the topics discussed at this year's National Franchise Conference in Christchurch. The expanded list of speakers includes local and international experts
Pack & Send acquires local master licensee 11th June 2023
May 2023 –The Pack & Send New Zealand master licensee company has been acquired by parent company MBE Worldwide
Free seminar – dealing with invisible risks 5th June 2023
June 2023 – A new online seminar will advise franchisors on updating their franchise foundations to cope with the unexpected
Economy ‘very close to turning point’ says Westpac 15th May 2023
16 May 2023 – The latest Economic Overview from Westpac suggests that, although New Zealand still faces challenges, the economy is unlikely to slow as much as previously feared. Does that make now a good time to look at new opportunities?
Social media 'outrage' – Kiwi franchisees under fire 11th May 2023
May 2023 – A couple of news stories recently involving big franchised brands in New Zealand have highlighted the potential brand damage from careless – if well-meaning – social media posts being placed by franchisees or their employees
NZ attractive to international franchise brands 9th May 2023
May 2023 – The latest global ranking of countries by franchise potential shows New Zealand in a top position, slightly out-performing Australia. Why?
Entries open for 2023 Franchise Awards 4th May 2023
4 May - Entry has now opened for the 28th Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards
Simon Bridges to lead Crewcut franchise group 30th April 2023
1 May 2023 - Simon Bridges, the former National Party leader and CEO of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed chairperson of CC Group. CC Group operates franchises Crewcut Lawnmowing and Crewcare Commercial cleaning and building maintenance, alongside decontamination business Chemcare, CC Facilities Management, contract labour business CC Workforce and training organisation The Welding Academy.
Founded by David Serville in the early 1990s, the business has 441 franchisees and is expected to make revenue of between $31 million and $45m in the year to March 2024. The move follows a significant restructuring of the group's commercial cleaning division in the past year.
Fast food brands sales grow again 26th April 2023
April 2023 – Increased prices and fewer trading restrictions result in higher sales for top food brands
Book Review - Be your own boss 17th April 2023
April 2023 – A new book by a franchise veteran provides good advice for anyone wanting to be their own boss
2023 Franchise Conference speakers named 17th April 2023
Meeting the Challenge. Driving Opportunity Franchise Association responds to interesting times with theme for the 2023 National Franchise Conference in Christchurch. Earlybird rates close 16 June
What could possibly go wrong? Some pointers from the USA 17th April 2023
17 April 2023 - A search through the disclosure documents of the top 10 franchise brands in the US reveals some common causes of franchise disputes. And although the numbers look large, the percentage of lawsuits in the traditionally-litigious US is actually low.
Thanks for helping KidsCan 10th April 2023
You did how far on one tank full?
Nathan Bonney refills the Mini after the epic journey to Invercargill.
Goodbye Pork Pie! The Bonodleys have said a huge thank you to all the people who supported them on the recent Pork Pie Charity Run. Nathan Bonney writes, 'Not only did we manage to drive our classic Mini nearly 2500kms from Paihia to Invercargill; with your support, we were able to raise over $46,000 for KidsCan and were awarded the Most Funds Raised trophy! We already have plans for the next Pork Pie Charity Run, and if we’re able to gain entry (and permission from our wives) we will be back. It has been an honour and a load of fun helping support Kiwi Kids in need.'
Julie Chapman, Founder at KidsCan New Zealand, said. 'You guys are fantastic and it was so great to meet you. Thanks to all of your supporters who donated. We are very grateful for the support which will help so many Kiwi Kids.'
The top McDonald's franchisees in NZ 10th April 2023
11 April 2023 - The New Zealand Herald has published profiles of some of the top-performing McDonald's franchisees around the country, which makes interesting reading and shows some of the hard work that goes into building successful businesses even within such a successful franchise model. Good to see the Stonelake name is still represented among the ranks of franchisees - we interviewed Ray Stonelake 30 years ago and he regaled us with tales of how he first got started (including sleeping on the floor of the restaurant some nights because he was just too tired to go home). Here's the NZ Herald article, and here are a couple of other articles you might enjoy:
The history of McDonald's in New Zealand
Hugh Morris, McDonald's New Zealand founder
Charity Run's race to the finish - donate now 4th April 2023
The Pork Pie Charity Run is nearing the end – and franchising’s favourite team, The Bonodleys, have already raised a massive $46,085 for KidsCan. Can you help, please?
