2026 NZHA Business / Non-creative Awards
Entries Open 1 May 2026
Entry Fees (incl GST)
Single Entry
Apprentice $72.00 - Member $174.00 - Non Member
Other $138.00 - Member $288.00 - Non Member
Multiple Entries (Business Only)
Apprentice $134.00 - Member $338.00 - Non Member
Other $266.00 - Member $564.00 - Non Member
Entry to the NZHA awards is open to all New Zealand Hairdressers & Barbers.
Not a member? To be eligible for the member’s entry fees, JOIN NOW! Click HERE for membership options.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Business / Non-creative Awards Categories
All winners will receive a commemorative trophy.
Entry Rules & Requirements and Terms & Conditions of Entry can also be found on the Entry Form.
Please note: Criteria changes apply to NZHA Professional Hairdresser, NZHA Professional Barber, NZHA Professional Hairdressing Business and NZHA Professional Barbering Business
The New Zealand Hair Awards reserves the right to cancel a category with less than three entries submitted. Where possible, every attempt will be made to submit your entry into another category where your entry also meets the criteria. Please register your interest in entering a business category at office@newzealandhairawards.org.nz by 1st July. Completed entries can be received up until Wednesday 29th July.
Business Awards clarification for Rent-a-Chair/Freelance/Solo Professionals:
We recognise that hair professionals who work for themselves are technically running a business. However, the majority of the criteria for NZHA Professional Hairdressing Business and NZHA Professional Barbering Business are centred around businesses with more than one person, team culture, professional development and business plans that incorporate staff.
The NZHA Professional Hairdresser and NZHA Professional Barber categories are best suited for Rent-a-Chair/Freelance/Solo professionals wishing to enter the business awards.
2026 NZHA Professional Hairdressing Business - Sponsored by Salon Owners Collective
Businesses entering this event will have the opportunity to showcase their growth, commitment to industry, innovation and best practices across all avenues that quantify a successful hairdressing business.
Entries can be received via courier or online submission.
If you have more than one business in separate locations, under the same name, these MUST be entered as individual entries.
Introductory Brand Video: (10%)
Entries must include a 2-3 minute introduction video, showcasing: your team, brand, salon, and any other key aspects of your written submission you wish to highlight.
Marks will be allocated based on the showcased content, rather than professional quality of the video.
Growth In Sales Figures: (20%)
The percentage increase/decrease of each area of business is to be supplied, comparing the recent year (1st February 2025 - 31st January 2026) with the previous year (1st February 2024 - 31st January 2025).
Figures supplied are to include: Retention | Retail sales | Service sales | Average client spend | No. of new clients. Figures are to be GST exclusive.
Hair salons that include beauty must filter out these figures from their entry. Please still include relevant information related to beauty in other aspects of your submission.
Business Plan: (10%)
To include your most recent business plan; what and how you have set out to achieve this with your business, for the next 12 months and projected 3-5 year vision.
Team Culture, Growth and Development: (10%)
Outline your communication cadence (eg: staff meeting, 1:1 meetings and training plans)
Direct feedback from salon team members as to 'why' they chose/enjoy/love working with your business.
Examples of professional development.
Unique innovations could include examples of diversity, equity, inclusion.
Professional and Personal Business Development: (10%)
Related to the business and business owner - could include mentoring programs, business related courses.
Overcoming Obstacles: (10%)
Examples of challenges, barriers or hardships you and your business have encountered. How did you overcome this? What did you learn?
Industry and Community Contribution: (10%)
This may include training, educating or mentoring of staff, apprentices or wider industry. Please mention how you support your community (hair or wider/local) with regards to volunteering, sponsorship, koha, 'paying-it-forward'.
Sales and Marketing: (10%)
Evidence of marketing strategy, digital or otherwise.
Showcasing growth of social media analytics, digital presence and how your business has benefited as a result.
(Growth period should include the past 4-6 months)
Sustainability: (10%)
Evidence of a sustainable action plan eg: an existing Sustainable Salon, or with your own practices implemented.
2026 NZHA Professional Hairdresser
Professionals entering this category will have the opportunity to showcase their growth, unique brand identity and commitment to industry; across all avenues that quantify a successful hairdresser. There are many versions of what success looks like when you're operating at the top of your game. As hair professionals grow in experience and demand, their client base evolves with them. For many, your books are full; you do not accept new clients, or you may limit your time on the floor to focus on business operations or training.
