Archaic Hairdressing Regulations Scrapped
Local Kāpiti insights drive national change for the small business sector
The Kāpiti Business Chamber is proud to acknowledge a significant win for small business advocacy, following last week's announcement by the Hon David Seymour, Minister for Regulation, that the outdated Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 will be repealed.
This nationwide reform stems directly from local advocacy efforts led by the Chamber. In 2024, Chamber Board Member and Advisor Monique Leith—former Chair—attended a regulatory hui in Wellington where she provided targeted feedback gathered through one-to-one consultations with hairdressers and small business owners across the Kāpiti Coast.
That local feedback, presented directly to the Minister and his regulatory peers, prompted a formal review of the sector’s outdated compliance regime. This week's announcement marks the result of that review, and a major step forward for thousands of hairdressers across New Zealand who have long struggled with regulatory red tape that added cost but little value.
Nadia Howard, Bedlam Hair, Kāpiti
"Without professional support, businesses can get stuck navigating complex regulations and processes. Having someone who understands the behind-the-scenes challenges and knows how to advocate for our sector makes a real difference - it's not just about solving problems, it's about preventing costly delays and helping businesses focus on what they do best.
Without the Kāpiti Business Chamber and Monique's support, we were having so many issues with regulations....... they got movement for us. It's having someone who has that behind-the-scenes knowledge about how our business works." - Nadia Howard, Bedlam Hair, Kāpiti.
“This is about getting back to basics—supporting good business, reducing unnecessary burden, and ensuring government listens,” says Monique Leith. “We’re incredibly proud that the voice of Kāpiti has helped shape this outcome nationally.” - Monique Leith, Board Advisor and Former Chair, Kāpiti Business Chamber.
Monique Leith, Board Advisor, Kāpiti Business Chamber.