About
Hair & Barber New Zealand is the first port of call for government, media, hairdressers, barbers, consumers, suppliers and educators for all matters relating to the industry.
We are a not-for-profit and the only organisation in New Zealand that represents the needs of hairdressers and barbers in business today.
All our members are or have professional, qualified staff to meet New Zealand's highest hairdressing and barbering standards.
Our members get access to great member benefits, discounts on our quality business products and invitations to networking events, seminars, workshops, and much more.
We also offer professional guidance in answering questions that arise within the industry.
The Associations four Pillars of Strength are:
ADVOCACY:
Advocate for better standards in the hairdressing and barbering industries
– Liaise with government
– Qualified Professionals
– Best Practice
– Qualifications
BUSINESS:
Provide the hair and barber industries with the best practice processes to grow business capability
– Quality + Care
– Membership
– Business resources
– Policies & Procedures
CREATIVITY:
Promote and support creativity
– Live, Editorial & Online Competitions
– Hairdressing & Barbering Awards
– Seminars & Workshops
– Webinars
DEVELOPMENT:
Develop our people through education & sustainable practices
– Training
– Education
– Professional Development
Meet the Team
Executive Board
Jeremy Scarle
Chair
Jeremy began his hairdressing career over 15 years ago via an apprenticeship in his home region of Taranaki. Mentoring and training apprentices have been a passion for many years, giving him a well-rounded understanding of the qualification and the importance of striving to be qualified.
With 10+ years as an Industry Assessor, he has now moved into a role as a Work Based Learning tutor, where he can really make a difference right from the get-go.
Jeremy also leads our Creative pillar, facilitating the H&BNZ competitions; along with organising the New Zealand Hair Awards.
Based in Auckland, he is a freelance hairstylist, which his spare time occupied with competitive Ballroom and Latin American dancesport.
Jess Corbett
Deputy Chair
Jess has wide range of experience, having been a salon owner, hairdressing tutor and now Head of Operations & Delivery at Skills Institute, helping to shape the next wave of future stylists.
Her passion lies in education with a focus on helping bridge the gap between education and employment ensuring the voice and feedback from industry is always heard.
Jess is excited to have the opportunity to work alongside the other members of the executive board to create the best environment we can for hairdressers and barbers to thrive.
Michelle Marsh
Michelle@hairandbarbernz.org.nz
Michelle Marsh is the director of Surreal Hair and Beauty, Christchurch. Michelle loves working with large teams, is very passionate about training, and has always trained apprentices. She loves watching young people learn and grow.
Michelle has been in the industry for over 40 years, starting as an apprentice, a salon manager and then worked for L’Oreal for five years in sales and education before becoming a salon owner.
Michelle feels our profession has some challenges ahead and is pleased to be part of a team that finds solutions. Michelle is leading the development pillar, growing the association, elevating our profession and restoring a level of professionalism.
Alisha Loach
Alisha Loach is the owner of The Florence Society, an award winning – well established salon in Invercargill, a dedicated mum of two, a H&BNZ judge, a former New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year, and a six-time Southland Hairdresser of the Year.
Alisha is passionate about lifting the standard of hairdressing across New Zealand and is driven by creativity, a desire to empower stylists, elevate the profession, and inspire the next generation of hair professionals.
Janine Simons
With over 30 years in the hairdressing industry, Janine brings a depth of experience across salon ownership, team leadership, and business performance. She has owned and operated multiple salons, successfully building and selling her business, and understands firsthand the challenges salon owners face in today’s evolving environment.
Janine is co-founder and director of Colour Bar Manager, a platform designed to help salons improve profitability, reduce waste, and strengthen operational systems. This work keeps her closely connected to salon owners across New Zealand and internationally, giving her current, real world insight into the pressures and opportunities shaping our industry.
Benji Lawrence
Benji is a barber, co-owner of Smoke & Mirrors Hair Lounge in Canterbury, and an educator at Ara. He is passionate about giving back to an industry that’s given me so many opportunities.
His experience in both business and teaching has given Benji a strong understanding of what’s happening on the shop floor, as well as what the next generation of barbers need to succeed.
Benji is big on community, standards, and ensuring barbering has a strong voice within the industry here in Aotearoa. Working closely with students has reinforced how important it is to stay connected to real industry experiences while continuing to raise the bar for professionalism and education.
