
Complaints and
dispute resolution


Mediation
It is an important requirement of the Association’s Code of Practice and Ethics that Franchisor members have a dispute resolution clause in their franchise agreements which requires them to attempt to resolve a dispute with you by negotiation and mediation. This means franchisors must mediate disputes, if they cannot be resolved by face-to-face meeting or other negotiation.
FANZ has a list of franchise mediators, who have particular experience or expertise in franchising, that you can contact to assist you with your dispute - please see below. In the event the parties cannot agree on a mediator, FANZ Member franchise agreements provide that FANZ can be asked to appoint a mediator for the parties.
Find out more about mediation and other options to resolve your dispute by clicking the button below.
Franchise Mediators
Below is a list of franchise mediators including a brief summary of their experience and their contact details. Please get in touch with them directly.

Barrister | Mediator
Simon Jass

Mediator
Trish Blyth

Principal - Stewart Germann Law Office
Stewart Germann

Barrister
Deborah Clapshaw

Mediator
Glenn Jones

Mediator
Nina Khouri

Chair, Dentons New Zealand | Global Vice Chair, Dentons
Hayden Wilson
We are here to help
There are several options for dealing with disputes within a franchise. The Franchise Association offers an independent complaints process which is outlined below. There are also the other options of Mediation, Arbitration and Court. It is always best to seek legal advice to understand which option is best suited to your situation.
Franchise Association members are required to undertake to comply with the Association’s Code of Practice and Ethics. These commit them to take various steps including requirements that a process is followed in the event of a dispute.
Who can make a complaint?
Anyone can make a complaint against a member of the Association. If the member has:
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Breached the Association’s Code of Practice and Ethics; or
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Breached the Association’s Constitution.
You do not need to be a member to make a complaint. If you are a franchisee and your franchisor is a member, you can make a complaint against your franchisor.
To check if the party you want to complain about is a member, look to see if they are listed on the FANZ Member Directory or contact the FANZ office for confirmation.
Is the FANZ complaint process right for you?
Please follow the flowchart below to see if making a complaint through FANZ is the best course of action. If you believe it is the right course of action, please download and complete the complaints lodgement form.




