Finalists

HITO, Kitomba Salon and Spa Software and Hair & Barber New Zealand have announced that The Industry Awards will be taking a break in 2024.

The Industry Awards recognise the best training, business and creative talent in New Zealand’s hair, beauty and barbering industries. Jointly organised each year by the three organisations, these coveted awards celebrate both individual and team success, and have been running for over a decade.

Due to the disestablishment of Te Pūkenga commencing, HITO is not in a position to commit to The Industry Awards in 2024. This has led the three organisers of the awards to make the tough decision to take a break in 2024, aiming to return in 2025—refreshed and better than ever. This will give HITO time to provide certainty around their ability and resources to support the event, and it will also enable the organisers to rethink and refresh the awards.

Kay Nelson, Division Director, HITO, said: “We’re hoping we can return in 2025 when there is more certainty around the people and resources we can commit to these prestigious Awards. After over a decade, it’s also an opportunity to take a detailed look at how we do the awards so we can provide maximum benefit across our industries. We want to pause and refresh after 10 years, and we’re excited about the new chapter.”

Alyssa Dowsett, General Manager, Kitomba Salon and Spa Software, said: “At Kitomba, we’re so proud to have helped organise The Industry Awards every year since it started in 2010 and help it grow and evolve into the incredible event it is now. A lot of work goes into putting on these awards, and it requires a whole year of planning, collaboration and effort. We can’t put on the high caliber of awards that we do without all three organisations committing 100 percent, which is why we support taking a short break and look forward to coming back better than ever!”

Niq James, Co-Chair, Hair & Barber New Zealand, said: “The Industry Awards, as we know them, have been a prestigious event for the hair, beauty and barbering industries for over 10 years. We support pausing the awards, however plan to ensure our Hair & Barber New Zealand members still benefit from our creative events, including our Competition Portfolio.”

HITO, Kitomba Salon and Spa Software and Hair & Barber New Zealand would like to thank all entrants, judges, attendees and sponsors of The Industry Awards over the years, and look forward to returning better than ever after a break.