Green Acres has won its bid to secure an injunction against former South Auckland franchisees Garth Ruebe and Gwyneth Ruebe.
The injunction prevents the Ruebes from providing lawn mowing services to Green Acres customers and from carrying on a lawn mowing service in competition with Green Acres.
The decision was made following arbitration under Barry Patterson, QC. While the details of the arbitration remain confidential, the award was entered as a judgement in the High Court in Auckland.
Green Acres said that Mr and Mrs Ruebe operated a sub-franchise in South Auckland from 26 January 2004 until 26 January 2014.
"When their sub-franchise agreement expired the Ruebes had a right to renew for a further ten year term, but chose not to exercise it. Instead they removed Green Acres livery from their vehicle, changed their telephone numbers, handed back the Green Acres operations manual and set up their own business.