The Hibiscus Coast community will soon see changes that could impact its local hairdressing and barbering businesses.

The Ministry for Regulation has announced a comprehensive review of the rules governing the hairdressing and barbering industry, aiming to simplify outdated regulations.

Minister for Regulation David Seymour revealed the initiative today, noting that the industry contributes over $1 billion annually and consists of more than 5,000 businesses employing around 13,000 people nationwide.

Seymour described the review as a necessary “buzz cut” to rules that have been in place since the 1980s.

“Hairdressers and barbers provide a valuable service in every community,” said Seymour.

“Some of these rules, like whether salons can offer customers coffee or allow dogs on the premises, don’t make a practical difference to public health but have been frustrating for business owners and customers alike.”

The call for reform has been growing for years.

Organisations like Business New Zealand, through its report “Reducing Compliance Burden on New Zealand Small Businesses,” and Dana Kirkpatrick MP, via her member’s bill, have highlighted the need to modernise the industry’s regulatory framework.

The Ministry for Regulation will lead the review in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

It marks the Ministry’s third sector review, following evaluations of early childhood education and agricultural and horticultural products.

The terms of reference for the review have been published online, providing a roadmap for the upcoming engagement with industry stakeholders early next year.

This review is expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2025, with a focus on ensuring public health while reducing unnecessary compliance hurdles for small businesses.

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