NZARH 2020 Competitions Committee
Niq James
Headspace, Christchurch
NZARH Competitions Committee Chairperson
Steward, Foreperson Judge, Barber Judge
28 years in Industry
1. What made you choose Hairdressing/Barbering as your career?
It’s creative and you have the ability to change someone’s confidence and self-esteem in a 3 hour appointment.
2. What part have Competitions played in your passion for the industry?
Competitions inspire me to be a better stylist, to teach others and to push myself and raise the level of people in our hair industry.
Salina Murphy
BHB Academy, Palmerston North
NZARH Competitions Committee Member
Steward, Foreperson Judge, Barber Judge
Many years in Industry
1. What made you choose Hairdressing/Barbering as your career?
I had always wanted to be either a Hairdresser or a Chef. I also think this was because my Mum always cut my hair, and I knew there could be better hair days out there.
2. What part have Competitions played in your passion for the industry?
Competition work has definitely made me fall in love more with hair, its pushed my limits and helped me grow.
Natasha King
Vivo Salon & Skin Clinic Esk Street, Invercargill
NZARH Competitions Committee Member
Steward, Foreperson Judge
25 years in Industry
1. What made you choose Hairdressing/Barbering as your career?
I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today had I not taken the time to learn from those before me and embrace every opportunity I could to showcase my work. I urge those that are coming through to take the advice of those that have been there before and enjoy the process
2. What part have Competitions played in your passion for the industry?
Comps both live and photographic have been instrumental in my career both professionally and creatively. Most of us are well established hairdressers long before we start getting accolades. Be patient, do the hard work and keep going.
Gina Eparaima
Barber Queens, Palmerston North
NZARH Competitions Committee Member
Barber Judge
Over 30 years in Industry
1. What made you choose Hairdressing/Barbering as your career?
I think it actually chose me...... Growing up I was never passionate about doing hair, nor ever dreamed of doing hair. To be honest, I wanted to leave school & like most young school leavers, didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life. I got accepted onto a 1 year Maori Affairs trade training course & that was the start of my passion for our industry. I'm surrounded with talented people that trained, mentored & helped me. In this Industry there is no greater fulfillment, than being of service, & connecting with all the people who sit in my chair.
2. What part have Competitions played in your passion for the industry?
When I first started, competitions were extremely popular among hairdressers. I remember watching & being so blown away with the presentation of the models hair, makeup, clothing & how creative the stylists were. I was inspired & wanted to be part of it!
With few competitions for our barbers, hopefully now they can come & showcase their talents in the NZARH Hair Awards.
I was blessed to be a judge at Barber craft, & when asked to be part of the NZARH Competitions Committee, I accepted! I believe competitions bring out passion, talent & creativity. We have so many passionate, creative, talented & inspiring barbers right here in Aotearoa. naku noa
Cathy Davys
Architectural Hair Design, Wellington
NZARH Competitions Committee Member
Judge
44 years in Industry
1. What made you choose Hairdressing/Barbering as your career?
I couldn't be a female jockey and Dad said be a hairdresser. I wasn’t that inspired, but after hearing on the radio of some girls I knew of winning competitions, I was eager! Plus I knew I could own my own business one day and that was exciting.
2. What part have Competitions played in your passion for the industry?
I started an apprenticeship in March 29 1976. By June I was on the competition floor at the overseas terminal in Wellington. I gained a fourth place and from then on it was every comp I could drive to. Hawkes Bay, Palmerston North, Wanganui, New Plymouth, Hawkes Bay and Rotorua.
At my first comp I watched Peter Zidich Slide onto the floor late and comb up a beautiful mode day style in 7 minutes when he had 10 min. He Won. He won everything that day. He went on to become our team trainer when I represented NZ in 1982 in Paris.
At the end of the day he came up to me and said my work was excellent, that was amazing feedback from the champion of the day.
Competition work teaches you disciplines and consistent practice. It takes your salon work to another level. balance, line and finish.
Lucas Kelly
The Barber Lounge, Christchurch
NZARH Competitions Committee Co-Opted Member
Barber Judge
8 years in Industry
1. What made you choose Hairdressing/Barbering as your career?
The silver lining that came with a terrible accident while playing sport. I had slipped a couple of disc in my spine that led to no longer being able to work in my previous trade. However the crazy thing is I am extremely grateful for it all as I’m now experiencing what is Like to have a passion in the work I do.
2. What part have Competitions played in your passion for the industry?
The level of artistry displayed through hair and how competitors express themselves on the floor is what influences myself and team.
NZARH 2020 Official Judges, Stewards, Barber Judges and Trainees
Kylie Hayes
Moha Hairdressing, Dunedin
Steward, Foreperson Judge
Terry Johns
Hairworks, Palmerston North
Steward
Angeline Thornley
Rodney Wayne Lambton Quay, Wellington
Steward
Michelle Hohaia-Macfarlane
Breethaz' Kutz,
Tauranga
Barber Judge
Pat Tupuola
Lord of the South Barbershop
Barber Judge
Fleur Devonshire
Fleur Devonshire Hair Collection, Palmerston North
Judge
Holly Saunders
Saunders Hairdressing, Alexandra
Judge
Cameron Aitken-Boyle
Milano @ Spa Saint Clair, Dunedin
Judge
Alisha Loach
Vivo Salon & Skin Clinic Esk Street, Invercargill
Judge
Shannon Dowd
Zibido Hair, Hamilton
Judge
Anthony Bayer
Anthony Bayer Hair, Auckland
Trainee Judge (year 2)
Barb Ryan
Your Hair Is My Business, Auckland
Trainee Judge (year 1)
Rhonda Shaskey
Nspyre Red Hair Design, Christchurch
Trainee Judge (year 1)
