Revocation of the Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980
The Ministry for Regulation has written to Councils advising that the Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 will be revoked by the end of July 2025. The revocation follows a regulatory sector review led by the Ministry.
On 31 July 2025, the Ministry for Regulation confirmed that the regulations were revoked and could no longer be enforced.
In response, and to help the industry going forward, we confirm:
The Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 are revoked as of 31 July 2025.
For clarity, the Health (Registration of Premises) Regulations 1966 will still be in force as it applies to other industries. However, it will no longer apply to the hairdressing and barbering industry once the Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980 are revoked.
This means by the end of July the regulations will no longer exist and cannot be enforced. This means that we will not be conducting inspections, no longer requiring annual registration fees, and no longer issuing Certificates of Registration.
All other regulatory and legislative requirements including Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 apply.
Building Act 2004 and Council Planning rules (Operative District Plan) still apply. District Council staff in the building or planning teams can assist with these legal requirements.
As of 17 July 2025, the Ministry of Health, as promised, has now published the new guidance for hairdressing and barbering industry. Visit the Ministry’s website to download the information at www.health.govt.nz
Or view the guidance and other information here: Public Health Guidance for Hairdressers and Barbers | Ministry of Health NZ.
For more information see the Ministry of Health’s website: www.health.govt.nz