A High Court judge has directed that a stoush between the owner of a well-known gym chain and one of his franchisees who suddenly rebranded three clubs have an "urgent" half-day hearing next week.
Club Physical was running nine branches across Auckland and one in Kaitaia until 12 days ago when clubs at Westgate, Three Kings and Botany were completely overhauled and renamed as "Jolt Fitness".
Staff at those locations were fitted with new uniforms, new classes were put in place, and instructors arriving up to take their regular classes were turned away.
Many members were left baffled and angry that the gym they signed up for no longer existed.
Stuart Holder, who owned the three branches under a franchise agreement, said he rebranded the clubs to ensure their survival.