By Stewart Germann

On Friday September 17, 2026 the first Franchise Expo was held in Auckland for about 15 years. It was well attended and I was the MC and facilitator for a panel discussion on due diligence.

The photo below shows me on the left, Khushbu Sundarji next to me, Katrina Hammon (attorney) and Jai Changlani (accountant) on the far right. There were interesting questions and discussions on due diligence and what a prospective franchisee should look out for when entering a franchise.

The session was very well attended and the panel covered a wide range of topics.

Stewart Germann

Stewart Germann Law Office

Stewart Germann

Stewart Germann, New Zealand’s leading franchising lawyer with 40+ years’ experience, has guided numerous international franchisors into NZ markets. As founder of SGL and the only NZ lawyer with CFE qualification, he’s led successful expansions for Australian and global brands. His firm has won multiple international awards and holds memberships in FANZ, FCA, IFA, and BFA. Author of NZ’s original franchise Code of Practice, recognized by FCA for “Outstanding Contribution to Franchising,” and current President of NZ Society of Notaries. Also serves as Managing Director of The Franchise Coach.