Last month, New Zealand’s hair, beauty, and barbering industries came together at The Industry Awards to celebrate excellence in training, business, and creative. Organised by HITO | Te Pūkenga, Kitomba Salon & Spa Software, and Hair and Barber NZ, the annual awards are the longest-standing of their kind, with a history that stems back 20 years.

This year saw an unprecedented number of entries, surpassing 500 applications across 23 awards, which were divided into three main categories: training, business, and creative.

Kay Nelson from HITO | Te Pūkenga described the Industry Awards as a pivotal moment on the HITO calendar, highlighting the importance of celebrating the collective success of apprentices, trainers, and assessors.

“The work the judges and organising team put in to make this a seamless, enjoyable night for everyone is truly fantastic,” Ms Nelson added.

Alyssa Dowsett, General Manager of Kitomba Salon and Spa Software, emphasised the significance of the evening, praising the hard work and creativity showcased throughout the industry. As a sponsor of the event, Dowsett expressed Kitomba’s commitment to acknowledging the exceptional skills and achievements of hair and beauty professionals.

“Kitomba is so immensely proud to help make this event a reality and celebrate our industry’s success,” she said.

Niq James, co-chair of Hair and Barbering NZ, also highlighted the event’s purpose, acknowledging the extraordinary talent within the New Zealand hairdressing sector. James highlighted that the awards not only recognise creative accomplishments but also the entrants’ business skills and dedication to training the next generation of professionals.

The Industry Awards serve not only as a platform to recognize and reward outstanding talent but also as a driving force in pushing the envelope of excellence within the industry. By showcasing the remarkable skills exhibited by hairdressers, barbers, and beauty therapists, New Zealand’s professionals can effectively compete on the global stage.

These awards are more than just an accolade. They reinforce the reputation of New Zealand’s hair and beauty industry as an exceptional hub of creativity, innovation, and expertise. Through their commitment to training and upskilling, professionals in these sectors contribute to elevating the overall quality and professionalism of these industries, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the global arena.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Training Award Winners

Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Excel Digital
Alexandra Maree Kenny, Morgan and Morgan The Hair Collective

Beauty Therapy Apprentice of the Year
Shelly Ann Dale, Bella Me Skin and Body

Workplace of the Year – Sponsored by NZ Hair & Beauty
Reds Hair

Industry Trainer of the Year – Sponsored by Telesmart
Patricia Ross, Ross & Co Hair Design

Industry Assessor of the Year
Sarah Martin, RA Hair and Beauty

Business Award Winners

New Zealand Hair Salon of the Year Sponsored by L’Oréal
UNA

New Zealand Beauty Salon of the Year – Sponsored by Salon Owners Collective
FACE | Body & Beauty Clinic

Top Performing Stylist of the Year – Sponsored by Schwarzkopf
Haley Cron, Zen Hair

Best Salon Design – Sponsored by Dyson
Lash Religion

Excellence in Marketing
Ross & Co Hair Design

Sustainable Salon of the Year
Clip Joint Hairdressing

Creative Award Winners

Editorial Stylist of the Year – Colour Concept
Heather Newcombe, Laboratorie Cut Colour Makeup

Editorial Stylist of the Year – Cover Shot
Heather Newcombe, Laboratorie Cut Colour Makeup

Editorial Stylist of the Year – Derek Elvy Visionary Award
Kerrie Jordan, KN Colab

Editorial Stylist of the Year – Next Generation – Sponsored by Wella
Heather Newcombe, Laboratorie Cut Colour Makeup

Editorial Stylist of the Year – Hot Shot New Talent – Sponsored by ghd
Mya Perano-Gardiner, Beyond the Fringe Hair Design

Patrick Cameron Instagram Challenge – Senior
Kate Drayton, Opulence Hair Salon

Patrick Cameron Instagram Challenge – Next Generation
Phoebe Robinson, Zibido Hair

Editorial Barber of the Year
Jess Millar, Mancraft Barbers

Editorial Barber of the Year – Next Generation
Boaz Mellor, Mancraft Barbers

Main image: @heathernewcombe.ma