Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ)
FANZ CEO Katrina King on franchising in New Zealand: 11% of GDP, 500 franchise brands, the Code of Practice and Ethics, and how to join the association
“Franchising in New Zealand contributes about 11% of our GDP.”
New Zealand is one of the most franchised countries in the world per capita. With around 500 franchise brands and roughly 30,000 individual franchise businesses, the sector is a major driver of economic growth, employment and small business across the country.
We caught up with Katrina King, CEO of the Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ), to learn how the association supports and represents the sector, and why anyone involved in franchising should be part of it.
SETTING THE STANDARD WITHOUT FRANCHISE LAW
New Zealand is unusual. Unlike Australia and the United States, it is one of only a handful of countries without franchise legislation.
That’s where FANZ comes in. The association has its own Code of Practice and Ethics, and franchise systems that join FANZ sign up to it. In doing so, they commit to the standards and best practice it sets out, giving franchisees and anyone thinking about buying a franchise added confidence.
“We like to represent the whole sector when we’re talking to government and beyond,” says Katrina.
A SMALL BUT BUSY TEAM
For an organisation representing such a big part of the economy, the FANZ office team is remarkably small. Katrina works alongside Lexi Fletcher and Stevie McBride, and together they lead the association’s five pillars: regulate, advocate, educate, celebrate and communicate.
They’re backed by a board of nine, made up of franchisors and advisors and suppliers to the franchise sector, as well as an advocacy and regulatory committee that helps with the code and advocacy work.
“Across the board it’s just a really supportive community, and everyone is willing to help everyone else out as well.”
HOW TO JOIN THE FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION
Katrina’s message is simple: if you’re involved in franchising in New Zealand, you should be a member. More members means FANZ can offer more training, do more advocacy, and share more success stories that spread the word about franchising.
There are three membership categories:
1. Accredited franchise systems, for franchisors
2. Advisors and suppliers, including lawyers, accountants, shop fitters and franchise consultants
3. Individuals with an interest in franchising, including business owners thinking about franchising their own business
All the details are on the FANZ website (link below), and the team is happy to answer questions.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE
Katrina’s background is in the telco sector, where she worked in business development and marketing communications, before running a mental health charity. Leading FANZ brings both worlds together: a not-for-profit organisation working in the business space.
What she enjoys most is the people. Franchise brands come from every industry, so members rarely compete with each other. That makes the franchise community unusually collaborative, friendly and engaged.
“I feel lucky to hang out with them every day.”
Whether you’re a franchisor looking to grow your brand, an advisor working with franchise businesses, or you’re considering buying a franchise in New Zealand, the Franchise Association of New Zealand is the place to start.
Learn more by clicking on the WEBSITE link below.