Complaints Panel

Reasons to Make a Complaint

Reasons to make a complaint against a member of the Association will fall into one of the following categories:

• Conduct breaching the Association’s Code of Ethics
• Conduct breaching the Association’s Code of Practice
• Conduct breaching the Association’s Rules.

Copies of the Association’s Code of Ethics, Code of Practice and Rules are available here.  For further information and a copy of the appropriate form that must be completed to initiate a formal complaint please click on the following link:

Click here to download Complaints Form

Complaints Procedure

1.  Complaints must be in writing and addressed to the:

The Complaints Panel
Franchise Association of New Zealand Inc
Level 1, 399 Khyber Pass Road
Newmarket, AUCKLAND

2.  The following information should be provided:

• Name and contact details of the complainant
• Name of the Member against whom the complaint is directed
• A brief description of the alleged misconduct – it is essential that the alleged misconduct is related to the Association’s Code of Ethics, Code of Practice or the Rules
• Whether the Member has been formally notified of the complaint and any response received
• Whether the complaint has been referred to any other body or Government authority or whether legal proceedings have commenced.

3.  The complaint is recorded in the Association’s complaints register.  At this stage the Association’s senior executive will review the information provided to ensure it meets the requirements of the Complaints Panel.

4.  The Association’s senior executive will:

• Acknowledge receipt of the complaint in writing to the complainant within 10 business days
• Keep a record of progress of the complaint
• Supply a copy of the complaint and supporting documentation to the Member seeking an explanation from them
• Supply a copy of the complaint and supporting documentation to the Complaints Panel
• When the Member’s explanation is received refer a copy of the response and any supporting correspondence to the Complaints Panel

5.  The Complaints Panel then has discretion to decide on the complaint or to seek further clarification from either or both sides

6.  If the formal investigation shows that no rules have been broken then the Member and the complainant will be notified of the findings.  The matter will then be at an end as far as the Association is concerned unless new evidence comes to hand.

7.  If as a result of the investigation it appears there has been a breach of the Codes and/or the Rules then the Complaints Panel will determine if the Member has failed to showed cause why it should not be removed from membership or otherwise be sanctioned.  Any such decision will be notified in writing together with the Member's right of appeal to the Board.

Further Information

Download our Frequently Asked Questions here for additional information that may be useful.