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Gentle Journey — companion care at golden hour
✦ NZ Franchise Opportunity · 2026
Platform live at gentlejourney.co.nz

Companion Care.Reimagined.

New Zealand's most advanced companion transport platform — purpose-built for the people who need it most, powered by technology that sets a new standard for an entire industry.

$0 Estimated NZ companion transport market (annual)
1 in 5 New Zealanders will be 65+ by 2036
0 Exclusive territories available nationwide
A joyful Gentle Journey

"Every elderly person deserves to live independently, move freely, and feel genuinely cared for — in every single journey they take."

— Gentle Journey Mission

The Problem

The Industry Is Stuck in the Past

New Zealand's elderly and mobility-impaired population is growing faster than at any point in history — yet companion transport remains broken.

Phone-only bookingNo app, no self-service — every trip requires a phone call
Zero family visibilityFamilies have no idea where their loved one is mid-journey
Manual government billingTMS and ACC claims done by hand — slow, error-prone, costly
No driver toolsScheduling, navigation and invoicing all done manually
The Solution

Gentle Journey Changes Everything

We built the platform the industry desperately needed — from scratch, with every detail designed around the people who use it.

Client PWA — elderly-friendly, biometric login, 3-tap booking
Real-time GPS tracking with live family SMS & email alerts
TMS & ACC invoice generation — automated, instant, zero errors
Smart scheduling with auto-conflict detection
Buddy Match — clients always travel with their preferred companion
Experiences programme — curated social outings to fight loneliness
In-app tipping — clients reward great companions instantly
How It Works

A Journey in Four Simple Steps

From booking to arrival home — every step is tracked, communicated, and cared for.

01
Client Books
Elderly client or family member books in seconds via the Gentle Journey app — choosing their preferred companion and care level.
02
Driver Confirms
Companion driver accepts the booking — client profile, mobility needs, and destination are all loaded automatically.
03
Live Journey
Family receive automatic updates at every stage. Client tracks their driver in real time with live ETA on their phone.
04
Home Safe
Journey complete — invoice sent automatically. Client can tip their companion. Family notified: "Arrived home safely."
Platform Technology

Years Ahead of Every Competitor

Every feature is purpose-built for companion care — not bolted onto a generic ride-share platform.

Client Mobile App
A beautifully designed PWA built specifically for elderly users — large fonts, biometric login, 3-step booking, fully offline capable.
Live Journey Tracking
Real-time GPS tracking visible to clients and families. Automated alerts at every stage — no more wondering "where are they?"
Buddy Match
Clients choose and save preferred companions. The system prioritises relationship continuity in every booking — because trust matters.
Smart Billing
Automated invoicing for private, TMS, ACC and split funding. Live cost calculation as journeys are set up — zero manual billing, zero errors.
Intelligent Scheduling
Driver dashboards with automatic conflict detection, 30-minute buffer management, and weekly availability — zero double-bookings, ever.
Experiences
Curated social outings — garden tours, coffee mornings, theatre, coastal drives. Combats loneliness and builds deep client loyalty.
See the live platform at gentlejourney.co.nz

Book a journey. Meet a companion. Experience the difference yourself.

GROWTH
The Market

A Massive, Growing Opportunity

New Zealand's ageing demographic is creating unprecedented demand for companion care — and government funding makes this market extraordinarily recession-resistant.

0
New Zealanders currently aged 65+ — the primary companion care market
0
Projected 65+ population by 2036 — demand rising 33% in a decade
0
New Zealanders eligible for government Total Mobility Scheme funding
Recession
Resistant
Government TMS & ACC funding continues regardless of economic conditions
Competitive Comparison

Why Gentle Journey Wins

We're not just different from Driving Miss Daisy. We're in a completely different era.

Feature Gentle Journey Driving Miss Daisy
Client mobile app✓ Full PWA — works offline✗ None
Real-time journey tracking✓ Live GPS tracking✗ Not available
Automated family alerts✓ SMS & email at every stage✗ Manual only
Client self-booking✓ 3-step wizard app✗ Phone calls only
TMS / ACC billing✓ Fully automated⚠ Manual process
Preferred driver matching✓ Buddy Match system✗ Not available
Driver tipping✓ In-app post-journey✗ None
Experiences programme✓ Full curated platform✗ None
Conflict detection✓ Automatic 30-min buffer✗ Manual
Royalty rate✓ 8% — industry lowest⚠ ~12%
Ongoing tech platform✓ Full suite, always updated✗ None provided
Live working platform✓ gentlejourney.co.nz ✗ No platform exists
Service Model

Three Tiers of Companion Care

A transparent, flexible care model that clients and families understand at a glance — priced fairly, delivered brilliantly.

