Stewart Germann ONZM, a leading New Zealand franchise lawyer, has written what is described as the country’s first full guide to franchise law, addressing an industry that operates without dedicated franchise legislation. New Zealand has nearly 550 franchise brands, more than 114,000 employees, and an estimated annual economic contribution exceeding $73 billion, according to figures supplied with the publication.
It also considers Australia’s more prescriptive franchising regime and the role of the Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ).
Across 18 chapters, Germann examines the legal issues facing franchisors and franchisees. Competition law specialist Dr John Land contributes a chapter examining the Commerce Act 1986. The Hon Simon Moore KC, writing in the book’s foreword, describes it as New Zealand’s only full, one-stop reference on franchise law and practice.
Germann is well-placed to write the book, having practiced franchise law for over 40 years. He has advised franchisors and franchisees in New Zealand and internationally, including on franchise agreements, business acquisitions, and disputes. He was instrumental in establishing FANZ in 1996, drafted its original rules, and served as chairman from 1997 to 1999.
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The Franchise Law in New Zealand book is significant, given the industry’s size and lack of dedicated legislation. Germann’s contribution should provide a useful reference for practitioners handling a sector where contractual obligations, commercial law, and voluntary industry standards continue to do much of the regulatory heavy lifting.
Germann’s new book also grew out of a practical frustration: the lack of New Zealand-specific teaching material for his university franchise law course, which has reportedly grown from 28 to 106 students. It is interesting that an industry of this size developed without its own legislation, particularly when Australia has adopted a mandatory Franchising Code of Conduct?
Franchise Law in New Zealand is published by Thomson Reuters. The print edition is available for pre-order at NZ$166 plus GST. The publisher currently lists 30 November 2026 as its release date, ahead of the stated 2 December launch.
