Media Release
27 October 05
Countdown to the Westpac New Zealand 2005 Franchise Awards
In the final month leading up to the Westpac New Zealand 2005 Franchise Awards, franchisees, franchise systems and
master franchisee finalists from around New Zealand are waiting in anticipation hoping their name will be called out at
the red carpet event held on November 12th.
Now in their 11th year, the Franchise Awards celebrate the high performers in franchising, an industry worth well over
$10 billion to New Zealand’s economy.
Franchise Association New Zealand (FANZ) Chairman Mike Henderson is proud to stand behind the premier franchising event
of the year.
“We have a lot to be excited about this year. The Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards 2005 entries are of an
unparalleled calibre compared with previous years. The noticeable lift in the standard of entries has provided us with a
first rate selection of finalists which easily surpass the standard from previous years,” he says.
Senior Judge Gael McDonald puts this year’s progress down to the restructure of the Franchise Awards.
“This year a ‘new look’ format has been adopted. Entries are now divided in to five distinct sector categories -
Business Services, Home Services, Lifestyle Services, Food and Beverage, and Retail. Awards for each sector are made up
of top franchise system and top franchisee in each category, and from the ten winners the supreme titles of Westpac
Franchise System of the Year, and Westpac Franchisee of the Year will be named,” she says.
The move to reformat the Franchise Awards came as part of the Franchise Associations commitment to adopt a more hands on
approach with its members.
“The new process of entry was restructured to provide a fairer system to all entrants, and to raise the profile of the
awards but importantly also to deliver benefits to the entrants by way of process. The Franchise Association hopes to
become more in touch with it’s members,” says Chairman Mike Henderson.
Westpac continue to support the Franchise Association and strengthen their position, moving into the leading role as
overall sponsors of the accolades, implementing the brand new title of The Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards 2005.
“Westpac is proud to sponsor the 2005 New Zealand Franchise Awards. This forms part of our long standing partnership
with the Franchise Association and commitment to driving business excellence in the franchising industry. We applaud all
those businesses that have taken the opportunity to enter into these awards," says Daniel Cloete, National Franchising
Manager – Westpac.
Kerre Woodham will host the black-tie awards ceremony held next on Saturday 12th November at Auckland’s Sky City
Convention Centre where the 2005 winners will be announced.
The Franchise Association would like to acknowledge their Westpac New Zealand 2005 Franchise Award sponsors:
BDO Spicers, Brebner Print, Franchise New Zealand magazine & website, Franchize Consultants and The Franchise Coach.
ENDS