Tier 1

Essential Transport

Safe, professional, punctual door-to-vehicle-to-destination transport. Ideal for clients with minimal support needs who simply need to get there with dignity.

$3.30/ min transit
Most Popular
Tier 2

Door-to-Door Companion

Full escort from front door through the journey and back inside. Assistance with steps, doors, bags and communication. Warm, personal, reliable.

$3.30/ min transit + $1.80/ min support
Tier 3

Full Attend & Support

Companion accompanies the client into appointments, waits and provides full support throughout. Dementia-aware, hoist-trained and mental-health qualified drivers available.

$3.30transit + $1.80/ min (full duration)
A Gentle Journey companion driver
Senior Companion Driver Dementia Care · First Aid · Mental Health Trained
Our Companion Drivers

People Who Genuinely Care

Gentle Journey drivers aren't just transport providers. They are trained, vetted, qualified companions — often the most trusted person in a client's weekly routine.

Every driver holds relevant care qualifications, passes NZ Police vetting, and completes the Gentle Journey Companion Academy before their first journey.

4‑WkCompanion Academy training for every driver
100%NZ Police vetted before first journey
5.0Average client rating across the network
Lvl 3+Minimum health or care qualification required
What People Say

Changing Lives, One Journey at a Time

"I was so anxious about Mum going to her cardiology appointment alone. With Gentle Journey I watched every step on my phone. When the notification said 'arrived home safely' I cried with relief."

Rebecca T.
Rebecca T.Daughter of client, Wellington

"Diane has been my driver for eight months now. She knows exactly how I like things, she helps me with my walker, and she always remembers to ask about my garden. She's not just a driver — she's a friend."

Margaret H.
Margaret H., 81Gentle Journey client, Karori

"The franchise model is genuinely better than anything else I looked at. Lower royalties, a real technology platform, and support from people who actually care. Best business decision I've made."

James K.
James K.Franchisee, Tauranga (pilot)
Franchise Prospectus

Own a Gentle Journey Territory

Full pricing, territory details, financial projections, and everything you need — available inside the prospectus.

Franchise Prospectus

This section contains the complete franchise pricing schedule, all 25 exclusive territory details, 5-year financial projections, what's included in your investment, and how to apply.

Enter your 4-digit access PIN to unlock everything.

Territory pricing (4 tiers)
30 exclusive franchise zones
5-year ROI projections
Monthly P&L breakdown
What your investment includes
Ongoing fees & royalty structure
International expansion roadmap
How to apply for a territory

Franchise Prospectus Unlocked

Welcome. Everything you need to evaluate a Gentle Journey franchise is below.

Territory Map

25 Exclusive Zones Across New Zealand

Every territory is geographically protected — no two franchisees compete in the same zone.

New Zealand franchise territory map
5
Metro (Auckland)
12
Major City
8
Regional City
5
Growth Territory
Franchise Pricing Schedule

30 Exclusive Territories Available

Territories are priced across four tiers. All include full platform access, training and ongoing support. Every territory is geographically protected — no two franchisees compete in the same zone.

Royalty Rate
8%
Of gross monthly revenue — significantly below the 10–12% industry average.
Platform Fee
$399/mo
Full Driver App + Client PWA access for unlimited companion drivers.
Marketing Levy
2%
National brand fund — TV, digital and PR campaigns across NZ.
Tier 1 — Metro$89,000 NZD franchise fee

Auckland zones — highest population density, maximum revenue potential. Includes 3 months free platform fee + premium launch marketing.

CodeTerritoryKey AreasVillages65+ Pop.Status
T1-01Auckland CentralCBD, Ponsonby, Parnell, Newmarket8~28,000● Available
T1-02Auckland NorthNorth Shore, Takapuna, Devonport, Milford12~42,000● Available
T1-03Auckland WestHenderson, Waitakere, New Lynn, Titirangi9~31,000● Available
T1-04Auckland EastHowick, Botany, Pakuranga, Manukau11~38,000● Available
T1-05Auckland SouthManurewa, Papakura, Pukekohe, Drury7~26,000● Available
Tier 2 — Major City$59,000 NZD franchise fee

Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga — strong growth markets with excellent retirement village density. Includes 2 months free platform fee.