The Big Mac Index – where does NZ stand? 23rd March 2023
24 March 2023 – How has inflation affected countries around the world? The Big Mac Index is a much-used guide to buying power. Here’s the latest guide
KidsCan are the real winners 20th March 2023
How franchisors supported franchisees after Gabrielle 20th March 2023
March 2023 – How did franchisors help after the Anniversary Day floods and Cyclone Gabrielle?
Support KidsCan – earn free advertising 8th March 2023
Franchises supporting this little Mini on the Pork Pie Charity Run can earn a week’s free advertising on our Home Page at www.franchise.co.nz
Happy birthday, Speedy Signs 24th February 2023
24 February 2023 – Speedy Signs celebrated its 25th birthday in New Zealand yesterday, marking the long-term success of the popular business-to-business franchise
Franchise marketing software company re-brands 13th February 2023
13 February 2023 – Brand Machine, the well-known marketing software provider to the franchise industry, has re-branded to Storyteq
Australia's first joint employer prosecution against franchisor 12th February 2023
10 February 2023 – Australia’s first prosecution of a franchisor for wage underpayments by its franchisees has commenced in the Federal Court more than five years after legislation that makes franchisors jointly liable was first passed. Jason Gehrke reports.
Westpac’s Flood Relief Fund for small business customers 12th February 2023
7 February 2023 – Westpac has established a $1million flood relief fund to support its small business customers who have been affected by the recent floods in the upper North Island
Tax relief for adverse events 9th February 2023
9 February 2023 - The Inland Revenue is offering additional support to those affected by recent severe weather events. The following information has been provided by the IRD - all links will take you direct to the relevant page on the IRD website
Former liquor store employees to be paid outstanding $260,000 9th February 2023
8 February 2023 – Five former employees of a Bottle-O franchisee will receive over a quarter of a million dollars in back pay after an Employment Court ruling. The owner has also been banned from employing anyone for 12 months
Online and in-person seminars to improve franchisee performance 3rd February 2023
Four seminars being held in May/June are designed to give franchisor teams the tools they need to help franchisees get the most out of their businesses.
The sessions, run by multi-award-winning Auckland experts Franchize Consultants, are designed to respond to real-life challenges and help answer real-life questions. They are facilitated by two of the company's most experienced consultants: Michelle Bentham, who has many years of operational experience with McDonald’s and Subway; and Dr Callum Floyd, who has led franchise system development and improvement projects for local and international franchises across a range of business sectors.
They cover:
Franchise field support visit training
Improving franchisee performance
Managing a franchise system
Franchisee business planning for field managers
Four Square franchise getting a face lift 1st February 2023
2 February 2022 - The Four Square mini-supermarket chain is one of the country’s longest standing brands, having been in business for 99 years, and owner Foodstuffs is keeping the brand up-tp-date with a nationwide revamp. The green, red and yellow branding update has started in the North Island with plans to extend to all 226 stores nationwide.
SUPPORT KIT for franchisees hit by flooding 30th January 2023
31 January 2023 - The flooding in Auckland and the Upper North Island will see franchisees needing help and support to deal with the consequences. The Franchise Relationships Institute offers a free Franchisee Support Kit to assist franchisors and others wanting to help franchisees and families affected by disasters.
5 tips for small business after flooding 30th January 2023
31 January 2023 - Over the last weekend, Auckland was hit by severe flooding in many parts of the city. Many roads in the North Island are still closed due to the flooding. These floods have affected the livelihoods of many Kiwis living in the North Island. This article from Stuff helps outline some steps that small business owners can take to navigate the unexpected circumstances that they find themselves in.
Join the NZ delegation to International Franchise Expo in New York 25th January 2023
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