This award is open to hairdessers who are qualified and have been training or working in the industry for 4 years or more, as at 31st October 2026.
All entrants must be qualified or signed into an apprenticeship and nearing the end of their training. International qualifications accepted: Australia - International Certificate Hairdressing (IPSN) or Certificate III in Hairdressing, South Africa - Occupation Certificate: Hairdresser at NQF Level 4 or City & Guild Level 3 Hairdressing Diploma, UK - City & Guild Level 3 NVQ in Hairdressing.
Entries are to be received via courier or online submission.
Introductory Video: (10%)
All submissions must include a two minute introduction video, showcasing you, your brand and your career; your workplace - 'a day in the life"; and other key aspects of the written submission you wish to highlight.
Marks will be allocated based on the showcased content, rather than professional quality of the video.
Growth In Sales Figures: (20%) - AMENDED
The percentage increase/decrease of each area of business is to be supplied, comparing the recent year (1st February 2025 - 31st January 2026) with the previous year (1st February 2024 - 31st January 2025).
Figures supplied are to include: Income per hour* | Average client spend | Client retention | Average No. of hours per month (working on the floor) Figures are to be GST exclusive.
*Income per hour is to be calculated by gross income (excluding GST) divided by the number of hours worked.
Marketing and Digital Footprint: (10%)
Evidence of your digital brand presence, showcasing your growth of social media analytics. Please include any other innovative marketing initiatives,
(Growth period should include the past 4-6 months)
Industry Achievements: (10%)
This may include competitive or business awards, or other relative milestones in your career.
Future Goals: (10%)
An outline of where you are headed, and how you are planning to achieve this.
Overcoming Obstacles: (10%)
Examples of challenges, barriers or hardships you have encountered over your career. How did you overcome them? What did you learn?
Professional Development: (10%)
Professional and personal development in the form of workshops, courses, mentoring course; anything relative to developing your craft and professionalism.
Industry and community contribution: (10%)
This may include training, educating or mentoring of staff, apprentices or wider industry. Please mention how you support your community (hair or wider/local) with regards to volunteering, sponsorship, koha, 'paying-it-forward'.
References: (10%)
3-4 references providing an insight to your character, work ethic and professionalism; from your employer, an industry representative or other members of the community.
2026 NZHA Professional Hairdresser – Next Generation - Sponsored by HITO
Hairdressers entering this category will have the opportunity to showcase their growth, unique brand identity and commitment to growing their career; across all avenues that quantify a successful next generation hairdressser.
This award is open to students studying full-time at a training provider, those signed into an apprenticeship, or newly-qualified stylists who have been training and working in the industry for 4 years or less, as at 31st October 2026
Entries are to be received via courier or online submission.
Introductory Video: (10%)
All submissions must include a two minute introduction video, showcasing you, your brand and your career; your workplace - 'a day in the life"; and other key aspects of the written submission you wish to highlight.
Marks will be allocated based on the showcased content, rather than the professional quality of the video.
How it all began: (10%)
The how and why you began training to be in the industry. What do you love, what motivates you?
Overcoming Obstacles: (10%)
Examples of challenges, barriers or hardships you have encountered during your training and career so far. How did you overcome this? What did you learn?
Future Goals: (20%)
An outline of where you are headed, and how you are planning to achieve this.
Growth In Sales Figures: (10%)
The percentage increase/decrease of each area of business is to be supplied, comparing the recent year (1st February 2025 - 31st January 2026) with the previous year (1st February 2024 - 31st January 2025).
Figures supplied to include: Retention | Retail sales | Service sales | Average client spend | No. of new clients. Figures are to be GST exclusive.
*Candidates who have been training for less than one year are welcome to complete this section to the best of their ability with the information they have available at the time of submission.
Marketing and Digital Footprint: (10%)
Evidence of your digital brand presence, showcasing your growth of social media analytics. Any other innovative marketing initiatives.
(Range should be over the past 4-6 months)
Professional Development: (10%)
An outline of professional and personal development you have completed outside the workplace or provider training that has helped shape your career.
Industry Achievements: (10%)
This may include competitive or other industry achievements. List any other community contribution that may be relevant.
