In The News 
Domino's launches plant-based pizza 24th October 2022
25 October 2022 - Domino's has added the option of a plant-based 'beef' topping from Impossible Foods to its pizza range
Domino's Australia/New Zealand chief marketing officer Adam Ballesty said that the meat-substitute pizzas would be available every day of the week.
'We know people are actively seeking more sustainable food options, but it is also critical that these alternatives deliver on taste and a great pizza experience. The Impossible Beef pizza topping ... has all the flavour and texture of juicy, authentic minced beef, but with far less environmental impact.'
The Domino's launch comes just months after McDonald's ended trials of its McPlant burger in the USA owing to disappointing sales. The cover story in our latest issue looks at the move to meat-free and other major trends and opportunities in the hospitality sector.
Immigration support for hospitality and tourism sectors 9th October 2022
9 October 2022 - Immigration Minister Michael Wood today announced measures targeted to support the hospitality and tourism sectors and have adjusted the requirement to recruit chefs as requested by industry.
Support is also being provided to the wider tourism and hospitality sector, by extending their exemption to the median wage threshold to give them more time to transition.
“As the world recovers from COVID-19, labour shortages continue to be a persistent ongoing global symptom,” Michael Wood said.
“We are listening closely to the concerns of the hospitality and tourism sectors, and working with them to take practical steps to support them with these challenges where we can, as businesses work towards more productive and resilient ways of operating.
Staff availability has been a major concern for many hospitality businesses in recent months, with some operating shorter hours as a result - see our cover story here.
Taste the future with Katsubi 5th October 2022
Serving food that’s fast, fresh and healthy, Katsubi delivers a winning formula
Are food franchises worth more or less on resale? 5th October 2022
5 October 2022 - A report suggests franchise resales are attracting lower multiples than other businesses. Is that true?
BurgerFuel launches rescued bread-based beer 4th October 2022
5 October 2022 - Bread into beer into buns: BurgerFuel, in collaboration with Citizen Collective, is launching a craft beer made from rescued surplus bread
Finalists announced for 2022 Franchise Awards 30th September 2022
30 September 2022 – Many of New Zealand’s top franchise brands are fighting for honours in the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards. Here's the list of finalists
McDonald’s Hiring Day adds over 700 staff 28th September 2022
At a time when many hospitality businesses are struggling to find staff, 700 people have joined the McDonald’s crew following the chain’s first ever New Zealand National Hiring Day last Saturday, with a further 2000 people expressing interest. More applicants are currently being processed, so the initial number of new hires is expected to be closer to 1,000.
The day provided Kiwis with the opportunity to walk in and interview in restaurants across the country and be hired on the spot.
McDonald's NZ looks to hire 2,000 people in a day 20th September 2022
McDonald's is hiring 2000 workers in New Zealand with jobs being offered on the spot as part of its recruitment drive.
The fast-food chain is holding walk-in interviews at all of its restaurants on Saturday September 24, which it has termed National Hiring Day. People of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to show up between 9am and 6pm for an interview.
The move comes as many hospitality businesses struggle for staff, leading some to operate short hours. Read more in the cover story of our latest free magazine.
Changing traffic, changing business 15th September 2022
Geotech have been mining their data to outline some post-pandemic shifts in New Zealand’s retail landscape
Immigrant workers who aided fraud investigation may have to leave NZ 13th September 2022
A group of migrants who have been helping an investigation into immigration fraud may soon be forced to leave the country, RNZ reports. The group were some of the 50 Chinese construction workers who claimed a New Zealand-based recruiter had misled them about their pay and working rights. An arrest warrant was issued for Li Wenshan, who fled New Zealand before charges were laid, and two associates face a trial in December this year; however, 10 workers expected to give evidence have been told by Immigration authorities that they would be expected to leave the country within a month of the trial ending.
Green Party immigration spokesman Ricardo March said the treatment of this group undermined efforts to combat migrant exploitation. 'These workers are not pieces of evidence, they are human beings, and so to put them in a situation where they are treated as expendable once they're not deemed useful to provide evidence is unjust,' March said. 'And, actually, [it] will undermine the government's intent to create a supportive environment where workers are able to come forward and participate in processes to hold employers to account.'
Unite Union director Mike Treen, who has assisted the men since 2019, is also called for a pathway to residency for this group. Treen said the system of temporary visas had fuelled migrant exploitation and needed to change. 'Immigration New Zealand [INZ] created a system of migrant labour exploitation, and they throw out the people who have helped expose it,' he said.