CodeTerritoryKey AreasVillages65+ Pop.Status
T2-01Wellington Central ⭐CBD, Thorndon, Te Aro, Mount Victoria, Oriental Bay6~18,000● Available
T2-02Wellington NorthKarori, Kelburn, Brooklyn, Newtown, Island Bay8~22,000● Available
T2-03Wellington EastKilbirnie, Miramar, Hataitai, Seatoun, Strathmore5~15,000● Available
T2-04Hutt ValleyLower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Petone, Eastbourne11~32,000● Available
T2-05Porirua / TawaPorirua City, Tawa, Johnsonville, Churton Park7~19,000● Available
T2-06Christchurch NorthSt Albans, Papanui, Redwood, Bishopdale9~31,000● Available
T2-07Christchurch SouthCashmere, Spreydon, Hoon Hay, Sydenham7~24,000● Available
T2-08Christchurch EastShirley, New Brighton, Burwood, Linwood6~20,000● Available
T2-09Hamilton CentralHamilton CBD, Hillcrest, Claudelands6~22,000● Available
T2-10Hamilton WestFlagstaff, Rototuna, Te Rapa, Nawton5~18,000● Available
T2-11Tauranga CityTauranga CBD, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa10~35,000● Available
T2-12Western BayKatikati, Te Puke, Waihi Beach4~14,000● Available
Tier 3 — Regional City$44,000 NZD franchise fee

Dunedin, Palmerston North, Nelson, Hawke's Bay, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Whangarei, Queenstown. Includes 1 month free platform fee.

CodeTerritoryKey AreasVillages65+ Pop.Status
T3-01Dunedin CityCentral Dunedin, Mosgiel, Green Island8~27,000● Available
T3-02Palmerston NorthPN City, Feilding, Levin6~21,000● Available
T3-03Nelson / TasmanNelson City, Richmond, Motueka7~25,000● Available
T3-04Hawke's BayNapier, Hastings, Havelock North8~28,000● Available
T3-05Rotorua / TaupōRotorua City, Taupō, Tokoroa5~17,000● Available
T3-06New PlymouthNew Plymouth City, Inglewood, Stratford5~18,000● Available
T3-07WhangareiWhangarei City, Ruakaka, Kerikeri6~20,000● Available
T3-08Queenstown / WanakaQueenstown, Wanaka, Arrowtown4~12,000● Available
Tier 4 — Growth Territory$29,900 NZD franchise fee

Emerging markets with strong retiree demographics. Outstanding growth potential — ideal entry point. Kāpiti Coast (T4-05) is particularly high-value for its tier.

CodeTerritoryKey AreasVillages65+ Pop.Status
T4-01Gisborne / TairāwhitiGisborne City, rural communities3~9,000● Available
T4-02Whanganui / RangitīkeiWhanganui City, Bulls, Marton4~13,000● Available
T4-03Invercargill / SouthlandInvercargill, Gore, Winton4~13,000● Available
T4-04MarlboroughBlenheim, Picton, Renwick3~10,000● Available
T4-05Kāpiti Coast ⭐Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Ōtaki5~17,000● Available

Payment & Financing Options

Full Payment
100% upfront — receive a 5% discount on your franchise fee
Deposit + Balance
30% deposit, balance spread over 24 months at 0% interest
Bank Finance
Gentle Journey provides a Letter of Support for bank franchise lending
Partner Finance
Approved finance partners available — contact our team for details

Sample Return on Investment

Tier 2 Territory (e.g. Tauranga) — Conservative 5-Year Projection. Total initial investment: ~$79,000

YearRevenueOperating CostsRoyalty (8%)Net Profit
Year 1$396,000$295,000$31,680$69,320
Year 2$459,600$330,000$36,768$92,832
Year 3$519,600$360,000$41,568$118,032
Year 4$558,000$380,000$44,640$133,360
Year 5$600,000$400,000$48,000$152,000
5-Year Total~$565,000
Payback period: ~14 months
5-year ROI: ~715%
Avg annual income (Yr 3+): $115K–$145K

What Your Investment Includes

Every Gentle Journey franchise is fully equipped to operate from day one.

✓
Full Driver App — unlimited companion drivers
✓
Client PWA — branded for your territory
✓
Franchise management dashboard
✓
TMS & ACC automated billing module
✓
Real-time tracking & family notifications
✓
Experiences & social outings platform
✓
4-week Companion Academy training
✓
Exclusive territorial rights (protected zone)
✓
Brand licence, style guide, all templates
✓
Digital launch marketing package
✓
Google Business Profile & local SEO setup
✓
Printed brochures & referral cards
✓
Weekly 1:1 coaching calls (Year 1)
✓
Franchisee community (Slack + WhatsApp)
✓
Annual national conference access
✓
Ongoing platform updates — no extra cost

Ready to Begin Your Gentle Journey?

Submit your expression of interest below. Our founder will be in touch personally within 48 hours.

Apply for a Territory
Expression of Interest

Let's Talk

Tell us a little about yourself. There's no obligation — just a conversation with someone who genuinely wants to help you succeed.

Our founder responds personally within 48 hours. No obligation, no pressure.

Access Prospectus

Enter your 4-digit access PIN to unlock the full franchise prospectus and pricing schedule.

PIN provided by Gentle Journey — contact us if you need access.