References: (10%)
3-4 references providing an insight to your character, work ethic and professionalism; from your employer/trainer, tutors, or other members of the community.
2026 NZHA Professional Educator - Sponsored by Behind the Brand
Contributing to the growth, development and longevity of our industry is vital. Delivering education that elevates hairdressing and barbering professionals demonstrating a higher level of understanding your craft.
Entrants may include salon and barbershop trainers educating staff within their own salon or barbershop, a tutor, or an independent freelancer who educates our profession across New Zealand. The award is not for educators working for a professional hair company.
Entries can be received via courier or online submission.
All entrants must be qualified. International qualifications accepted: Australia - International Certificate Hairdressing (IPSN) or Certificate III in Hairdressing/Barbering, South Africa - Occupation Certificate: Hairdresser at NQF Level 4 or City & Guild Level 3 Hairdressing Diploma, UK - City & Guild Level 3 NVQ in Hairdressing/Barbering.
Introductory Video: (10%)
All submissions must include a two minute introduction video, showcasing: you, your brand and your business, your unique point of difference; and other key aspects of the written submission you wish to highlight.
Marks will be allocated based on the showcased content, rather than the professional quality of the video.
Mission Statement: (15%)
Your 'why' - your reasoning for beginning educating, and the driving motivator behind your passion.
Business Plan and Future Goals: (20%)
To include your most recent business plan; what and how you have set out to achieve with your business. Information around your goals; where you are headed and your plan to achieve this (the next 12 months and projected 3-5 year vision).
Sales and Marketing: (10%)
Evidence of your marketing strategy, digital or otherwise.
Showcasing growth of social media analytics, digital presence and how your business has benefited as a result.
Tutors: in lieu of your digital presence and marketing, please supply evidence of your education performance indicators (EPI), with particular regard to your attendance and completion rates.
References: (15%)
Your measure of success. Evidence could include feedback or testimonials from past students, or other metrics you use to establish the success of your education delivery.
Professional and Personal Development: (10%)
Examples of how you continue to grow personally and professionally, contributing to a successful education business. May include development of your skill set, business acumen or otherwise.
Outline of your educational package: (20%)
To include evidence about what your education covers. This could include a timetable or run sheet of your sessions, resources, handouts or other supporting evidence to demonstrate how you deliver to your students.
Any other supporting documents you wish to submit that you feel are applicable are welcome.
2026 NZHA Professional Barbering Business
Businesses entering this event will have the opportunity to showcase their growth, commitment to industry, innovation and best practices across all avenues that quantify a successful barbering business.
Entries can be received via courier or online submission.
If you have more than one business in separate locations, under the same name, these MUST be entered as individual entries.
Introductory Brand Video: (10%)
Entries must include a 2-3 minute introduction video, showcasing: your team, brand, barbershop, and any other key aspects of your written submission you wish to highlight.
Marks will be allocated based on the showcased content, rather than the professional quality of the video.
Growth In Sales Figures: (20%)
The percentage increase/decrease of each area of business is to be supplied, comparing the recent year (1st February 2025 - 31st January 2026) with previous year (1st February 2024 - 31st January 2025).
Figures supplied are to include: Retention | Retail sales | Service sales | Average client spend | No. of new clients. Figures are to be GST exclusive.
Business Plan: (10%)
To include your most recent business plan; what and how you have set out to achieve with your business, for the next 12 months and projected 3-5 year vision.
Team Culture, Growth and Development: (10%)
Outline your communication cadence (eg: staff meeting, 1:1 meetings and training plans)
Direct feedback from team members as to 'why' they chose/enjoy/love working with your business.
Examples of professional development.
Unique innovations could include examples of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Professional and Personal Business Development: (10%)
Related to the business and business owner - could include mentor programs, business related courses.
Overcoming Obstacles: (10%)
Examples of challenges, barriers or hardships you and your business have encountered. How did you overcome this? What did you learn?
Industry and Community Contribution: (10%)
This may include training, educating or mentoring of staff, apprentices or wider industry. Please mention how you support your community (hair or wider/local) with regards to volunteering, sponsorship, koha, 'paying-it-forward'.
Sales and Marketing: (10%)
Evidence of marketing strategy, digital or otherwise.
Showcasing growth of social media analytics, digital presence and how your business has benefitted as a result.
