The New Zealand Hair Awards made its debut on Sunday evening, uniting over 200 hair and barbering professionals from across the country. Held in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the event celebrated the exceptional talent within the industry, spotlighting the creativity and skills of both established and emerging hairdressers and barbers.

The inaugural event was taken on by Hair & Barber New Zealand (H&BNZ) amidst the uncertainty surrounding the future of The Industry Awards.

For over 60 years, H&BNZ has been dedicated to providing a competitive platform that showcases creativity, commitment, and excellence within the hair and barbering community. Alongside H&BNZ, the success of the event was supported by principal sponsor NZ Hair & Beauty Expo. Platinum sponsors were Dateline Imports, Salon Owners Collective, L’Oréal Professionnel, while gold sponsors included Touchprint, Skills Premier, Images Magazine, Wella Professionals, Patrick Cameron, Telesmart, and WAHL Professional.

“We were thrilled to have kicked off the NZ Hair Awards with such an incredible turnout and atmosphere,” said Jeremy Scarle, Co-Chair of Hair & Barber NZ. “This is more than just an awards night – this is an opportunity for the industry to push creative boundaries, applaud personal and professional milestones, and nurture the passion of our craft”

Earlier this year, HITO, Kitomba Salon and Spa Software, and Hair & Barber New Zealand announced that The Industry Awards would be on hiatus in 2024. Jointly organised by the three entities for over a decade, these esteemed awards celebrated both individual and team successes. However, the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga created uncertainties for HITO, preventing a commitment to The Industry Awards in 2024.

Congratulations to the below winners of the 2024 NZ Hair Awards!

Abby Robinson

Editorial Stylist of the Year – Next Generation

Kylie Hayes

Editorial Stylist Colour Concept

Tara Kinane

Editorial Stylist of the Year – New Talent

Carl Manderson

Editorial Stylist – Derek Elvy Visionary Award

Kylie Hayes

Editorial Stylist – Cover Shot

Cheyenne Wall

Patrick Cameron Instagram Challenge – Next Generation

Jessica Holdsworth

Patrick Cameron Instagram Challenge – Senior

Carl Manderson

NZHA Editorial Collection

Rita Hitaua

Editorial Barber – New Talent

Muhammad Shabari

Editorial Barber of the Year

Rita Hitaua

Editorial Barber – Next Generation

Benji Lawrence

Professional Barber – Next Generation

Bronwyn Kronfeld

Professional Educator

Alescha Collier

Professional Hairdresser

Georgia Winchester

Professional Hairdresser – Next Generation

Mancraft Barbers

Professional Barbering Business

Urban Kurl Studio

Professional Hairdressing Business

The NZ Hair Awards will return in 2025. For partnership inquiries, please contact Bev Jarvis at office@hairandbarbernz.org.nz.

Stay tuned for more information!