Stewart Germann

Stewart Germann is a Partner at Stewart Germann Law Office and has more than 40 years' experience in New Zealand, acting for multiple franchise systems. He has advised franchisors across a wide spectrum of businesses throughout the region, and is passionate about franchising – regularly writing articles on the topic for both New Zealand-based publications (including Franchise Magazine) and international releases. Mr Germann regularly presents seminars and has close ties with the Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ). He is a past Chairman of the FANZ. Moreover, he is an experienced mediator and has a high success rate in this area. He has also been a Notary Public for many years, and is the President of the New Zealand Society of Notaries.

Stewart Germann Law Office specialises in all services related to franchising, including drafting franchise agreements and related contracts, reviewing franchise agreements, acting for franchisors and franchisees in enforcing franchise agreements, as well as advising clients on the pros and cons of a particular franchise. He acts for many overseas clients entering the New Zealand market and adapts their franchise documentation to suit New Zealand conditions.

Mr Germann noted: "We are a small firm, which means we can provide a tailored service to our clients. We are able to respond to their needs quickly and directly, and have formed lasting relationships with many, who know we can respond to their matters with speed.

"Our clients comprise a mixture of franchisors and franchisees. With franchisors, they will either be longstanding franchisors, or we will help set up the system. We will draft the agreements, issue the agreements and act for the franchisor in relation to any issue. We also act for franchisees and review and advise on the franchise agreements."

To date, the firm has been counsel to such high-profile clients as Carpet Court and Guthrie Bowron, and its selected success stories include:

• Water Babies International Ltd v Williams [2021] NZHC 2404

• Vision Personal Training Franchises Pty Ltd & Anor v Williams & Ors [2023] NZHC 2848

• Top Ten Group New Zealand Ltd v Tasman Tourism New Zealand Ltd [2024] NZHC 1508

In 2025, the firm was named "Highly Commended" in the 2025 Global Franchise Awards in the category of Best Franchise Law Firm.