Worker exploitation has recently been targetted by the Labour Inspectorate and the MBIE, but in a recent interview with Franchise New Zealand, Dr Christina Stringer of the University of Auckland Business School was critical of the new Accredited Employer Working Visa (AEWV) scheme which continues to tie immigrants to specific employers. ‘International research highlights that the linking of an individual migrant to an employer creates a precarious situation,’ she said. Under the AEWV system, franchisee employers are charged over five times as much for accreditation as independent business owners.
Restaurant Brands bosses to step down 6th September 2022
7 September - Russel Creedy, CEO of Restaurant Brands, and CFO Grant Ellis are to retire next year after 20 years with the company, which operates KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Carl's Jr. in New Zealand. They will move into new positions in the interim.
Residence through investment 4th September 2022
3 September 2022 – A new immigration scheme being introduced later this month could open up opportunities for larger investment franchises. Simon Laurent, of immigration specialists Laurent Law, reports
Invite to Australasian Franchisor Executive Forum 1st September 2022
1 September 2022 - Senior New Zealand franchisors are being invited to attend the Franchisor Executive Forum In Melbourne, Australia, on 27 September.
Conference huge success for NZ franchise world 31st August 2022
1 September 2022 - Last week's National Franchise Conference in Wellington saw over 200 people from New Zealand, Australia and the USA get together in person at last
Thanks to Gorbachev, Russia has Pizza Hut - no more 31st August 2022
1 September 2022 - An old Pizza Hut advert showing former USSR president Mikhail Gorbachev promoting the brand, has resurfaced once again after the brand pulled out of the country owing to the war in Ukraine. As the BBC reports, the advert was aired internationally in 1998 but was never shown in Russia, where it was ridiculed by the press. It's being regarded as an 'era-defining artefact'.
McDonald’s meatless burgers fail to fire in US 9th August 2022
10 August 2022 – While plant-based alternatives from companies such as Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have been touted as the ‘next big thing’ in the hospitality sector, McDonald’s has just ended trials of its McPlant burger in the USA owing to disappointing sales, and reportedly has no plans for further trials.
Franchise conference - scam warning 3rd August 2022
The National Franchise Conference has proved so popular that it’s even attracted the attention of scanners. An email (ours was from ‘Rosalie Silva’) appeared to offer details of all 1100 attendees at the Wellington conference, including client name, business name, title, email address, phone number, and web address, etc. Well, the conference hasn’t happened yet, and although it will be big it won’t be attended by 1100 people, either. FANZ CEO Robyn Pickerill says, ‘FANZ respects the privacy of its members and conference delegates, and does not sell attendees' details.’ See genuine details of the Conference, which takes place on 22-24 August - places are still available.
Buyer beware - are you seeing the whole truth? 3rd August 2022
August 2022 – A recent advertisement for a franchise opportunity in the USA has drawn attention for making claims that rely heavily on the small print, according to well-informed franchise commentators. It’s a reminder to franchise buyers to take care
New GM for Domino's NZ 1st August 2022
Restaurant Brands releases figures, rules out buying Wendy's 27th July 2022
28 July 2022 - Restaurant Brands has ruled out purchasing the Wendy's NZ chain of 22 stores recently put up for sale by the Lendich family. Restaurant Brands also owns the Carl's Jr brand in New Zealand and CEO Russell Creedy told NBR, 'One beef burger brand is enough for us.'
The NZ-listed company, which also operates Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell stores in New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and California, yesterday announced its second quarter sales figures, saying that 'Covid-19 continues to affect Restaurant Brands’ business operations, with high case numbers resulting in staffing issues for the business as well as its contractors and suppliers.' Total sales were up by 8.2 percent over the previous year, supported by 17 new stores and the strengthening of the US dollar. Same store sales by region were as follows:
- New Zealand: Up 1.4 percent
- Australia: Up 5 percent
- Hawaii: Up 2.9 percent
- California: Down 3.0 percent
Restaurant Brands share price fell 9.4 percent after issuing a profit warning, saying it was struggling with Covid-related staffing issues and worldwide increases in costs.