(Growth period should include the past 4-6 months)
Sustainability: (10%)
Evidence of a sustainable action plan, innovative plans for recycling, and how you reduce your waste.
2026 NZHA Professional Barber
Professionals entering this category will have the opportunity to showcase their growth, unique brand identity and commitment to industry; across all avenues that quantify a successful barber.
This award is open to barbers who are qualified and have been training or working in the industry for 4 years or more, as at 31st October 2026. International qualifications accepted: Australia - Certificate III in Barbering, UK - City & Guild Level 3 NVQ in Barbering.
All entrants must be qualified or signed into an apprenticeship and nearing the end of their training.
Entries are to be received via courier or online submission.
Introductory Video: (10%)
All submissions must include a two minute introduction video, showcasing you, your brand and your career; your workplace - 'a day in the life’, and other key aspects of the written submission you wish to highlight.
Marks will be allocated based on the showcased content, rather than the professional quality of the video.
Growth In Sales Figures: (20%) - AMENDED
The percentage increase/decrease of each area of business is to be supplied, comparing the recent year (1st February 2025 - 31st January 2026) with the previous year (1st February 2024 - 31st January 2025).
Figures supplied are to include: Income per hour* | Average client spend | Client retention | Average No. of hours per month (working on the floor) Figures are to be GST exclusive.
*Income per hour is to be calculated by gross income (excluding GST) divided by the number of hours worked.
Marketing and Digital Footprint: (10%)
Evidence of your digital brand presence, showcasing you growth of social media analytics. Please include any other innovative marketing initiatives,
(Growth period should be include the past 4-6 months)
Industry Achievements: (10%)
This may include competitive or business awards, or other relative milestones in your career.
Future Goals: (10%)
An outline of where you are headed, and how you are planning to achieve this.
Overcoming Obstacles: (10%)
Examples of challenges, barriers or hardships you have encountered over your career. How did you overcome this? What did you learn?
Professional Development: (10%)
Professional and personal development in the form of workshops, courses, mentoring course or anything relative to developing your craft and professionalism.
Industry and community contribution: (10%)
This may include training, educating or mentoring of staff, apprentices or wider industry. Please mention how you support your community (hair or wider/local) with regards to volunteering, sponsorship, koha, 'paying-it-forward'.
References: (10%)
3-4 references providing an insight to your character, work ethic and professionalism; from your employer, an industry representative or other members of the community.
2026 NZHA Professional Barber – Next Generation
Barbers entering this category will have the opportunity to showcase their growth, unique brand identity, and commitment to growing their career across all avenues that quantify a successful next generation barber.
This award is open to students studying full-time at a training provider, those signed into an apprenticeship, or newly-qualified barbers who have been training and working in the industry for 4 years or less, as at 31st October 2026.
Entries are to be received via courier or online submission.
Introductory Video: (10%)
All submissions must include a two minute introduction video, showcasing you, your brand and your career; your workplace - 'a day in the life’; and other key aspects of the written submission you wish to highlight.
Marks will be allocated based on the showcased content, rather than the professional quality of the video.
How it all began: (10%)
The how and why you began training to be in the industry. What do you love, what motivates you?
Overcoming Obstacles: (10%)
Examples of challenges, barriers or hardships you have encountered during your training and career so far. How did you overcome this? What did you learn?
Future Goals: (20%)
An outline of where you are headed, and how you are planning to achieve this.
Growth In Sales Figures: (10%)
The percentage increase/decrease of each area of business is to be supplied, comparing the recent year (1st February 2025 - 31st January 2026) with the previous year (1st February 2024 - 31st January 2025).
Figures supplied are to include: Retention | Retail sales | Service sales | Average client spend | No. of new clients. Figures are to be GST exclusive.
*Candidates who have been training for less than one year are welcome to complete this section to the best of their ability with the information they have available at the time of submission.
Marketing and Digital Footprint: (10%)
Evidence of your digital brand presence, showcasing your growth of social media analytics. Any other innovative marketing initiatives.
(Range should be over the past 4-6 months)
Professional Development: (10%)
An outline of professional and personal development you have completed outside the workplace or provider training that has helped shape your career.
Industry Achievements: (10%)
This may include competitive or other industry achievements. List any other community contribution that may be relevant.
References: (10%)
3-4 references providing an insight to your character, work ethic and professionalism; from your employer/trainer, tutors, or other members of the community.