2022 training programmes – improving franchise performance 12th July 2022
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
New FANZ Board named 12th July 2022
July 2022 - The Franchise Association has a new Board for the coming year
'Beautiful kids' recognised in franchise's annual competition 8th July 2022
'Beautiful kids' from a low-decile school in Christchurch have received long-overdue recognition through their prize-winning performances in The Coffee Club's annual Christmas Art competition after an emotional plea from their teacher. The competition with KidsCan, whose winners have been profiled every year by Franchise New Zealand, is a prime example of the contribution many franchises make to the communities they serve. According to the 2021 Franchising New Zealand Survey by Massey University, 24 percent of the franchise brands operating here contribute more than $100,000 each per year to the community.
Advice on riding the rollercoaster of inflation 6th July 2022
After a long period of stability, many countries – including New Zealand – are entering a new period of inflation. This impacts consumer spending and has a knock-on effect to business owners. So what can franchisors, franchisees and franchise buyers do about it?
FANZ extends Awards, Conference deadlines 29th June 2022
30 June 2022 - the Franchise Association has extended entry deadlines for the 2022 Franchise Awards, as well as the earlybird booking deadline for the National Franchise Conference
Why are visa changes costing franchisee employers more? 27th June 2022
June 2022 – Franchisees have been singled out for special treatment under the new Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme. Simon Lord looks at what lies behind the decision
Wendy’s New Zealand up for sale 22nd June 2022
23 June 2022 – The New Zealand arm of the well-known Wendy’s hamburger chain is on the market, including all 22 company-owned stores
Face-to-face franchise event in Wellington 21st June 2022
Avoid being scammed – good advice 16th June 2022
16 June 2022 – New Zealand banks have joined forces with CERT NZ, Consumer Protection, and Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) to warn Kiwis of new threats from scammers. The following information has been provided by MBIE
Franchise Conference 2022 19th May 2022
June 2022 - Future focus backed by impressive line-up of speakers at New Zealand's national franchise conference. Earlybird booking rates are now available until 15 July 2022
McDonald's to exit Russia after 30 years 16th May 2022
McDonald's has said it will permanently leave Russia after more than 30 years and has started to sell its 850 mostly company-owned restaurants there. Last year, Russia and Ukraine reportedly accounted for about 9% of McDonald's global sales. The company says it's the first time the company has ever exited a major market, but it was losing US$55 ($87m) million each month after closing its Russian restaurants in March.
2022 Franchise Awards open for entry 13th May 2022
June 2022 – Only a couple of months since the 2021 winners were announced, the 2022 Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards are open for entry. The new simplified entry process has proved popular, and there’s also a new category. The deadline for entry has now been extended to 15 July 2022.
Extra requirements for franchisees as employers under new visa category 5th May 2022
5 May 2022 – Franchisees have been singled out for tougher treatment than other employers in a new visa category. Learn more in a free webinar on 30 May
Hollywood actor's burger chain to open in Auckland 3rd May 2022
3 May 2022 - Wahlburgers, the US burger chain founded by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers, is to open in Auckland later this year. It's one of five outlets the company plans for New Zealand, but with the brand being operated here by Australia's United Cinemas, it will not be franchised. The Auckland store will be located at the former Euro restaurant site on Princes Wharf, which industry commentators have described as a 'challenging' location although a high profile one as international tourists return. A previous star-themed restaurant, Planet Hollywood, was a key tenant at the former Sky City Metro on Aotea Square before closing in 2003 after just four years.
Reality check - why buy a new franchise? 3rd May 2022
3 May 2022 - Should new business owners follow a broker's advice to buy an established business rather than start up a business from scratch? Not necessarily, suggests Simon Lord
McDonalds spends half a billion dollars on NZ ingredients 19th April 2022
17 April 2022 – McDonald's spent a record amount on ingredients from Kiwi farmers, growers and bakers last year, with the majority being exported to McDonald's operations in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa
NZ pizza franchise to open in Australia 19th April 2022
17 April 2022 – New Zealand’s Hell Pizza franchise is ready to cross the ditch and open in Australia
Almost 40% of Kiwi small businesses using personal savings to support operations 12th April 2022
11 April 2022 – Latest findings from a survey commissioned by Prospa reveal that, when a business needs money, 38 percent of business owners will dip into their personal savings
New partner for franchise law specialists 1st April 2022
1 April 2022 – Khushbu Sundarji has become a partner at Stewart Germann Law Office
Overnight success - 30 years of franchise service 31st March 2022
November 2022 – Franchise New Zealand wins the Service Provider of the Year Award for the second time running
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